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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 31 at 11:33AM PDT until November 1 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Reno NV
* CHANGES...Updated snow totals along the higher peaks. * WHAT...Snow above 7000 ft. Snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches with up to 8 inches along the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 1 inch possible down to 6000 ft. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along the ridgetops. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...Until 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * 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
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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!