Trip · 3-day backpacking trip
For · Friends and new backpackers
Vibe · Moderate and fun
Distance · 19 miles and 2,995 feet of elevation gain
Permits · Nope, just apply for a CA campfire permit online
Drive · 3.5 hours from SF
Ideal dates · May to September
Pets · Welcome on trails and campgrounds!
Tahoe National Forest (THN) is 871,400+ acres of breathtaking mountains, wildflower meadows, and crystal clear reservoirs. It's one of the most popular national forests in the country, and you don't need a permit to explore its backcountry. TNF is located northwest of the popular Lake Tahoe, but swap the crowds for climbing the Sierra Buttes, hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, or swimming in the Yuba River. TNF has it all.
Official Forest Service Website
Latest Forest Alerts and Notices
Main image credit: Reddit
Tahoe is one of eight national forests along California's Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Washoe and Maidu Native American tribes were the first to traverse Tahoe National Forest, before the Gold Rush brought thousands of emigrants to CA.
Black bears roam TNF all year, but keep your site clean and store food and scented items properly, and you'll rarely spot them. Learn more.
A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.