Locations and Hours
All three regional inspection stations are open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for walk-ins and appointments.
Services end at 5:30 p.m. Inspectors do their best to serve all boaters in the queue but will not begin an inspection after 4:30 p.m.
The appointment system is live for the 2026 boating season. We recommend making an appointment, but walk-ins are still permitted.
Please follow @TahoeBoating for updates throughout the season.
2175 Keetak St, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
May 1 – Sept 30: Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
255 Alpine Meadows Rd, Alpine Meadows, CA 96146
May 1 – Sept. 30: Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
OPEN
NV-28 &, US-50, Carson City, NV 89703
May 1 – Sept. 30: Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Upcoming Closures:
- Spooner will delay opening Sunday, June 14, until 9 am, for the Rock Tahoe Marathon.
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 Lake Tahoe launch site.
In all other cases:
- Trailered, Motorized: Inspection and decontamination required
- Trailered, Non-Motorized: Inspection and decontamination required
- Destined for Fallen Leaf or Echo Lakes: Inspection and decontamination required green or yellow seal for desired lake
- Hand-launched Electric Motorized: Inspection and decontamination required
- Hand-launched Non-Motorized: TahoeKeepers.org
Visit TahoeBoatInspections.com/FAQ for more details
Do I need a decontamination?
In 2025, the Watercraft Inspection Prorgam enacted mandatory decontaminations for all watercraft following inspection. This decision was made to protect Lake Tahoe from the threat of invasive golden mussels. The decontamination fee structure has been updated to support the additional services.
If your vessel has an intact inspection seal from the last time it was hauled out of Lake Tahoe, you do not need an inspection or decontamination and can proceed straight to your preferred launch site on Lake Tahoe. If you are heading to Fallen Leaf Lake or Echo Lakes, and you don’t have an intact (yellow or green) seal from the respective lake, you must get a decontamination.
Following inspection, all other motorized and/or trailered watercraft will be subject to decontamination. Clean, Drain, and Dry your vessel to save 50% on decontamination fees.