Forest Service proposes new and higher day-use fees
National forest sites around the lake
Checked Oct 1, 2026. Confirm before you go.
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit proposed new fees at several sites that are free today, and higher fees at others. These are proposals, not current prices. The public comment period ended Sep 29, 2026.
- Taylor Creek Visitor Center: from $0 to $10 per vehicle in year 1 and $15 in year 5.
- Kiva Beach: from $0 to $10 per vehicle in year 1 and $15 in year 5.
- Eagle Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead: from $5 to $10 per vehicle in year 1 and $15 in year 5.
- Big Meadow Trailhead: from $0 to $10 per vehicle in year 1 and $15 in year 5. Echo Trailhead, 64 Acres and Kiva Picnic Area (Tallac Historic Site): from $0 to $10 per vehicle.
- Luther Pass Overflow and Watson Lake campgrounds: from $0 to $20 per site. Christmas tree permits: from $10 to $20 per group.
- The release also proposes a higher overnight permit fee for Desolation Wilderness, currently $5 per person.
- The Forest Service says that with these changes, more than 37% of its sites would still be free, and it will keep honoring national fee-free days.