Eldorado National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
Campground · Lake Tahoe corridor
Eldorado National Forest Christmas Tree Permit sits at 6991 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra. A high-elevation site sheltered by forest, it runs cooler and calmer than lower-elevation Tahoe-adjacent campgrounds.
Wind averages 7 mph but gusts to 17 mph on exposed afternoons. Morning stillness typical before 11 a.m. Afternoon thermals push air up the drainage by mid-day. Cold persists year-round; expect 38 degrees Fahrenheit as a rolling 30-day average.
Over the past 30 days, the rolling average score has been 12.0, with wind averaging 7 mph and crowding at 6.0 relative to baseline. The week ahead should track the seasonal norm for early late spring. Watch the 7-day forecast for wind gusts above 15 mph, which flag deteriorating afternoon conditions.
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About Eldorado National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
Eldorado National Forest Christmas Tree Permit is a high-Sierra campground in the Lake Tahoe corridor, situated at 6991 feet on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. Access is via Highway 50 from Sacramento or from the Tahoe rim via Highway 89. The site sits in mixed conifer forest typical of the transition zone between the lower Sierra foothills and the alpine ridge. Gateway towns include Placerville to the west and South Lake Tahoe to the east. The location is best reached by vehicle; the nearest major highway corridor is US Route 50.
Conditions at this elevation mean cold persists through most of the year. The 365-day rolling average temperature swings from a minimum of 24 degrees Fahrenheit in deep winter to a maximum of 54 degrees Fahrenheit in peak summer, centering on a 30-day average of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind is moderate; the 30-day average is 7 mph with gusts to 17 mph. Crowding sits at an average of 6.0 on the NoGo scale, indicating moderate but not overwhelming foot traffic. Spring and early summer see the sharpest weather transitions. Late winter snowpack can linger well into spring, affecting access and campground operations.
This location suits visitors planning a Christmas tree cutting permit outing who want high-elevation forest access without extreme exposure. Experienced permit holders know to avoid afternoon wind and plan cutting for early morning hours. Parking fills on weekends, particularly around permit season peaks. The site is best for groups with cold-weather tolerance and vehicles suitable for potential snow or mud. Visitors should bring layers; the 30-day average temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit climbs slowly through the day and can drop sharply after sunset.
Nearby alternatives in the Tahoe corridor include lower-elevation campgrounds on the western slope, which run warmer and less windy but draw heavier crowds. Higher-elevation ridge sites offer colder, clearer conditions but steeper access and shorter operating windows. Visitors combining a permit outing with lake recreation should account for the 1 to 2-hour drive times to Tahoe's main shoreline and marina facilities.