Opening dates announced for USFS recreational spots around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The snow is melting and temperatures are rising, signaling the change of seasons in Lake Tahoe, and the opening of campgrounds, beaches and other recreational areas.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will soon begin the process of opening their facilities in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and snow conditions permitting,

The first two beaches to open will be Baldwin and Nevada with an opening date planned for this Saturday, April 27, 2019.

The Tallac Historic Site parking area opens Monday, May 13, and will be staffed beginning Saturday May 25, the same day as Taylor Creek Visitor Center opens.

The following is a list of opening/service dates, weather and snow conditions permitting:

Campgrounds/Resorts

· Round Hill Pines Resort – May 11

· Meeks Bay Resort, William Kent, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Bayview, Fallen Leaf, and Nevada Beach campgrounds – May 10

· Camp Richardson RV Park, Eagles Nest and Badgers Den campgrounds – May 24

· Luther Pass Campground and Angora Resort – May 25

· Blackwood Canyon and Watson Lake campgrounds – June 1

Day-use Areas

· Baldwin and Nevada beaches – April 27

· Chimney Beach and Secret Harbor – May 15

· Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area – May 10

· Eagle Falls restrooms, Kiva Picnic Area, McKinney Rubicon Trailhead restrooms, Sawmill Pond and Tallac Point – May 15

· Big Meadow Trailhead and Pope Beach – May 25

Before recreation sites can fully open to the public, the Forest Service must hire crews and staff to 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.

National Forest visitors should always exercise caution and stay aware of their surroundings as they enjoy the outdoors. Hazards to watch for include trees that may have recently died due to drought impacts, disease or beetle infestation and/or have sustained damage over the winter, including broken limbs and/or damaged trunks.

Recreation area grounds are open year-round, but until sites officially open, there is no parking, trash removal or restroom facilities available. Be sure to pack out all trash and until parking areas open, park your vehicle off the roadway, avoid parking on vegetation and do not block access gates.

Pets are not allowed on designated swim beaches. Only leashed, service dogs are allowed entry to developed beaches. Always clean up after your animal, including properly disposing of pet waste bags to help keep your National Forest lands beautiful and litter-free!

Finally, please keep in mind, Tahoe beaches are popular and parking areas tend to fill up quickly when weather conditions are good. Please plan accordingly and carpool, take public transportation or develop alternate transportation solutions.

For a complete list of opening dates, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/recareas.