Memorial Day weekend is the traditional summer kickoff in the Lake Tahoe Basin, but conditions in the national forest may still feel like spring. With lingering snow, wet trails, and a few roads yet to be cleared, U.S. Forest Service officials are asking visitors to check site status before heading out—and to prioritize safety on the water and trails alike given holiday staff shortages.

While many popular destinations are already open, several key campgrounds, resorts, and trailheads are only just becoming accessible, and a few won’t open until early June. Officials say crews are working as quickly as possible to prepare the remaining sites, and appreciate the public’s patience.

What's Open in the Tahoe National Forest for Memorial Day

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit : Press Release - Enjoy Your National Forest This Memorial Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., May 21, 2025 – Memorial Day weekend, honoring the heroes who gave their lives in military service to this nation, a

Forest Service

Interpretive and Historic Sites

• Already Open: Inspiration Point
• Opening May 24: Logan Shoals Vista Point, Tallac Historic Site, Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Campgrounds and Resorts

• Now Open:
  • Zephyr Cove Stables
  • Round Hill Pines Resort
  • Camp Richardson Corral
  • Camp Richardson Resort’s Eagle’s Nest and Badger’s Den
  • Meeks Bay Resort and Campgrounds
  • Fallen Leaf, Luther Pass, Nevada Beach, and William Kent campgrounds
  • Echo Chalet (May 25)
• Opening Soon:
  • Watson Lake Campground (May 30)
  • Blackwood Canyon and Kaspian campgrounds (June 1)
  • Angora Lakes Resort (June 7)
• Open Year-Round:
  • Camp Richardson Resort and RV Park
  • Zephyr Cove Campground & Resort

Beaches, Picnic Areas, and Trailheads

• Now Open:
  • Baldwin, Nevada, Pope, and Secret Harbor beaches
  • Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle Area
  • Sawmill Pond Picnic Area
  • Mt. Tallac Trailhead
  • Kiva Picnic Area
  • Bayview and Big Meadow trailheads
  • Eagle Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead
• Status Pending:
  • Chimney Beach (Opening date TBA)

Planning Ahead: Forest Safety Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Visitors are reminded that cold water and high rivers can present deadly hazards even on sunny days.

Water Safety Reminders:

• Do not enter fast-moving or icy water, no matter how calm it appears.
• In emergencies, throw something that floats—never enter the water to attempt a rescue.
• Avoid driving across water-covered roads. Currents can be stronger than they seem.

Trail and Campground Awareness:

• Many forested areas still have unstable tree hazards. Look up before pitching a tent or parking.
• Be cautious of changing weather and have backup clothing and supplies.
• Never park illegally or block emergency access roads.
• Share your travel plans with someone before venturing into remote areas—cell reception may be unreliable.

Also remember, some sites may not have signage or barriers even if they’re closed under official orders. GPS navigation is not always reliable in forested areas. If a gate is closed, do not enter—citations may still be issued regardless of visible warnings.

Before You Go: Check Conditions and Closures

With changing access conditions and lingering hazards, the Forest Service urges all visitors to use official channels for real-time updates:

• Visit the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit website
• Follow updates on the forest’s official social media channels
• Check with the Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe for the latest alerts and site-specific information

“The unofficial start of summer is here, and we are excited to welcome visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit this Memorial Day weekend,” said Forest Supervisor Erick Walker in a press release early this week.

“Before heading out, please plan ahead, check access, review tips to stay safe and always recreate responsibly.”

Additional Tools

1. Caltrans QuickMap — Current Road Closures
2. Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories | National Weather Service
3. California Office of Emergency Services | Cal OES