Changes ahead at some heavily used Lake Tahoe Forest Service areas

Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/26/2021 - 10:52pm
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Fees at new Bayview Trailhead/Picnic Area and Inspiraton Point

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The majority of National Forest recreation sites around the Tahoe Basin are now open and the 2021 season promises to be a busy one for Tahoe Recreation, the new concessionaire for many of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit’s (LTBMU) popular campgrounds and day-use sites.

Tahoe Recreation, a division of California Land Management, operates Blackwood Canyon, Fallen Leaf, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Nevada Beach, and William Kent campgrounds as well as Baldwin, Meeks Bay, Nevada, and Pope beaches. Tahoe recreation also operates Inspiration Point Vista and Bayview Picnic Area and Trailhead.

“The LTBMU is excited about our partnership with Tahoe Recreation, which allows for improved and expanded services at these heavily used sites,” said USFS LTBMU Public Service Staff Officer, Daniel Cressy.

Several important changes for 2021 include bringing the Blackwood Canyon Campground under operation by Tahoe Recreation, changing the primary use at Bayview from a campground to a trailhead and picnic area, and the introduction of new day-use fees at this new Bayview Picnic Area and Trailhead, Inspiration Point Vista, and the Moraine Trailhead located in Fallen Leaf Campground.

Day use fees of $10 support management of restrooms, trash services, security, and site stewardship. Tahoe Recreation offers annual day-use passes for $85, which provide a substantial discount to visitors who frequently visit these popular beaches and day-use areas. The passes are sold wherever a staffed kiosk exists (Baldwin Beach, Fallen Leaf Lake Campground, Kaspian Campground/Beach, Meeks Bay Campground, Nevada Beach Campground/Beach, Pope Beach, William Kent Campground/Beach).

The fees are already in effect at the Moraine Trailhead and will begin on June 18, at Bayview and Inspiration Point.

“A portion of the revenue generated by all fees is reinvested into maintaining developed recreation facilities and is critical for helping the LTBMU reduce its deferred maintenance backlog and providing improved visitor amenities,” added Cressy.