08/28/2026
Forest Service Announces Zephyr Cove Resort Proposals
Includes Resort Improvements and Multi-Year Vision
The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with Zephyr Cove Resort, is pleased to announce proposed improvements designed to strengthen essential infrastructure, enhance sanitation, improve shoreline safety, and improve accessibility. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to responsible stewardship, sustainability, and the meaningful feedback received from neighbors, community members, and stakeholders.
“We heard the community’s voice, asking us to limit development of the Zephyr Shoals area and prevent overnight use,” said Public Services Staff Officer, Daniel Cressy. “We also heard the suggestion that any substantial development should be concentrated in the southern portion of the resort area, closer to existing developed facilities. The proposed improvements were directly informed by this input.”
2026 Proposed Improvements:
🔹Parking Access and Safety - Construct a 40-car day use parking area and install best management practices along the existing roadway from the Warrior Way intersection south to the adjacent day use parking area to support access to shoreline recreation. Continue lakeshore bluff rustic fencing to protect vegetation and direct public to designated beach access routes.
🔹Accessible Recreation - Formalize and pave the multi use trail along the lakeshore bluff to improve safe and accessible pedestrian connections across the resort, while protecting the bluff from erosion and improving maintenance access.
🔹Sanitation and Guest Comfort - Construct a permanent restroom facility at Warrior Way Beach to improve comfort, sanitation, and safety in one of the resort’s busier recreation zones.
🔹Wastewater Systems - Upgrade Wastewater Systems to support improved sanitation facilities.
🔹Pedestrian Bridge - Replace the pedestrian bridge north of the pier.
🔹Sunset Bar and Grill - Replace the Sunset Bar and Grill building (starting 2027)
Multiyear Vision Proposed for 2027–2033:
Looking ahead, the Forest Service and Zephyr Cove Resort continue to explore ideas for improvement beyond 2026. Currently, we are developing an aspirational roadmap which outlines potential improvements designed to enhance guest experience, protect natural resources, and expand accessibility across the resort. These concepts remain subject to Forest Service review, environmental considerations, and continued community input.
Proposals include:
🔹Existing Facilities - Upgrades to existing facilities including new cabin roofs, new restaurant equipment, renovation of the housekeeping/maintenance facility, replacement of lodge windows and roof, and upgrades to water and sewer systems.
🔹Zephyr Shoals Caretaker Cabin - Renovate the Zephyr Shoals caretaker cabin to improve security.
🔹Parking Areas – Repave parking areas to improve safety, sustainability and visitor experience.
🔹Hiking Trails - Define hiking trails in the Zephyr Shoals area to improve visitor experience and reduce user-created trails.
🔹Pedestrian Bridge - Extend the lakeshore bluff footpath to connect Zephyr Cove to Zephyr Shoals with a new pedestrian bridge.
🔹Restrooms/Utility Infrastructure - Construct a permanent restroom and install utilities at Zephyr Shoals.
🔹Picnic Tables - Install new picnic tables in beach and campground areas to support family recreation.
🔹Emergency Service Pier Expansion - Continue collaboration with emergency response agencies to support expansion of the pier to meet current emergency response needs.
Community Engagement and Transparency:
The development of both the 2026 improvements and the multi year plan was shaped by public meetings, neighbor feedback, and stakeholder input. This dialogue helped refine priorities, identify community concerns, and ensure that future improvements reflect shared values around safety, environmental protection, and equitable access.
To support ongoing transparency, Zephyr Cove Resort will soon launch a public facing project landing page on their website. This webpage will include project updates along with an opportunity to share comments through a “provide feedback” feature.
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