Lake Forest Boat Ramp

Project Update: The Lake Forest Boat Ramp Restroom Replacement Project will replace the existing seasonal restroom at the ramp, originally constructed in 1993, with an ADA-compliant, year-round, heated restroom facility. The Project will begin after Labor Day and is expected to be completed by Spring 2024. Portable restrooms will be available during construction.

 

Operations Update: Due to the incoming weather, the Lake Forest Boat Ramp will be delayed in opening tomorrow and open at 11am Thursday, March 28, 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Boat Ramp Web Cam

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)
  • 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

Season and Day Use Launch Passes

Daily Launch Fees:

TCPUD Resident/Property Owner (Resident Vessel Sticker Required)  $15

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:

Location:  2500 Lake Forest Road, Tahoe City Fees:

Daily Launch - TCPUD Resident/Property Owner (Resident Vessel Sticker required)

$15
Daily Launch - Non-Resident/Non-Property Owner $75
Summer Season Launch Pass - TCPUD Resident/Property Owner
May 1 - September 30
$195
Summer Season Launch Pass - Non-Resident/Non-Property Owner
May 1 - September 30
$1,050
Annual Season Launch Pass - TCPUD Resident/Property Owner
January 1 - December 31
$265
Annual Season Launch Pass - Non-Resident/Non-Property Owner
January 1 - December 31
$1,200

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

Hours of Operation: 

Dates: Time: Type:
May 1 - May 26 5:30am - 7:30pm Sealed Boats Only

May 27 - September 5

 

Mon. - Thurs.
5:30am - 7:00pm 

Fri. - Sun.
5:30am - 8:00pm

Sealed Boats Only
September 6 - September 30 6:00am - 7:00pm Sealed Boats Only
October 1 - December 31 6:00am - 4:00pm Inspections Available
January 2 - April 30 8:00am - 6:00pm Sealed Boats Only

Lake Forest Boat Ramp is closed for the following holidays:

  • NEW YEARS DAY 
  • MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY 
  • PRESIDENT’S DAY 
  • VETERAN'S DAY 
  • THANKSGIVING EVE & THANKSGIVING DAY 
  • CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY  

 Please contact us at (530) 583-3796 or at rentals@tcpud.org.