Lake Tahoe · Roads

Chain Controls and Winter Driving to Lake Tahoe Campgrounds

Published 2026-10-18 · Updated 2026-10-18 · Facts from Caltrans and the Nevada Department of Transportation, each linked.

Winter storms bring chain controls on every pass into the basin. We don't publish fixed closure dates — check live status from Caltrans and NDOT before you set off. [Caltrans][NDOT][Caltrans][Caltrans QuickMap][NDOT nvroads.com]

California: Caltrans R-1, R-2, R-3

Caltrans posts three levels of chain control (R-1, R-2 and R-3) on I-80, US-50 and SR-89; the requirements tighten at each level. Check QuickMap for current controls. [Caltrans][Caltrans QuickMap]

SR-89 at Emerald Bay closes at times in winter. Check Caltrans before you go. [Caltrans]

Nevada: NDOT traction and chain requirements

When controls are up on SR-431 (Mount Rose Highway), SR-207 (Kingsbury Grade) and US-50 from Glenbrook to Carson City, only 4WD/AWD vehicles with snow tires or vehicles with chains may pass. Live status is on nvroads.com. [NDOT][NDOT nvroads.com]

Winter camping

Sugar Pine Point is first come, first served from October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027; Camp Richardson RV Village and Zephyr Cove are open year-round. Most Forest Service and state park campgrounds close for winter. [California State Parks][USDA Forest Service][USDA Forest Service]

Frequently asked questions

Is SR-89 at Emerald Bay open in winter?
It closes at times in winter. Check Caltrans live status before you go; we don't publish fixed dates. [Caltrans]
Which Lake Tahoe campgrounds are open in winter?
Sugar Pine Point (first come, Oct 1, 2026–Apr 30, 2027), Camp Richardson RV Village and Zephyr Cove (year-round). [California State Parks]

Related

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