Opening dates for Lake Tahoe Recreation Sites

by | Apr 21, 2026 | Uncategorized

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Winter is winding down, spring is in the air, and summer is just around the corner at Lake Tahoe. Over the next month, the U.S. Forest Service will open recreation sites on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit for the recreation season.

Before the recreation sites open, they 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.

The following recreation site opening dates are subject to change, based on weather and area conditions. Some sites and parking areas may open sooner.

Interpretive Sites

  • Inspiration Point – May 22
  • Tallac Historic Site – May 23
  • Taylor Creek Visitor Center – June 5
  • Logan Shoals Vista Point – to be determined

Campgrounds/Corrals/Resorts

  • Zephyr Cove Stables – Open
  • Camp Richardson Corral – Open
  • Round Hill Pines Resort – May 1
  • Meeks Bay Resort and Campgrounds – May 9
  • Camp Richardson Resort’s Eagle’s Nest, Badger’s Den campgrounds – May 22
  • Blackwood Canyon, Fallen Leaf, Kaspian, Nevada Beach and William Kent campgrounds – May 22
  • Angora Lakes Resort – May 23
  • Echo Chalet – Memorial Day, May 25
  • Camp Richardson Resort and RV Park – year round
  • Zephyr Cove Campground & Resort – year round
  • Luther Pass Campground – to be determined
  • Watson Lake Campground – to be determined

Beaches/Picnic Areas/Trailheads

  • Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle Area – May 10
  • Sawmill Pond Picnic Area – May 16
  • Mt. Tallac Trailhead – May 17
  • Baldwin, Nevada and Pope – May 22
  • Bayview and Big Meadow trailheads – May 22
  • Eagle Falls Picnic Area & Trailhead – May 23
  • Kiva Picnic Area – May 23
  • Chimney Beach and Secret Harbor – to be determined

Until these sites are fully open, parking, trash service and restrooms are not available. Plan ahead and be prepared to pack out all trash. 

National forest gate and road opening dates are determined by Motor Vehicle Use Maps. These dates are subject to change. Where gates remain closed, always park legally, avoid parking on vegetation, and do not block gates. 

A friendly reminder about pets… Pets are not permitted at these designated swim beaches under public health and safety regulations: Baldwin, Camp Richardson, Meeks Bay, Nevada, Pope, William Kent, and Zephyr Cove.

Pets must be on a 6-foot leash in developed recreation sites. Where pets are allowed, clean up after and properly dispose of pet waste bags. For more on recreating with pets, visit Where Can I Take My Dog at Lake Tahoe?

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