Lake Forest Boat Ramp
Lake Forest Boat Ramp Closure – September 9
The Lake Forest Boat Ramp will be closed Wednesday, September 9, while crews re-seal the parking lot. The boat ramp and parking lot will reopen Thursday, September 10.
TCPUD is excited to offer the Lake Forest Boat Ramp for launching in Lake Tahoe. The facility is located 1.5 miles east of Tahoe City off Highway 28 at 2500 Lake Forest Rd., Tahoe City, CA 96145, and offers limited day use parking and restrooms. A picnic area, playground, and small beach area are available at the adjacent Tahoe State Recreation Area (Pomin Park).
Boat Launch Operations
The boat ramp can be very busy during the summer boating season. Prepare before you launch and practice good etiquette to ensure a quick, efficient launch, and always recreate responsibly to protect yourself, others, and the outdoors.
- Parking is very limited — no overnight parking allowed. See the Parking FAQ (PDF). The lot has 32 regular boat spaces, 1 ADA boat space, 4 prep spaces, 4 regular car spaces, and 1 ADA car space.
- Open year-round with seasonal changes in hours of operation (see below).
- Boaters must follow all posted entry, inspection, payment, launching, and exit procedures.
- Motorized watercraft inspections are mandatory per TRPA.
Ordinance 307 – Parking and Use Regulations at the Lake Forest Boat Ramp Facility (PDF) took effect March 18, 2023. See also the Lake Forest Boat Ramp FAQ (PDF).
Mandatory Watercraft Inspection Program
All motorized watercraft must receive a TRPA Boat Inspection prior to launching - for a list of inspection locations and hours, please visit Tahoe Boat Inspections or call (888) 824-6267.
If your boat is NOT sealed you will NOT be allowed to launch.
Motorized watercraft — including boats, jet skis, eFoils, and eSUPs — Find inspection locations, hours, and appointments at Tahoe Boat Inspections or call (888) 824-6267. Launch stickers and fees are also listed there.
Non-motorized watercraft — kayaks, paddleboards, and similar gear — don't require inspection, but paddlers and anglers are encouraged to become Tahoe Keepers to help protect the watershed.
All watercraft and gear must be Clean, Drained, and Dry before and after launching to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Launch Fees & Passes
Fees fund the operation and maintenance of the launch facility, so TCPUD taxpayers aren't subsidizing a ramp used mostly by non-residents. Resident rates apply to customers who live and/or own property in the TCPUD service area.
| Pass Type | Resident/Property Owner | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Launch (Resident Vessel Sticker required) | $20 | $75 |
| Summer Season Pass May 1 – Sept 30 | $195 | $1,050 |
| Annual Season Pass Jan 1 – Dec 31 | $295 | $1,200 |
Purchase Launch Passes / Resident Stickers
- All season launch passes must be purchased online in advance. No refunds or credits.
- All property owner resident stickers must be obtained online in advance.
- Once purchased/obtained, passes and stickers will be available at the Lake Forest Boat Ramp kiosk within three business days.
- Please note: If purchased or obtained after hours, on weekends, or on holidays, present your receipt with photo ID to kiosk staff for short-term entry.
Hours of Operation
| Dates | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2 – Apr 30 | 8:00am – 6:00pm | Inspections Available |
| May 1 – May 26 | 6:00am – 7:00pm | Sealed Boats Only |
| May 27 – Sept 7 | Mon–Thu: 6:00am – 7:00pm Fri–Sun: 6:00am – 8:00pm | Sealed Boats Only |
| Sept 8 – Sept 30 | 6:00am – 7:00pm | Sealed Boats Only |
| Oct 1 – Dec 31 | 8:00am – 6:00pm | Inspections Available |
Closed for New Year's Day; Thanksgiving Day and the day after; and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Contact
Questions? Call (530) 583-3796 or email us. For emergencies, call (530) 546-1215.