Locations and Hours
Tahoe Boat Inspections will be training staff for the 2021 season on April 26, 27, and 28. During that period, no inspections will be available. If you would like to launch during those dates, please arrange to be inspected beforehand. Cave Rock will remain open to launch sealed vessels only. Lake Forest will be closed 4/26/21 for maintenance, but will reopen 4/27/21 and 4/28/21 to launch sealed vessels only.
The online appointment system is for inspection appointments May 1 thru September 30. During that period, the hours of all three regional inspection stations listed below are 8:30am to 5:30pm.
Until May 1, inspections are only available at Cave Rock State Park and Lake Forest launch ramps during daylight hours, and no appointment is necessary. Inspections will not be available at either of these locations on April 26-28 to accommodate staff training. Cave Rock will remain open to launch sealed vessels only for April 26-28. Lake Forest will be closed April 26 for maintenance, but will reopen April 27-28 to launch sealed vessels only.
No decontaminations are currently possible due to limited staff resources and the work of getting all inspection stations operating by May 1. All ballast boats require a decontamination.
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.
Hwy 50, Glenbrook, NV 89413
Open 6am – 4pm daily, weather permitting. Watercraft inspections are only available during daylight hours.
Inspections available at the ramp. No decontaminations until May 1 at one of the regional inspection stations.
2175 Keetak St, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Closed for the Season
May 1 – Sept. 30 open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily
NV-28 &, US-50, Carson City, NV 89703
Closed for the Season
May 1 – Sept. 30 open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily
2500 Lake Forest Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Open 6am – 4pm daily, weather permitting. Watercraft inspections are only available during daylight hours.
Inspections available at the ramp. No decontaminations until May 1 at one of the regional inspection stations.
255 Alpine Meadows Rd, Alpine Meadows, CA 96146
Closed for the Season
May 1 – Sept. 30 open from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily
The Truckee Airport location has closed permanently due to FAA permitting requirements. Capacity has been increased at the Alpine Meadows inspection station.