LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – The demand for recreation has always been high at Lake Tahoe, and the demand for camp sites has long exceeded the supply. This is not a new situation; since visitors began coming to Lake Tahoe in the 1880s, camping has been a strong desire, with the number of sites not matching the need.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) approved two motions about the proposed Talaz campground project during their meeting on Wednesday. Though not unanimous (two board members opposed), the motions passed:

  • Approving the required findings, including a finding of no significant effect; and
  • Approving the proposed project subject to the conditions contained in the draft permit (Attachment B Here).

The nine-acre private parcel of land between Dorla Court and the Nevada Beach Campground at Round Hill, Nevada, was once approved for a compound with a main home, guest home, swimming pool, tennis court, greenhouse, RV garage, and access from US50. There was a lot of debate at the TRPA level, and the US50 access portion of the plan was denied. That permit has since expired, and the new owners have been working to bring a public camping area to the parcel.

There has been opposition to the project from the Sierra Club and other groups, stemming from a planned clubhouse and employee housing on site, to other issues, including tree removal and a perceived increase in traffic. The parameters of a “developed campground” have not been set in the past through TRPA. The land use is permitted for up to 77 recreational vehicles, but owners are planning on an eco-friendly, multi-generational year-round camping location that will offer:

  • 53 campsites, 26 year-round and 7 en-suites
  • 18 insulated domes
  • 9 treehouses (not up in a current tree, but lifted above the ground)
  • Deed-restricted ADU building with three bedrooms for up to 9 employees
  • Communal kitchen and clubhouse
  • Handicap accessible
  • BBQ pavilion
  • 3 comfort stations (restrooms and showers)
  • 2 nature playgrounds
  • 2 electric shuttles for guest transportation
  • 6 EV chargers
  • 30+ electric bikes for camper use
  • Plastic-free premises
  • Recycling receptacles and stewardship education for campers

A concern about tree removal was voiced during the meeting. Forest health with thinning trees was stated as a “win” with the project, according to the TRPA forester. Trees along US50 will not be removed. Other concerns were increased traffic on Elk Point Road, but public safety issues surrounded the access onto US50. Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief  Scott Lindgren said he’d been working with the developers on the project. He didn’t want permanent access to the highway, but did require an emergency road in place at that location for emergencies.

The property owners do plan to reforest in a “healthy” way for forest sustainability, including natural shrubs and trees. They also plan to be LEED-certified. Founder Rachel Bowers, an eco-tourism advocate, spoke to the board about her plan for a family-friendly option to enjoying nature and the outdoors. The applicant for Talaz is Globetrotter Properties Inc. The Talaz Eco Resort has a website, https://www.talaz.com/.

Since Talaz will be more of a glamping option than many campgrounds, some public comments stated the average person would be priced out of staying there, but Bowers said they don’t want to price out a large segment of the population and want to provide a quality option. TRPA doesn’t regulate lodging pricing models, but the market determines price points. The price points have not been released.

Carol Chaplin, CEO of Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, said the project is an important project that checks all the sustainability boxes.  She said it brings public use to private property instead of a single-family home.  She said it “respects the outdoor environment and promotes sustainability.”

The Tahoe Chamber echoed the validity of the project and supported its approval.  

Mitigation fees for the project will be over $200,000. TRPA holds those funds until the project is completed and then go back to the jurisdiction for water quality and other projects.