Recreation

Panoramic view of Lake Tahoe from Mt. Tallac with hikers in the right side foreground.

Camping

Whether you enjoy the convenience of a full service cabin or campground, or the secluded primitiveness of backcountry and wilderness camping, National Forest lands at Lake Tahoe have something for everyone!

Camping Reservations
Beaches

National Forest beaches and picnic areas at Lake Tahoe are generally open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. The length of the open season depends on conditions and snowfall and may vary from year to year.

Beaches & Picnic Areas
Wilderness

Desolation Wilderness encompasses 63,960 acres of alpine forest, glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Travel is by foot or horseback as no vehicles are allowed. Campfires (wood, charcoal or any other solid fuels) are not permitted.

Desolation Wilderness
Tahoe Rim Trail

Visit the Tahoe Rim Trail Association website for information on the trail including permits, conditions, maps and much more.

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Fall Color

Fall color season is underway in the Sierra Nevada. National Forest lands surrounding Lake Tahoe are a great place to view fall colors.

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Winter Safety

Knowledge of the area, weather, route, and the limitations of your body and equipment - plus a little common sense - can help ensure safe and enjoyable outings.

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Accessible Sites

View a list of accessible recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin and learn more about discount passes for those who are blind or are permanently disabled.

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Bubonic Plague

Bubonic Plague is naturally occurring in the Sierra Nevada. Visitors should always take precautions when visiting areas where active plague has been found.

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Harmful Algae

Harmful Algae may be present in recreation areas. For resources, safety tips, FAQs, local bloom reports and to report possible blooms, visit the State of California portal.

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Sierra Avalanche Center

Recreationists should always check avalanche advisories and weather conditions before heading into the backcountry.

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Summer Fun

Summer recreation at Lake Tahoe includes backpacking, beaches, camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more!

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Fishing

Sparkling lakes and rivers in the Lake Tahoe Basin provide numerous opportunities to test your angling skill!

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Dogs

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome almost anywhere, except for designated swimming beaches and areas that are restricted for wildlife protection.

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Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in forest can be anything from a challenging ride on the Tahoe Rim Trail to a leisurely ride along backcountry roads. This high alpine environment can be unforgiving to the unprepared. Riders should carry water, food, clothing and tools and be prepared for changing weather, riding conditions and accidents. Most trails travel through remote areas where help is not readily available.

Popular mountain bike routes include the Tahoe Rim Trail, Corral, Saxon Creek, Tyrolian, Star Lake, Stanford Rock, Monument Trail, Van Sickle, Power Line Trail, Sidewinder, Armstrong Pass, Armstrong Connector, Mount Watson, Griff Creek and Flume Trail.

Motor Assisted Bicycles: The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has determined that motor assisted bicycles (electric, gas or diesel) are motorized vehicles. Use of motor assisted bicycles is only allowed on motorized trails. Please take a look at the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/TravelManagement for trail information. For more information on eBikes, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/eBikes.

Maps of mountain biking trails and free copies of the MVUM are available at the LTBMU, Supervisor’s Office.

Precautions

Wear a helmet
Recognize your physical and technical limits
Carry more water as you think you'll need
Make sure your bike is functioning properly
Carry repair and first aid kits and know how to use them
Use a map, guidebook and/or guide
Ride with others and re-group often
Reserve enough daylight to retrace your route if you encounter problems
On downhill runs, watch for uphill riders

Areas for Mountain Biking at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Dispersed Camping

Lake Tahoe offers visitors many camping opportunities. Whether you enjoy the convenience of a full service campground or the secluded primitiveness of wilderness camping, the National Forest land of the Lake Tahoe Basin has something for everyone. Please note: there is no "Dispersed Camping" in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Wilderness Camping

Wilderness camping is available in the Desolation, Granite Chief and Mt. Rose wildernesses. Desolation Wilderness requires a wilderness permit to enter and you can find more information by following the link above.

When camping in the wilderness, please minimize your impacts on the land and use the Leave No Trace ethics.

Campfires

For the safety of our communities, wildlife and forests, Lake Tahoe Basin National Forest lands are under year-round fire restrictions per Forest Order No. 19-19-02.

This means campfires and charcoal are only allowed within metal fire rings in designated campgrounds like Fallen Leaf or Nevada Beach.

Campfires and charcoal are not allowed in Desolation Wilderness or Meiss Country; along the Tahoe Rim Trail or Genoa Peak Road; in any backcountry rock fire rings; on National Forest beaches; or in the general forest.

Illegal campfires should be reported immediately to 911.

Portable pressurized gas stoves are allowed in all areas with a valid California Campfire Permit obtainable online.

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Cabin Rentals

Cabin rentals are available at the following resorts:

Angora Lakes Resort
Camp Richardson Resort
Echo Chalet
Meeks Bay Resort
Zephyr Cove Resort

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Horse Camping

Riding in the backcountry is a wonderful experience. You will enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery available. Follow the link provided below to view a table that suggests several trails located around Lake Tahoe.

Horseback Riding Trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin

Areas for Horse Camping at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Visitor Programs

Areas for Visitor Programs at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Visitor Centers

Areas for Visitor Centers at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Boating - Motorized

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Tubing

Areas for Tubing at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Waterskiing

Areas for Waterskiing at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Windsurfing

Areas for Windsurfing at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Ice Skating

There are several Ice Skating facilities located in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Please be aware that skating on frozen lakes, ponds and rivers may be hazardous, is not recommended, and is at your own risk! For your own safety, please visit one of the skating facilities listed on our Ice Skating webpage.

Sledding/Tubing

The Lake Tahoe Basin offers many forms of winter recreation. Sledding and tubing are among the most popular with children as well as adults. We recommend choosing official sledding areas. Visit our Sledding/Tubing webpage to find areas that offer groomed sledding runs, parking and sled/tube rentals for safe, convenient family fun.

In addition, we recommend purchasing a sturdy, reusable sled instead of plastic and please pack out everything you bring in and use including broken sleds and plastic pieces.

Areas for Sledding/Tubing at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Skiing/Snowboarding

The Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas offer some of the most popular downhill ski and snowboard destinations in the nation. Visit our Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding webpage for contact information for resorts located in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

The Lake Tahoe Basin provides some of the most popular XC (Cross-Country) ski destinations and opportunities in the nation. There are many areas available for the beginner, intermediate, and expert and even extended ski camping excursions. Visit our XC (Cross-Country) Skiing/Snowshoeing webpage for more information on resorts, sharing routes, safety tips and trail etiquette.

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is permitted in many areas of the National Forest within the Lake Tahoe Basin, provided there is adequate snow cover on the ground to prevent resource damage.

Wilderness areas, certain roadless areas, small urban lots and developed ski areas are closed to all motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles. It's your responsibility to be aware of where you are at all times by carrying a map and knowing how to read it. Look for a snowmobile symbol at trailheads indicating snowmobile use is permitted in the area.

Visit our Snowmobiling webpage for a map of where snowmobiles are permitted and additional information on snowmobiling at Lake Tahoe.

Areas for Snowmobiling at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit