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2026 Opening Dates

Spring is a time of transition in the mountains. Snow is melting and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will soon be preparing to open National Forest recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin for the summer season. 

Before recreation sites fully open to the public, sites must be cleaned up after the snow melts, safety hazards such as dead or damaged trees must be removed, and the danger of a freeze must pass before turning on restroom water systems. Proposed opening dates are subject to change due to conditions, staffing and weather. 

Interpretive Sites

  • Inspiration Point – TBA
  • Logan Shoals Vista Point – TBA
  • Tallac Historic Site – June 5
  • Taylor Creek Visitor Center - June 5

Campgrounds/Corrals/Resorts

  • Zephyr Cove Stables – April 1
  • Round Hill Pines Resort – May 1
  • Camp Richardson Corral – May
  • Camp Richardson Resort’s Eagle’s Nest, Badger’s Den campgrounds – May 22
  • Meeks Bay Resort and Campgrounds – May 9
  • Blackwood Canyon, Fallen Leaf, Kaspian, Luther Pass, Nevada Beach and William Kent campgrounds – May 22
  • Echo Chalet – Memorial Day
  • Watson Lake Campground – June
  • Angora Lakes Resort – June
  • Camp Richardson Resort and RV Park – Year Round
  • Zephyr Cove Campground & Resort – Year Round

Beaches/Picnic Areas/Trailheads

  • Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle Area – TBA
  • Baldwin, Nevada, Pope and Secret Harbor beaches – TBA
  • Sawmill Pond Picnic Area – TBA
  • Mt. Tallac Trailhead – TBA   
  • Bayview and Big Meadow trailheads – TBA
  • Eagle Falls Picnic Area & Trailhead – TBA
  • Kiva Picnic Area – TBA
  • Chimney Beach – TBA 

Until the sites are fully open, parking, trash service and restrooms are unavailable. Plan ahead and be prepared to pack out all trash. Where pets are allowed, clean up after them and be sure to properly dispose of pet waste bags. Where gates remain closed, always park legally, avoid parking on vegetation, and do not block gates. 

A friendly reminder that pets are not permitted at the following designated swim beaches for public health and safety reasons: Baldwin, Camp Richardson, Meeks Bay, Nevada, Pope, William Kent, and Zephyr Cove beaches. In addition, pet owners are required to keep pets on a 6-foot leash in developed recreation sites. For information on recreating with pets, visit Where Can I Take My Dog at Lake Tahoe?.

National Forest gate and road opening dates are determined by the Motor Vehicle Use Maps developed under the Forest Service Travel Management Plan. All dates are subject to change due to conditions and weather.

Last updated April 14, 2026

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