The 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 on Lake Forest Road at 2500 Lake Forest Rd., Tahoe City, CA 96145 and offers limited day use parking and restrooms. You can also enjoy a picnic area, playground, and small beach area at the adjacent Tahoe State Recreation Area (Pomin Park).

Boat Launch Operations

The boat ramp can be very busy at times during the summer boating season. Prepare before you launch and practice good etiquette to ensure a quick and efficient launch. Always recreate responsibly to protect yourself, others, and the outdoors. 

Things to consider:

• Parking is very limited/no overnight parking allowed (see Parking FAQ)
  Parking Lot:
  32 Regular Boat Parking Spaces
  1 ADA Boat Parking Space
  4 Spaces for Prepping
  Island Parking:
  4 Regular Car Parking Spaces
  1 ADA Car Parking Space
• Open year-round with seasonal changes in hours of operation (see below)
• Boaters must abide by all posted entry and inspection guidelines, payment processing, launching rules and exiting processes
• Mandatory Motorized Watercraft Inspections Required per TRPA

New Ordinance in Effect as of March 18, 2023
Ordinance 307 – Parking and Use Regulations at the Lake Forest Boat Ramp Facility 
For more information, visit our FAQ.

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

• If your boat is NOT sealed you will NOT be allowed to launch. TRPA boat inspection appointments can be made HERE or call (888) 824-6267
• For more information on mandatory TRPA launch stickers and fees click HERE

Protect Lake Tahoe from Aquatic Invasive Species!

Non-motorized

All watercraft and gear must be Clean, Drained, and Dry before and after launching to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Paddlers, kayakers, anglers, and other beachgoers are encouraged to become Tahoe Keepers to help protect our watershed.  

Motorized

All motorized watercraft must be inspected prior to launching to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This includes boats, jet skis, eFoils, eSUPs, and all other watercraft with electric or gas motors. Visit TahoeBoatInspections.com to learn more and download the Tahoe Boating app.  

Season and Day Use Launch Passes

Daily Launch Fees:

TCPUD Resident/Property Owner (Resident Vessel Sticker Required)  $20

Non-Resident/Non-Property Owner $75

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All Lake Forest Boat Ramp Season Launch Passes must be purchased online in advance. 
No refunds/credits.

Once purchased, season launch passes will be available at the Lake Forest Boat Ramp Kiosk within three business days.  

Property Owner/Resident Stickers

All Lake Forest Boat Ramp Property Owner Resident Stickers must be obtained in advance online. 

Once obtained, property owner resident stickers will be available at the Lake Forest Boat Ramp Kiosk within three business days.  

Please note:  If season launch passes and/or property owner resident stickers are purchased or obtained after hours, on weekends, or on holidays, you may present your receipt with photo ID to kiosk staff for short term entry.

We have now partnered with CivicRec!  Click the button below to purchase a launch pass or to obtain a resident sticker.

Purchase Lake Forest Ramp Passes/Resident Stickers

Launch Fees

Launch Fees are set to generate revenue for the operations and maintenance of the launch facility. A new fee structure has been established to ensure TCPUD property taxpayers (residents) are not subsidizing the cost to operate and maintain the ramp, which is primarily used by non-residents.

Resident or Non-Resident

Resident rate refers to customers that live and/or own property in the Tahoe City Public Utility District service area.

Launch Fees:

Hours of Operation: 

Lake Forest Boat Ramp is closed for the following holidays:

• NEW YEARS DAY 
• THANKSGIVING DAY & DAY AFTER (Thursday & Friday)
• CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY  

 Please contact us at (530) 583-3796 or email HERE

Emergencies call (530) 546-1215