Recreation and Leisure Wilderness Camping

Recreation and Leisure

Wilderness Camping on the Tahoe Rim Trail

The Tahoe Rim Trail is located on the ridge tops of the Sierra Nevada mountain range along the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe. It crosses the states of Nevada and California through its route around the lake. The trail is 165-miles long and volunteers built the entire length of the trail. The trail is a home to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. A majority of the trail's users enjoy day hiking or riding, but wilderness camping is also an option for hikers who want to experience more of the trail.

For most of the trail's route, there are no established campgrounds, and so, campers must follow the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) guidelines for "dispersed camping" along the trail. This means campers can choose a campsite anywhere along the trail, but the site must be within 300 feet on either side of the trail. Campsites should not be within 200 feet of a water source, either. Campers can camp free for up to 14 days under the dispersed camping regulations. There are some restrictions on dispersed camping in certain areas of the trail, however. On the Nevada side of the trail between Tunnel Creek and Spooner Summit, campers must camp in established campgrounds. In the Desolation Wilderness between Echo Lakes and Barker Pass, there are no designated campgrounds, but a backcountry permit is required from the USFS. At Watson Lake, which is 6.7 miles west of Brockway, there is a designated dispersed campsite marked by a numbered post and a metal campfire ring with a hinged grill. Finally, at Mt. Rose, there is a USFS campground containing water, restrooms, campsites, and fire pits. Camp stoves are considered open fires, and because of the high fire danger throughout the Tahoe Basin, their use is limited. In the Desolation Wilderness, the USFS permit automatically allows the use of camp stoves. On the rest of the trail, campers must obtain a camp stove permit from the USFS.

Clearly, wilderness camping such as that along the Tahoe Rim Trail depends on successful planning before the hike. If campers are planning to hike the entire trail, they will need to plan on carrying enough food and water for the entire trip, which can run into quite a bit of supplies. They can replenish water in some of campgrounds along the way, and there are some water sources along the trail. If water from these sources is used, campers should carry a portable water purification system. Campers should never drink unfiltered or purified water from natural sources. Food will be a major part of the planning effort, and a major portion of the weight carried on the trip. Lightweight, dried items are a necessity for long-term wilderness camping. Obtaining a camp stove permit if a stove is part of the camping gear is important, too. Since the USFS office that issues wilderness permits is only open on weekdays, campers will need to acquire permits by mail if they plan on camping and hiking on weekends or holidays. Additional planning time will be necessary to obtain the proper permits. All of the hiking and camping gear should be checked before leaving for the Trail. Sleeping bags, tents, poles, backpacks, and other equipment should be tested before leaving, to make sure everything works and is in good repair for the trip. Campers should also carry a first aid kit and/or survival kit, a compass, and some type of signaling device in case of an emergency, such as a mirror or even a CD or DVD. These reflect light and can be a signal to search and rescue teams in the event of an emergency. Campers should also carry a map of the trail and understand the route they will take around the lake before they leave for their trip. One thing many campers forget is the altitude around Lake Tahoe. The lake itself is about 6.000 feet up, and the Rim Trail even higher. High elevations have less oxygen, and so breathing is more difficult. That can make the heart work harder, too. Hikers should condition before the hike to make sure they are in good shape to hike at higher elevations.

Lightweight camping equipment is a necessity for long-term wilderness camping. Extremely lightweight tents, sleeping bags, and other items are available from a variety of online and traditional merchants. It is best to look at the tents and bags in person so you can choose the one that fits you most comfortably and with the least weight. Many first-time campers tend to carry so much in their packs that it makes the entire hike uncomfortable and difficult. It is a good idea to fill your pack with your gear beforehand and carry it to see how it will feel on the trail. If it is too heavy, look into lighter, more portable gear, and cut down on other items.

Many hikers forget that Tahoe is bear country! Bears are rarely seen on hiking trails, but there are some things campers can do to make sure the do not have a run in with a bear. First, it is a good idea to contact the USFS to ask about recent bear activity in along the Trail. Food for the trip should not include smelly, greasy foods such as bacon and fish, they will attract bears. Bears are most active in the cooler parts of the day, so avoid hiking at dawn and dusk; it is a good idea to have your camp set up by then, anyway. Bears do not like noises either, so talking, singing, or wearing a bell is a good idea when you hike in bear country. If a camper encounters a bear, they should try to back away from the bear. They should stay calm, not look the bear directly in the eye, and back up slowly. Never turn your back on a bear, and never kneel down.