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.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 11 at 10:19AM PDT until August 13 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds, which is in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday evening. * Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 270 Surprise Valley California, Fire Weather Zone 271 Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, and Eastern Sierra Counties, Fire Weather Zone 272 Greater Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area, Fire Weather Zone 278 Eastern Lassen County, Fire Weather Zone 458 Northern Washoe County. * Thunderstorms...Thunderstorm chances increase to 15 to 30 percent for Thursday leading to lightning strikes on dry fuels. Thunderstorms may also produce hail and periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. * Outflow Winds...Up to 50 mph. * Impacts...Lightning can create new fire starts and may combine with strong outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
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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