Locations and Hours
All watercraft with ballasts will need to be decontaminated prior to launching. During winter operations, decontaminations are only available by appointment, please contact us to make arrangements.
Summer inspection appointments are a great option to improve your experience at Tahoe. Appointments can be scheduled now for inspections from May 15 onward.
Book an AppointmentDo 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.
Lake Forest Launch Ramp
2500 Lake Forest Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Oct 1 – April 30 – Open from 8 am – 6 pm daily, weather permitting
*Inspections require sufficient lighting and are only offered during daylight hours
2175 Keetak St, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
May 1 – Sept. 30 – open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily
*CLOSED for season
NV-28 &, US-50, Carson City, NV 89703
May 1 – Sept. 30 – open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily
*CLOSED for season
Cave Rock Launch Ramp
Hwy 28, Glenbrook, NV 89413
Oct 1 – April 30 – Open from 6:00am – 4:00pm daily, weather permitting
*Inspections require sufficient lighting and are only offered during daylight hours
255 Alpine Meadows Rd, Alpine Meadows, CA 96146
May 1 – Sept. 30 – open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily
The Truckee Airport location has closed permanently due to FAA permitting requirements.
*CLOSED for season
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.