Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
From Recreation.gov
**Please note, only third parties who have a contracted permit with the USFS may deliver and pick up RVs for visitors. The only company currently permitted to do this is Tahoe RV Rentals, **[**https://www.tahoervrentals.com.**][1]** RVs rented from a non-permitted rental company outside of the campground are allowed, but the RV must be driven in and removed by the registered guest.** [1]: https://www.tahoervrentals.com
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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:44AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Snow. Snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches above 7000 feet. At Lake Tahoe level, 3 to 6 inches, with 6 to 12 inches along and west of Highway 89. Wind gusts up to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 75 mph along the Sierra crest. Wave heights 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes, as well as the Wednesday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.
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.
Snow Grooming Updates
Updated 1/30/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Some trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.
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.
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
**Please note, only third parties who have a contracted permit with the USFS may deliver and pick up RVs for visitors. The only company currently permitted to do this is Tahoe RV Rentals, **[**https://www.tahoervrentals.com.**][1]** RVs rented from a non-permitted rental company outside of the campground are allowed, but the RV must be driven in and removed by the registered guest.** [1]: https://www.tahoervrentals.com
Overview
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) encompasses over 156,000 acres of National Forest lands straddling California and Nevada around Lake Tahoe. Currently, winter seasonal closures are in effect for most forest roads, recreation facilities, campgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, and restrooms. The Forest Service's Christmas tree permit program remains temporarily paused. Prescribed fire operations continue through fall and winter as conditions allow to reduce overgrown vegetation and protect communities from wildfires. Winter recreation is open including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sledding. Hard-sided bear canisters are required for overnight visits to Desolation Wilderness, and bear-resistant containers are required in all other backcountry areas. Campfire restrictions are currently in place. There are active harmful algal bloom advisories, and bubonic plague warnings are posted. The Kokanee salmon spawn is occurring, typically running late October through November and as late as February. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center and most developed facilities reopen Memorial Day weekend through mid-October annually.
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