Locations and Hours
Lake Forest launch ramp will delay opening until 9am Monday, October 18th due to winter weather.
Inspections are available at Cave Rock State Park launch ramp and Lake Forest launch ramp for walk-in service only. The online appointment system is no longer available, but will return for the boating season in 2022.
Inspection stations at Cave Rock and Lake Forest will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
Veterans Day – 11/11/21
Thanksgiving Day – 11/25/21
Day after Thanksgiving – 11/26/21
Christmas Eve – 12/24/21
Christmas – 12/25/21
New Years Day – 1/1/22
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – 1/17/22
Presidents Day – 2/21/22
COVID-19 Precautions
For the health and safety of boaters, inspectors and the public, Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 precautions are being followed at all inspection facilities. Masks must be worn when out of the vehicle.
Do I need an inspection?
If your vessel has an intact inspection seal [a wire with a numbered clip loosely connecting the boat and trailer] from the last time it was hauled out of Lake Tahoe, you do not need an inspection and can proceed straight to your preferred launch site.
In all other cases:
- All motorized vessels, including electric, require an inspection. New boats and engines are tested in water prior to leaving the factory and are still required to be inspected.
- There is no inspection or decontamination fee for vessels with electric or air-cooled trolling motors.
- Trailered non-motorized vessels are required to be inspected. All inspections are provided free of charge for non-motorized vessels.
- If you own a simple non-motorized vessel, like a canoe, kayak or paddleboard, please visit Tahoe Keepers to learn how to self-inspect and Clean, Drain, & Dry your vessel. If you would like an inspection, please visit any of our inspection locations, and we will provide one free of charge.
Meyers Inspection Station
*Closed for the season
2175 Keetak St, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
May 1 – Sept. 30 – open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily
Spooner Summit Inspection Station
*Closed for the season
NV-28 &, US-50, Carson City, NV 89703
May 1 – Sept. 30 – open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily
Alpine Meadows Inspection Station
*Closed for the season
255 Alpine Meadows Rd, Alpine Meadows, CA 96146
May 1 – Oct. 10 – open from 8:30am – 5:30pm Thurs-Sun
The Truckee Airport location has closed permanently due to FAA permitting requirements. Capacity has been increased at the Alpine Meadows inspection station.
Lake Forest Launch Ramp
2500 Lake Forest Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Oct 1 – April 30 – Open from 6:00am – 4:00pm daily, weather permitting
Cave Rock Launch Ramp
Hwy 28, Glenbrook, NV 89413
Oct 1 – April 30 – Open from 6:00am – 4:00pm daily, weather permitting