Here’s What to Know about Parks Reopening 2026!
California State Parks’ Director Armando Quintero at new D.L. Bliss Welcome Signage. Photo Credit: California State Parks
The Sierra State Parks Foundation is excited for Memorial Day weekend and the beginning of summer programming. While the Visitor Center at Donner Memorial State Park stays open throughout the year, many programs and services at our Lake Tahoe - Donner Lake State Parks are only available in the summer months. We are happy to share many of those re-openings below. More information about events (SSPF and our State Parks partner events) can be found on our Events page.
D.L. Bliss State Park
The renovation work is completely done, and the highly anticipated reopening of D.L. Bliss State Park is set for May 21, 2026, following a comprehensive $5.5 million waterline infrastructure project. The project replaced a failing 1930s-era water system, introducing new pipelines, improved fire protection, and updated storage to protect the park's resources. The park will charge a $10 day-use fee per vehicle, with hours from sunrise to sunset.
In addition to the infrastructure improvement, the Visitor Center that sits at the entrance of the park has also had improvement work done. Our teams have worked diligently to refinish the interior flooring and install a new welcome panel that shares the unique history of the sector. To better meet visitor needs, we have expanded our inventory to include essential camping supplies, alongside our curated selection of apparel and souvenirs. The grand reopening of the Visitor Center is scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd.
Camping reservations at ReserveCalifornia.com became available starting November 21, 2025, for the 2026 season. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Partnerships and Communications Manager for Sierra District Kaytlen Jackson (left) and Bear Management Specialist Sarinah Simons show the difference between the old water pipes and the new ones installed at the park. Photo Credit: California State Parks
Emerald Bay State Park
The Visitor Center at Emerald Bay State Park is reopening on May 23rd, also with expanded retail. The Emerald Bay shuttle returns on Memorial Day (May 25) and will run seven days a week, through Labor Day (September 7). Round-trip fares are $10 for adults, and $5 for kids 13 and younger. Fares will show on a per-leg basis on the booking website ($5 per adult and $2.50 per kid). This is a great solution to avoid overcrowded parking lots and possible towing or parking tickets for the now-illegal shoulder parking.
Access to Vikingsholm is via a STEEP one-mile trail from the parking lot located off of Highway 89 or a less steep 1.5-mile trail that leaves from the Eagle Point Campground campfire center.
WARNING: Visitors with medical conditions, recent surgeries, or mobility issues should not attempt this hike. THERE ARE NO RIDES OUT. Please consider your family and friends’ hiking abilities. Sugar Pine Point State Park has much easier walking access to the lake.
Eagle Point Campground will open 6/12/2026 for the summer season, and Boat-In Campground will open 6/4/2026 for reservations at ReserveCalifornia.com. In addition, the Rubicon Trail is open for hiking (no dogs allowed; pack it in and pack it out).
Vikingsholm Tours will begin May 23rd and run until September 30th. Tours operate daily from 10:30 am – 4 pm runing every half hour. Please note that all tours are first-come, first-served. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center. Discover the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe!
State Park Interpreters will provide free nature programs throughout the summer.
A map of Emerald Bay anchor points. Photo credit: California State Parks
Sugar Pine Point State Park
House tours of the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion return Saturday, May 23rd running daily until September 30th. Tours are 10:30 am – 3:30 pm, on the half hour only (tours last 45 minutes). Please note that all tours are first-come, first served. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center. The property is one of the finest examples of a bygone era of summer retreats found along the shores of Lake Tahoe; walk the interior with a knowledgeable docent who will bring history to life!
The Sugar Pine Point Campground is open year-round with reservations able to be made 6 months in advance via ReserveCalifornia.com.
State Park Interpreters will provide free nature programs throughout the summer.
The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion constructed in 1903, reopens its doors to the public May 23, 2026 for the 2026 season. Photo credit: Sierra State Parks Foundation
