Recreational Activities

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Summer Activities at Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit offers some of the finest summer recreational opportunities in the nation. We recommend a stop at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center off of Emerald Bay Road (Highway 89).  Open daily in the summer, Taylor Creek is an excellent way to start your visit. The Forest Supervisor's Office, located at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe, provides a year-round source of information. The front desk is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please contact us.

From sightseeing to camping, numerous summer recreational opportunities are available at Lake Tahoe. Hiking, mountain biking and a wide variety of beach and water sports are among the most popular activities. Other opportunities include horseback riding, fishing, cycle touring and wildlife watching.

 Accessible Recreation Sites at Lake Tahoe

This page provides an overview of accessible recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Although some activities and facilities provide limited access to those with disabilities, we hope that by describing the following access information, you will be able to make an informed decision about which sites will be the most worthwhile for you to visit.

  Beaches and Picnic Areas

There are numerous beaches and picnic areas located in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Follow the link provided for more information.  

  Camping

There are many different camping opportunities in the Lake Tahoe Basin, from conventional forest campgrounds with full hook-ups to primitive backcountry camping.

  Dogs on Forest Lands at Lake Tahoe

Information for Dog Owners who live at or visit Lake Tahoe including "Where can I take my dog?" Tips for hiking, camping, boating, kayaking, swimming, skiing and snowshoeing with your dog. Resource information such as Dog-Friendly Events, Veterinarians, 24-hour Emergency Services, Lost Pets and Boarding Facilities.

  Fishing

Sparkling lakes and rivers provide numerous opportunities to test your angling skill. Try these suggestions, then as you become more familiar with the forest, go exploring on your own!

  Hiking

The Lake Tahoe Basin offers some of the most spectacular hiking areas in the nation. From easy day hikes to difficult and technical hiking, there are trails that suit the novice, intermediate and expert hiker.

  Horseback Riding

Follow the link provided for a list of horseback riding stables on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe or if you already own horses and are looking for places to go riding.

  Lake of the Sky Journal

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Outdoor Recreation Guide, The Lake of the Sky Journal is now available online! The journal is in a PDF format that requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.  To download the journal and/or the Acrobat Reader, follow the "more" link provided below. You may obtain a paper copy of the Journal for free from the Visitor Center or the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisor's Office located at 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe. 

  Mountain Biking

There are many trails in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin for Mountain Bikes. A quality outdoor experience is available for all trail users by practicing a safe and responsible riding etiquette.

  Nature Walks

The Lake Tahoe Basin is an excellent place for nature study and walks. The trails at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center provide an outstanding natural experience.

  Off-Highway Vehicles

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation is a popular activity for locals and visitors in the Lake Tahoe Basin. It is a sport that includes 4-wheel drive vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and all terrain vehicles (ATVs).

  Wildflowers

The Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas are an exceptional place to view wildflowers of all colors and varieties. Wildflowers are generally at their peak from mid to late July in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The link that follows takes you to the National Forest Service web site on wildflowers of the Pacific Southwest Region (look for the links that say "Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit".)