Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kickoff for the summer camping season, but conditions are different this year. The Tahoe National Forest’s high country area is still largely inaccessible due to snow and damaged roads.
Mary Sullivan, Recreation Program Manager for the Tahoe National Forest (TNF), participated in the river safety event and cautioned visitors to carefully plan their trips.
To find a conditions report (open/closed, etc.) of the most popular recreation sites: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/tahoe/recreation
Mosquito Ridge Road/Forest Road 96 and 11 Pines Road accessing this campground are currently closed and will remain closed for the 2023 summer season. French Meadows may be reached by taking Foresthill Road to Forest Road 43, snow conditions permitting, likely melting off late June. However, trailers and motor homes are not recommended on this route.
For Open/Closed status on Tahoe National Forest Off-highway recreation areas, please call the appropriate Ranger District to verify the current status.
- Yuba River Ranger District office in Camptonville – (530) 478-6253, x243.
- American River Ranger District office in Foresthill – (530)-478-6254 x228.
- Sierraville Ranger District in Sierraville, – (530) 994-3401.
- Truckee Ranger District in Truckee, – (530) 536-0417.
- To find out if wheeled vehicles are restricted during winter on the 07 call 530-994-3401
- To find out if wheeled vehicles are restricted during winter on the 18 or 93 call 530-288-3231 ext. 243
- To find out if wheeled vehicles are restricted during winter on the 96 call 530-367-2224 ext. 228
Pro Tips:
- Many of the recreation areas in the Tahoe National Forest’s lower elevations have reopened and crews are working to reopen higher elevation sites as snow continues to melt and needed repairs and prep work are completed.
- Crews are continuing to start up water systems in recreation areas which includes testing for drinking water and repairing any line breaks. In some areas, the ground is still too cold to turn on water systems. We do recommend visitors bring drinking water for any camping trips over the next couple weeks as a precaution.
- The Tahoe is experiencing significant tree mortality. It’s important to be aware of surroundings and “look up” when deciding to set up a dispersed camp or when hiking or traveling along forest roads and trails.
- Many forest roads and trails have reopened, however many are still wet and/or covered in snow. Driving on wet forest roads may cause resource damage, cause a driver to get stuck and could lead to road and trail restrictions for all riders if routes are damaged.