Forest Service campgrounds at Lake Tahoe, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest open Friday

U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and on the California side of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will open to the public on Friday. Nevada group campsites and day use areas that hold less than 50 people will also reopen.

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit concessionaires announced Thursday they will begin to open developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin after an extended period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For a full list of open areas and up-to-date information, go here. The Forest Service also advises campers to visit the LTBMU website at www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu

“Camping is a great way to enjoy our public lands and connect with the outdoors at Lake Tahoe,” said LTBMU Public Services Staff Officer, Daniel Cressy. “Visitors are encouraged to recreate responsibly, which plays an important role in the shared stewardship of public lands.”

The Forest Service continues to recommend visitors recreate locally and practice self-sufficiency during visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including the following:

— Practice Social Distancing. Provide space of at least six feet at all times during your visit.

— Do Not Gather in Groups. Follow the latest guidance from officials.

— Share the Trail. Alert other trail users of your presence and step aside to let them pass.

— Pack Out Your Trash. Leave with everything you bring in and use.

Visitors are asked to stay as local as possible when choosing a site to visit and to pack out everything they bring, especially trash. Visitors are also urged to follow precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance.

For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html

“While we understand there may be some excitement to return to these recreation areas, there may be limited services or spaces available” says LTBMU Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor, Matthew Jedra. “We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines on staying safe and practice good hygiene and social distancing wherever they choose to visit.”

Responsible recreation will help expand access to facilities, services and other opportunities. Certain services may still be unavailable, so visitors are asked to plan accordingly and to remain flexible.

Contact information for the LTBMU is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu for more information.

Meanwhile, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will open all its campgrounds in California on Friday, June 12 as well. Nevada group campsites and day use areas that hold less than 50 people will also reopen. Visitor centers and California group campsites remain closed.

“While we understand there may be some excitement to return to these recreation areas,” says Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “As the public comes back to enjoy their favorite campground, we encourage them to continue to follow the latest state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health guidance.”

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offices remain closed. Please call the Ranger District directly for details on how to obtain firewood cutting or other permits.

The following services are available online:

— Annual or Lifetime Federal Recreation Pass, including all Senior Passes here.
— Forest Maps
— USGS Store here.
— Avenza Mobile Devices here.
— Forest Service Virtual Interactive Maps here.

Forest Service Merchandise Offered through Partner Organizations
Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association here.
— Go Mt. Charleston here.

Forest officials also stress the importance of practicing Leave No Trace principles, which include planning ahead and being prepared, sticking to trails, disposing of both trash and human waste properly, minimizing fire impacts, leaving what is found, keeping a safe distance from wildlife, and being considerate and kind to other people. Go here for more information.