Beach and Picnic Areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin

National Forest beaches and picnic areas at Lake Tahoe are generally open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. The length of the open season depends on snowfall conditions and may vary from year to year.

Most beaches and picnic areas charge a parking fee per vehicle. Hours of operation at National Forest beaches are 8 a.m. until sunset. Season passes may be purchased at National Forest beach kiosks. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted at beaches or picnic areas. Propane appliances are allowed with a valid CA Campfire Permit.

Season beach passes for National Forest beaches around Lake Tahoe are available for purchase in person at the following beaches and campgrounds: Baldwin Beach, Fallen Leaf Campground, Nevada Beach Campground, and Pope Beach. 

• Beach and Picnic area Recreational Opportunity Guide
  (PDF 355 KB)
• Tahoe Beach App
  Search and discover Lake Tahoe public beaches

East Shore

• Chimney Beach
  (USFS)
• Nevada Beach
  (USFS/Tahoe Recreation)
• Round Hill Pines Beach Resort
  (USFS/SUP)
• Secret Cove
  (USFS)
• Zephyr Cove Resort
  (USFS/SUP)

South Shore

• Baldwin Beach
  (USFS/Tahoe Recreation)
• Camp Richardson Resort
  (USFS/SUP)
• Emerald Bay State Park
  (CSP)
• Kiva Picnic Area
  (USFS)
• Pope Beach
  (USFS/Tahoe Recreation)

West Shore

• D.L. Bliss State Park
  (CSP)
• Kaspian Picnic Area
  (USFS/Tahoe Recreation)
• Meeks Bay
  (USFS/Tahoe Recreation)
• Meeks Bay Resort
  (USFS/SUP)
• Sugar Pine Point State Park
  (CSP)
• William Kent Picnic Area
  (USFS/Tahoe Recreation)

Operated By

CSP: Beach is on State of California land and is managed by California State Parks.
USFS: Beach is on National Forest land and managed by the USDA Forest Service.
USFS/Tahoe Recreation: Beach is on National Forest land and is managed by Tahoe Recreation under a special use permit.
USFS/SUP: Beach is on National Forest land and is managed by a concessionaire under a special use permit.