Tahoe National Forest
From Recreation.gov
***Attention:**** Due to the threat of golden mussels, these boat launches will be closed to motorized watercraft for the 2025 season: 1) Jackson Meadows Reservoir boat launches (Pass Creek and Woodcamp) and 2) Bowman Lake. You may still launch non-motorized watercraft from these boat launches. For more information, about the golden mussel and how to do your part to reduce the threat of introduction, please read below and visit: *[*https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows*][1]*.* * The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about launching requirements. Since golden mussels and their larval offspring are very small, they may easily go unseen on your watercraft. To keep our favorite lakes and rivers free from this risk, please Clean, Drain, Dry equipment and watercraft before and after entering a waterbody: *[*https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993*][2] [1]: https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows [2]: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993
From Recreation.gov
All reservations for Cal Pine Lookout are now $75 per night. This fee change will help Tahoe National Forest maintain and restore the historic lookout. These fees are directly used to operate, maintain and improve the site. Thank you for your continued assistance in caring for these special places.
Mormon Emigrant Trail/Iron Mountain Road Closed for the Winter
Mormon Emigrant Trail/Iron Mountain Road is closed for the winter due to snowfall. The gate is closed on the eastside.
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time. We recommend hikers and backpackers utilize this as…
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system. Allows highway legal and non-highway legal motor vehicle use by the public on 1,002 miles of Maintenance Level 2 native surfaced roads. In addition, there are 635 miles of surfaced roads suitable…
From Recreation.gov
The **French Meadows Campground** and the **French Meadows RV Dump Station** are **closed for 2025** while they undergo construction. **This closure DOES NOT include:** * the Day Use or Boat Launch sites * Ahart Campground * Lewis Campground * Coyote Group * Gates Group You experience sounds of nearby construction during the weekdays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your patience.
From Recreation.gov
Attention Campers - French Meadows Campground Redesign has been completed in 2025. Please verify the site locations on the map prior to reserving. Most sites have changed locations and have different campsite numbers. A new map will be uploaded with 63 redesigned sites. Please see attached in additional information documents.
Winter Storm Warning issued February 16 at 1:01PM PST until February 19 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Accumulation amounts range from up to 1 foot around 2000 to 2500 feet, 1 to 2 feet at 2500 to 3500 feet and 4 to 8 feet at higher elevations. Wind gusts of 45 to 55mph expected. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park including Interstate 80 and Highway 50, northern Shasta County including portions of Interstate 5, the Coastal Range, and foothill regions of the Sierra Nevada. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Low visibility due to a combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 2500 to 3500 feet by Monday night and 1500 to 2500 feet Tuesday through Thursday. Potential to see snow levels as low as 1000 feet at times along the Sierra and below 1000 feet in the northern Sacramento Valley.
Avalanche Watch issued February 16 at 10:56AM PST by NWS Reno NV
AVAREV The following message is transmitted at the request of the U.S. Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center. The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WATCH for the following areas: NWS Reno NV - NVZ002 (Greater Lake Tahoe)...CAZ072 (Greater Lake Tahoe (CA)) * WHAT...HIGH avalanche danger is anticipated in the backcountry Monday evening, lasting through Tuesday night, and possibly into Wednesday. * WHERE...Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area. This applies only to backcountry areas, not to ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation programs exist. * WHEN...In effect from Sun 07:45 PST to Tue 05:00 PST. * IMPACTS...A powerful storm with rapidly accumulating snowfall and strong winds may cause widespread avalanche activity in the mountains. Large avalanches capable of burying or injuring people could occur in backcountry areas. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions could occur in the backcountry. Traveling in, near, or below backcountry avalanche terrain during HIGH avalanche danger is not recommended. Consult https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Calpine, Sierraville, Loyalton and surrounding areas. Smoke may settle overnight in valleys, drainages, and throughout the surrounding communities. Smoke will…
Snow Grooming Updates
Updated 2/9/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR)…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar TrailheadAboutThe Nyack Fuels Reduction Project aims to…
Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure
Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.
Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville RangerDistricts of the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from July 1, 2025, through…
Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed
Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.
From Recreation.gov
***Attention:**** Due to the threat of golden mussels, these boat launches will be closed to motorized watercraft for the 2025 season: 1) Jackson Meadows Reservoir boat launches (Pass Creek and Woodcamp) and 2) Bowman Lake. You may still launch non-motorized watercraft from these boat launches. For more information, about the golden mussel and how to do your part to reduce the threat of introduction, please read below and visit: *[*https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows*][1]*.* * The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about launching requirements. Since golden mussels and their larval offspring are very small, they may easily go unseen on your watercraft. To keep our favorite lakes and rivers free from this risk, please Clean, Drain, Dry equipment and watercraft before and after entering a waterbody: *[*https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993*][2] [1]: https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows [2]: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993
From Recreation.gov
The **French Meadows Campground** and the **French Meadows RV Dump Station** are **closed for 2025** while they undergo construction. **This closure DOES NOT include:** * the Day Use or Boat Launch sites * Ahart Campground * Lewis Campground * Coyote Group * Gates Group You experience sounds of nearby construction during the weekdays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your patience.
From Recreation.gov
***Attention:**** Due to the threat of golden mussels, these boat launches will be closed to motorized watercraft for the 2025 season: 1) Jackson Meadows Reservoir boat launches (Pass Creek and Woodcamp) and 2) Bowman Lake. You may still launch non-motorized watercraft from these boat launches. For more information, about the golden mussel and how to do your part to reduce the threat of introduction, please read below and visit: *[*https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows*][1]*.* * The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about launching requirements. Since golden mussels and their larval offspring are very small, they may easily go unseen on your watercraft. To keep our favorite lakes and rivers free from this risk, please Clean, Drain, Dry equipment and watercraft before and after entering a waterbody: *[*https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993*][2] [1]: https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows [2]: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
A Forest Closure Order with the limits for amount of time and number of people allowed when camping on the Plumas National Forest. The maximum time is 14 days in a developed campground, 14 days dispersed camping per Ranger District per year, not exceeding 30 days camping per year on the Plumas…
Winter Storm Warning issued February 16 at 6:33AM PST until February 18 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 2 to 3 feet in the Tahoe Basin, highest on the west shore, and much of Alpine County. Snow accumulations of 3 to 5 feet above 7000 feet. Winds on Tuesday gusting up to 50 mph in valleys, with Sierra ridge gusts over 100 mph. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible with periods of white out conditions. Very strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The highest snowfall rates will be mid-Monday morning through Monday evening, then a second wave mid-Tuesday morning through early Wednesday morning.
Winter Storm Warning issued February 16 at 6:33AM PST until February 18 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations 6 to 12 inches west of Highway 395, with local high elevation totals west of Highway 89 up to 2 feet. For valley locations along and east of US395, 4 to 8 inches, including Susanville, Janesville, Standish, and Doyle. Wind gusts on Tuesday, 35 to 45 mph with up to 50 mph for wind prone locations along US-395. * WHERE...Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Elevations below 5000 feet will initially start as rain, changing to snow Monday afternoon into evening for all elevations.
From Recreation.gov
***Attention:**** Due to the threat of golden mussels, these boat launches will be closed to motorized watercraft for the 2025 season: 1) Jackson Meadows Reservoir boat launches (Pass Creek and Woodcamp) and 2) Bowman Lake. You may still launch non-motorized watercraft from these boat launches. For more information, about the golden mussel and how to do your part to reduce the threat of introduction, please read below and visit: *[*https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows*][1]*.* * The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about launching requirements. Since golden mussels and their larval offspring are very small, they may easily go unseen on your watercraft. To keep our favorite lakes and rivers free from this risk, please Clean, Drain, Dry equipment and watercraft before and after entering a waterbody: *[*https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993*][2] [1]: https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows [2]: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993
From Recreation.gov
The **French Meadows Campground** and the **French Meadows RV Dump Station** are **closed for 2025** while they undergo construction. **This closure DOES NOT include:** * the Day Use or Boat Launch sites * Ahart Campground * Lewis Campground * Coyote Group * Gates Group You experience sounds of nearby construction during the weekdays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your patience.
From Recreation.gov
The **French Meadows Campground** and the **French Meadows RV Dump Station** are **closed for 2025** while they undergo construction. **This closure DOES NOT include:** * the Day Use or Boat Launch sites * Ahart Campground * Lewis Campground * Coyote Group * Gates Group You experience sounds of nearby construction during the weekdays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your patience.
From Recreation.gov
The **French Meadows Campground** and the **French Meadows RV Dump Station** are **closed for 2025** while they undergo construction. **This closure DOES NOT include:** * the Day Use or Boat Launch sites * Ahart Campground * Lewis Campground * Coyote Group * Gates Group You experience sounds of nearby construction during the weekdays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your patience.
From Recreation.gov
***Attention:**** Due to the threat of golden mussels, these boat launches will be closed to motorized watercraft for the 2025 season: 1) Jackson Meadows Reservoir boat launches (Pass Creek and Woodcamp) and 2) Bowman Lake. You may still launch non-motorized watercraft from these boat launches. For more information, about the golden mussel and how to do your part to reduce the threat of introduction, please read below and visit: *[*https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows*][1]*.* * The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about launching requirements. Since golden mussels and their larval offspring are very small, they may easily go unseen on your watercraft. To keep our favorite lakes and rivers free from this risk, please Clean, Drain, Dry equipment and watercraft before and after entering a waterbody: *[*https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993*][2] [1]: https://www.nidwater.com/jackson-meadows [2]: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993
Overview
Tahoe National Forest spans over 850,000 acres of public land in the northern Sierra Nevada, extending from the foothills to the California-Nevada state line. The forest is currently open with low fire danger on both eastside and westside areas. Active prescribed burns are underway at Nyack (200 acres), Madrone Springs (37 acres), and Randolph (9 acres) through February 2026. Notable closures include Yuba Pass Campground, Sierra Campground, portions of the Sand Pond Interpretive Trail, and several trails including sections of the North Yuba Trail and Boca-Loyalton Trail. Lake Fordyce Dam area roads are closed for reconstruction activities. The standard 14-day camping limit per calendar year is in effect. Christmas tree cutting permits are currently available for designated areas. Conditions vary widely across the forest—always check current weather, road conditions via CalTrans, and avalanche forecasts from Sierra Avalanche Center before your trip.
Top Campgrounds
- Bear Valley Campground
- Berger
- Big Reservoir Campground
- Boca Rest Campground
- Cal-ida
- Calpine Lookout
- Carlton
- Cottonwood Creek
- Dark Day Campground
- Fiddle Creek
- Forbes Creek
- Frenchy Point Campground
- Garden Point Boat-in Campground
- Giant Gap
- Hornswoggle Group Campground
- Indian Valley
- Lakeside
- Packsaddle
- Prosser Family
- Rocky Rest
- Salmon Creek
- Sardine Peak Lookout
- Schoolhouse Campground
- Shirttail Creek
- Skillman
- White Cloud
- Wild Plum
- Yuba Pass Campground
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