Lake Tahoe gives you alpine water, granite, and snow within a few hours of the Bay Area. It also gives you two states, several counties, a national forest, and mountain weather. Here's what to plan for. Rules change, so confirm with each agency before you shoot.
Who controls the land
The Tahoe basin is split between California and Nevada, and between federal, state, county, and private land. Much of it is national forest managed by the U.S. Forest Service's Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Each landowner has its own permit rules, so map your locations before you budget.
Permits
- Forest Service land: commercial filming on national forest land requires a special use authorization. Contact the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit early (Forest Service special use permits).
- Placer County: the county's film office says to assume a film permit is required at Lake Tahoe (Film Placer Tahoe).
- California state parks: permits go through the California Film Commission's online system, with applications due four business days before the first prep or shoot day.
- The Nevada side has its own agencies and rules. Check before crossing the state line with a crew.
Drones
California State Parks and State Beaches in the Tahoe basin have a no-drone policy that extends 800 feet from shore. Plan aerials somewhere you're clearly allowed to fly, and carry your FAA authorization.
Altitude and weather
- Altitude: the lake sits at about 6,225 feet. Crew coming up from sea level tire faster and need more water. Build breaks into the schedule.
- Light: high-altitude sun and bright water and snow are intense. Bring ND. Our gear list includes Schneider IRND filters from 0.3 to 1.8.
- Cold: batteries lose capacity in the cold. Pack extras and keep them warm.
- Wind: afternoon wind on the lake can knock over frames and ruin sound. Shoot water scenes early and sandbag everything.
Getting there
From the Bay Area, plan on three and a half to four hours without traffic. In winter, check chain controls on I-80 and US-50 before you leave, carry chains, and leave buffer time on both ends of the day.
The right size truck
Mountain roads, lakeside lots, and cabin driveways favor a smaller vehicle. Our ½-ton grip truck carries a full interview or small commercial package without the turning radius of a cube truck. Send us your Tahoe dates and we'll plan around the weather window.
