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.
Inspiration Point near Emerald Bay was the first site to open on April 27, 2024. Round Hill Pines Beach Resort opened May 1. Baldwin and Nevada beaches are scheduled to open May 4. The Tallac Historic Site parking area is scheduled to open May 15 and services (restrooms/trash) will be available beginning May 24. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center parking area is scheduled to open May 15 and services (restrooms/trash) will be available beginning May 29.
Campgrounds/Resorts
- Blackwood Canyon Campground – TBA
- Camp Richardson Resort Eagle’s Nest and Badger’s Den campgrounds – May 10
- Camp Richardson Resort RV Park – May 3
- D.L. Bliss State Park to remain closed through Summer 2024 for waterline replacement project.
- Fallen Leaf Campground, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, and Nevada Beach campgrounds – May 10
- Luther Pass Campground and Angora Resort – May 25
- Round Hill Pines Beach Resort – May 1
- Watson Lake Campground – TBA
- William Kent Campground – May 17
Day-Use Areas
- Bayview Trailhead parking area/restrooms – TBA
- Baldwin Beach and Nevada Beach – May 4
- Big Meadow Trailhead parking area – May 25
- Camp Richardson Corral – May 4, 2024
- Chimney Beach – Mid-July (due to construction)
- Eagle Falls parking area/restrooms – TBA
- Inspiration Point – April 27
- Kiva Picnic Area – May 22
- Meeks Bay Resort & Picnic Area – May 10, 2024
- Pope Beach – May 10
- Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area – May 10
- Secret Harbor, Sawmill Pond – May 15
- Tallac Historic Site – parking area May 15; buildings May 24
- Taylor Creek Visitor Center – parking area May 15; buildings May 29
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 our Dogs at Lake Tahoe 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. View or download MVUMs.
For the latest opening date information and updates, visit the LTBMU’s Current Recreation Conditions webpage and follow us on Facebook and Twitter or visit their website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu.
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
