Tahoe National Forest
Snow Grooming Updates
GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) division winter program.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)
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 Ranger
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.
Cabin Creek Sale Closure
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 Campground
- Boca Spring
- 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
- Lake Of The Woods Campground
- Loganville
- Lower Little Truckee
- Prosser Ranch Group
- Rocky Rest
- Sardine Lake
- Sardine Peak Lookout
- Schoolhouse Campground
- Skillman
- White Cloud
- Yuba Pass Campground
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