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.
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 April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 8:21AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 6 to 10 inches for communities surrounding Lake Tahoe and up to 7000 feet, and 12 to 28 inches above 7000 feet and for Sierra passes. Winds gusting as high as 90 mph along the Sierra crest and 20-35 mph for communities surrounding Lake Tahoe. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...From 2 PM Saturday to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible, especially for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning commutes. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 10 at 8:21AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Snow. Snow accumulations up to 6 inches below 6500 feet, 6 to 12 inches above 6500 feet, and up to 24 inches above 7000 feet in eastern Sierra County. Peak winds could gust as high as 35 to 40 mph Saturday afternoon. * WHERE...Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties. * WHEN...From 2 PM Saturday to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions, especially for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning commutes.
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.…
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…
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.
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
Burn Day Status: El Dorado County: (530) 621-5897Burn Day Status: Amador County: (209) 223-6246Fires do not stop at agency boundaries, nor do the agencies fighting them. The forest cooperates with other federal, state, and local partners in fire management activities. These relationships foster a…
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.
03-25-01 Silver Bear Wheeled Vehicle Closure
Using a motorized wheeled vehicle on roads and trails in Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail System
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.
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.…
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
Big Chief Sale Closure
This order closes forest system roads and trails within the Big Chief project area. This closure is to provide for public safety while 675 acres of forest are treated to enhance wildfire defense in the area.
Parking Restrictions
Parking or leaving a vehicle is prohibited on Tahoe National Forest where posted.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Sierraville Piles – 12.5 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 12.5-acre prescribed burn southwest of Sierraville near the Nichols Mill area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Sierraville, southern Sierra Valley and surrounding areas. Air quality conditions are forecasted to be favorable through…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Camptonville – 43 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 43-acre prescribed off Old Camptonville Road in Camptonville, Calif. tomorrow, April 10, 2026.Smoke will be visible from Camptonville, Old Camptonville Road and Hwy 49 and adjacent areas.Project: Camp Unit JJType of burn: Pile burnTotal…
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
2026-27 OHV Grant Applications Notice of Public Review and Comment Opportunity
This grant cycle the Tahoe National Forest will be submitting grant applications for:Ground Operations (OHV trails and facilities maintenance)Law EnforcementEducation and Safety – Focused education at Tahoe NF OHV “Hotspots” through Forest Service personnel, Volunteer Trail Rangers and…
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…
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
Grooming operations have ceased pending new storms. Conditions are more like late April/May than March. Expect running water and thin snow coverage. Trailhead location for Little Truckee Summit staging is currently at the Perazzo turnoff. GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by…
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
***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
- Boyington Mill
- Cal-ida
- Calpine Lookout
- Carlton
- Cottonwood Creek
- Dark Day Campground
- Diablo
- Fiddle Creek
- Forbes Creek
- Frenchy Point Campground
- Garden Point Boat-in Campground
- Giant Gap
- Granite Flat
- Hornswoggle Group Campground
- Indian Valley
- Lake Of The Woods Campground
- Prosser Ranch Group
- Rocky Rest
- Sagehen Creek Campground
- Sardine Peak Lookout
- Schoolhouse Campground
- Skillman
- White Cloud
- Yuba Pass Campground
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