Luther Pass Overflow Campground
Currently closed. Scheduled to open May 22, 2026. First-come, first-served with no reservations. 5-day annual camping limit per person. Campfires are prohibited.
Lake Wind Advisory issued August 31 at 1:21PM PDT until September 1 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Wave heights up to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area, and Western Nevada Basin and Range including: Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, Eagle Lake, Honey Lake, Lake Davis, Frenchman Lake, Stampede Reservoir, Donner Lake, Prosser and Boca Reservoirs, Washoe Lake, and Topaz Lake. * WHEN...From 11 AM to 8 PM PDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
About
Luther Pass Overflow Campground is a primitive, free backcountry campground managed by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, situated at approximately 7,000 feet elevation along Highway 89, about 16 miles south of South Lake Tahoe. Access is through the Big Meadow Trailhead parking area, making it a convenient staging point for hikers and backpackers exploring the Tahoe Rim Trail. This no-fee campground operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Amenities are limited to vault toilets and a dumpster for trash disposal. Campers should bring their own water as potable water is not available on-site. Camping is permitted only in designated spots. The campground enforces a 5-day annual stay limit per person per calendar year, as established by Forest Order No. 19-24-05. Fire restrictions apply, and campfires are prohibited at Luther Pass backcountry campgrounds. The seasonal opening typically occurs in late May, weather permitting.
Directions
From South Lake Tahoe, head south on Highway 89 approximately 16 miles. The campground is accessed through the Big Meadow Trailhead parking area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| sm.fs.paltbmu@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 543-2600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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