Bayview Trailhead and Day-Use Area
This is a day-use area only with no overnight camping. Opens May 22, 2026 and typically remains open through mid-October. Overnight parking is permitted only for backpackers with valid Desolation Wilderness permits.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 29 at 10:39AM PDT until November 1 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Snow above 7000 ft. Snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches with up to 9 inches along the highest peaks. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...From 8 AM PDT Saturday to 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Heaviest snowfall expected late Saturday night. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snowfall expected late Saturday night.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Daily Burn Status
Fire Information Line: 530-543-2816 (24-hour recorded message)Daily Burn Status for woodcutting and contractors includes the Burning Index, Project Activity Levels, Fire Danger Adjective Rating, Energy Release Component, Ignition Component, and Burn Day Status. This page is updated daily by…
About
Bayview Trailhead and Day-Use Area sits on the south shore of Lake Tahoe near Emerald Bay at 7,100 feet elevation. This heavily-used day-use facility provides access to Desolation Wilderness via popular trails including the routes to Cascade Falls and Granite Lake. The site features vault restrooms (seasonal) and picnic tables in a forested setting. This is strictly a day-use area with no overnight camping permitted at the trailhead. Backpackers entering Desolation Wilderness may park overnight only if they have obtained the required wilderness permit in advance. Day hikers can pick up day-use permits at the self-serve station on site. Bear canisters are mandatory for overnight wilderness trips. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited. Propane appliances with an on/off valve are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. All visitors must pay a day-use fee via QR code through the Recreation.gov mobile app on a first-come, first-served basis.
Directions
Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately eight miles to the Bayview Trailhead and Day-Use area located across from Inspiration Point.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 543-2600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Bayview Trailhead Page | |
| Recreation.gov Day Use Pass |
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