Tahoe National Forest Update: Where Can I Camp? Hike? Run?

UPDATED OCTOBER 2, 2020

Due to ongoing wildfire concerns across the state of California, restrictions remain in place for lots of our National Forest lands.

Where can I hike? Where can I run?

Day use is currently open in all local National Forests in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area. Please be aware of specific closures due to fires, including the Fork Fire (Wright’s Lake), North Complex (Quincy-Oroville), and Loyalton Fire (Loyalton-Dog Valley).

If heading south towards the Eastern Sierra, please be aware that portions of the Inyo National Forest are currently closed to all use due to ongoing fire, including the Hoover, Ansel Adams, and John Muir Wildernesses, Devil’s Postpile, and the South Tufa area.

Where can I go backpacking?

Campfires and camp stoves are currently prohibited outside of designated campgrounds!

Backpack camping is currently only allowed in Granite Chief Wilderness and within 500 feet of the PCT within the Tahoe National Forest (north of Barker Pass). Please note that the El Dorado National Forest is currently not open to backpacking, including the PCT south of Barker Pass and Desolation Wilderness.

Backpack camping is permitted as normally allowed on the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest (Nevada, Mt Rose area). Please be aware of campfire restrictions! Camp stoves are currently allowed at this time on HTNF lands.

Where can I go camping?

Camping outside of designated campgrounds is currently prohibited on all local National Forests. Designated Campgrounds in the Truckee area which are currently open include:

Upper and Lower Little Truckee, Prosser Family, Silver, Granite Flat, Goose Meadows

Camp stoves are currently allowed in designated campgrounds, although campfires are still prohibited.

For more information visit the Tahoe National Forest and the National Forest Region 5 websites.