South Lake Tahoe Beaches and Parks Begin to Open

The temperatures are rising in South Lake Tahoe and residents and visitors are spending more time outdoors.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Monday that they will be opening recreation areas early. Last year's warm temperatures in April and May brought out people who wanted to enjoy the parks and beaches, only to find them still closed.

Here is a list of opening dates:

Inspiration Point, Logan Shoals, Chimney Beach, and Secret Harbor are opening on April 21.

Sawmill Pond and the Sandpit OHV areas open May 1.

Baldwin Beach and Nevada Beach and Campground open May 9.

Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Bayview, and Fallen Leaf campgrounds and Kaspian and Meeks Bay beaches open May 16.

Luther Pass Campground opens May 25, and Blackwood Canyon and Watson Lake open on June 1.

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Tallac Historic Site, and Kiva picnic area open for Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 24.

Forest roads generally open between mid-May and June 1, depending on snow remaining on roadway. For specific dates, consult this Motor Vehicle Use Map.

William Kent Campground will be closed for construction during the 2014 operating season, which runs approximately May through October, and William Kent Beach/Day Use area will be closed for portions of the operating season.

Before recreation sites open to the public, the Forest Service must hire crews to staff and manage the sites, clean up from winter, remove safety hazards and wait for the danger of a freeze to pass before turning on water systems. Keep in mind, there is no parking, trash removal, or restroom facilities available until the recreation sites officially open. Until parking lots open, please park your vehicle off the roadway, avoid parking on vegetation, and do not block access gates. Pack out all trash and where pets are allowed, please clean up after your animal. For any questions, contact the Forest Supervisor's office at 530-543-2694 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.