Opening & Closing dates for Campgrounds, Beaches, and Forest Roads at Lake Tahoe
The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has begun the process of opening National Forest recreational facilities in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Before recreation sites can be fully opened to the public, the Forest Service must complete seasonal hiring of crews and staff to manage sites, clean up from winter, remove safety hazards such as damaged trees, and wait for the danger of a freeze to pass before turning on water systems for restrooms. All opening dates are subject to change, due to conditions and weather.
Campgrounds/Resorts
- Zephyr Cove Stables – April 14
- Round Hill Pines Resort – May 1
- Camp Richardson Corral – May 3
- Camp Richardson Resort’s Eagle’s Nest, Badger’s Den campgrounds – May 7
- Meeks Bay Resort and Campgrounds – May 9
- Fallen Leaf, Luther Pass, Nevada Beach and William Kent campgrounds – May 23
- Echo Chalet – May 25
- Watson Lake Campground – May 30
- Blackwood Canyon and Kaspian campgrounds – June 1
- Angora Lakes Resort – June 7
- Camp Richardson Resort and RV Park – Year Round
- Zephyr Cove Campground & Resort – Year Round
Interpretive Sites
- Inspiration Point – May 23
- Logan Shoals Vista Point – May 24
- Tallac Historic Site – May 24
- Taylor Creek Visitor Center – May 24
Beaches/Picnic Areas/Trailheads
- Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle Area – May 10
- Baldwin, Nevada, Pope and Secret Harbor beaches – May 16
- Sawmill Pond Picnic Area – May 16
- Mt. Tallac Trailhead – May 17
- Bayview and Big Meadow trailheads – May 23
- Eagle Falls Picnic Area & Trailhead – May 23
- Kiva Picnic Area – May 24
- Chimney Beach – TBA
Until sites open, parking, trash and restrooms are not available, so plan accordingly. Do your part and pack out all trash. Where pets are allowed, always clean up after them and be sure to properly dispose of pet waste bags. Do not leave pet waste bags behind, if a trash receptacle is not available, please take them with you. Where gates are still closed, be sure to park vehicles completely off the roadway, avoid parking on vegetation, and do not block the 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. Per the Code of Federal Regulations, in developed recreation sites where pets are allowed, pet owners are required to keep pets on a 6-foot maximum length leash at all times. For ideas for recreating with your dog, visit the Where Can I Take My Dog webpage.
National Forest gate and road opening dates are determined by the LTBMU Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) developed under the LTBMU Travel Management Plan. All dates are subject to change due to conditions and weather.
For the latest opening date information and updates, visit the LTBMU’s website and follow us on Facebook and X.
Until Nevada Beach, Pope Beach, Baldwin Beach and Meeks Bay open for the season, you may access the beaches by walking in. The facilities have been winterized and there is no garbage pick up. So please remember Pack it in, Pack it out. This includes dog bags, Please do not litter the beaches. Help us keep Tahoe Blue.
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 snowfall conditions and may vary from year to year.
Tahoe beaches are popular and parking areas tend to fill up quickly. Plan accordingly and carpool, take public transportation, or develop alternate transportation solutions, such as walking, and biking when visiting National Forest locations.
We encourage all National Forest visitors to practice responsible recreation. Do your part to maintain the health and safety of yourself and others by following these guidelines:
Pets are not allowed on designated swim beaches. Only leashed, service dogs are allowed entry to developed beaches. The Forest Service reminds dog owners to always clean up after their animal, including properly disposing of pet waste bags.
For more information, contact the Forest Supervisor’s office at 530-543-2600, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Facebook Page
Forest Service Tahoe National Forest Facebook Page
Forest Service Interactive Visitor Map