Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

An off-highway vehicle (OHV) is a motor vehicle capable of off-highway travel during winter or summer. OHVs include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), four-wheelers, three-wheelers, dirt bikes, motorcycles, trail bikes, and snowmobiles. Reference the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for information on where you can use motorized vehicles on the Forest.

Federal regulations require the operator of an OHV to follow these rules when on National Forest land:

Operate OHVs only on areas, roads and trails designated as open to OHVs.
Operator and vehicle must meet all applicable state vehicle/operator requirements when on roads open to large vehicles.
Vehicle must be equipped with state approved muffler and/or speak arrester.
Recreational riding within developed campgrounds is prohibited. OHVs may only be to enter and leave campgrounds.
Operating a vehicle in a manner which damages the land, wildlife, or vegetation is prohibited.

Help Keep the Tahoe National Forest healthy, productive and beautiful. Please remember the following:

Routes free from snow may be passable in the morning but thaw as the day progresses. You will get stuck and/or damage your public roads for future use.
Not all closed routes are blocked with gates or posted with ‘closed’ signs. Please consult the Motor Vehicle Use Maps to learn more about seasonal operation dates.
Do not operate motorized vehicles outside of established routes. The reckless riding of a few can cause resource damage that lasts for years and leads to further restrictions for all riders.

Helpful links:

Know before you go

Tread lightly

Interactive Travel Map

Forest Service: Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

Forest Service: Travel Management & Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program

OHV Road Riding

Not all roads are created equally. Some roads are for cars and trucks, but not off-highway vehicles. Some trails are for off-highway vehicles, but many are not. Know where you are going and under the use of the road or trail before you go. For some specific roads (07 Road, 18 Road, 93 Road, 96 Road) that are also managed as groomed snowmobile trails in the winter, Highway legal wheeled vehicles are allowed except when they are being managed as a snow trail.

OHV Trail Riding

Riding off-highway vehicles on the Tahoe National Forest is a popular recreational activity. It’s a great way to see the beauty and grandeur of our public lands, while riding with friends and family.

Wet Weather Closures:

The Burlington and Sugar Pine OHV trail systems are managed under a wet weather open/closed status as opposed to fixed operational dates. To learn more about this program and to check the current status call 530-288-3231 ext. 243 (Burlington OHV) or 530-367-2224 ext. 228 (Sugar Pine).

OHV Camping

The USDA Forest Service allows camping at designated OHV staging areas and campgrounds near OHV roads and trails. Check Recreation.gov for reservations at campgrounds on the Tahoe National Forest.

Camping Guidelines:

Stay on designated roads and trails.
Respect private land.
Practice Leave No Trace ethics.
Keep your campsite free of debris and clean when you leave.
Don't obstruct others from using roadways or accessing trails.
If you camp along the trail, keep your campsite at least 100 feet off the trail.