Beach passes will be sold this year for South Shore beaches

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - With the recreation sites opening around Lake Tahoe, a popular annual task is to purchase an annual beach pass for those areas managed by California Land Management Service.

The following campgrounds and beaches at the lake are operated by California Land Management (CLM):

Baldwin Beach

Bayview Campground
Fallen Leaf Campground/Store
Kaspian Campground/Beach
Meeks Bay Campground
Nevada Beach Campground/Beach
Pope Beach
William Kent Campground/Beach

On Wednesday, a local resident said they went to buy the annual pass at Baldwin Beach but was told they weren't available this year due to a new vendor on site. Another resident tried the same at Nevada Beach but was sent away with the message the passes were not available for summer 2021.

Lisa Heron, spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit said the $85 passes will be available and is not sure why the public was told differently.

There is a change though which may be the cause of the confusion. There is no longer a senior discount of 50 percent off the pass. America the Beautiful Access pass holders get 50 percent off the daily entry of $10, so $5 each. Another change is the sticker received must be affixed to the vehicle's windshield.

Ron Tottertale, operations manager for CLM, said it was a company decision to remove the senior discount.

They are sold wherever a staffed kiosk exists at the above locations, and at this time the only two open spots are Baldwin Beach and Nevada Beach. Baldwin Beach accepts cash or check, Nevada Beach is set up for credit card transactions. The other beach kiosks open on May 14.