Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe is world-renowned for its stunning natural beauty. From crystal clear lake waters that shimmer all year round to the breathtaking mountain vistas surrounding, there is so much to explore and discover. Lake Tahoe also boasts a wide array of state parks perfect for every visitor, whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon on the beach, you prefer to spend your time wandering the trees or both! Read on for all the information you need to navigate Lake Tahoe’s state parks. 

Nevada State Parks 

Spooner Lake and Backcountry 

Tucked near the east shore, Spooner Lake is a tranquil spot surrounded by over 12,000 acres of peaceful forests and lush meadows. Within the park, you’ll find 50 miles of hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails, perfect for adventurers of any level. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find a new way to explore — from hiking and biking in the summer months to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Avid hikers will appreciate the easy access to a wide variety of popular trails, including the Tahoe Rim Trail. With so much to do, you should consider making your visit here an overnight one. It’s also the southern entry point for the famed Tahoe Flume Trail and has access via Marlette Lake. Luckily, Spooner Lake State Park offers camping as well as cabins, which feature beds and restrooms.    

Quick Tips: 

1. Park hours are sunrise to sunset. 
2. Entry fee is $10 per vehicle, or $15 for all non-Nevada vehicles.
3. Bike-in entry is $2 per bike.  
4. Contact the park for pricing information on camping and cabins.  

Sand Harbor

Located just south of Incline Village, NV, Sand Harbor is one of the most beautiful parks around the Lake Tahoe area. The park features sandy beaches, rocky coves and panoramic views of the lake as well as shaded picnic areas and a few different paved hiking trails, including the popular Tahoe East Shore Trail. The park is open year-round and offers especially ethereal views of the lake during the winter. During the summer months, the park hosts the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, where visitors can enjoy professional performances of the Bard’s best works against the stunning backdrop of the lake while indulging in gourmet food and drinks. Once the snow starts to fall, the lake remains an ethereal place to explore, even if you aren’t going in the water. In the winter, you can enjoy snowshoeing along the beach or embrace the magic of the holiday season on a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Sand Harbor Sleigh Rides. The parking lot is kept clear of snow during the winter months. 
 
Quick Tips: 

1. Sand Harbor is quite popular during peak season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visitors planning to visit during these months should be prepared for park closures and have an alternative destination in mind. 
2. To reduce traffic congestion and improve trip planning, the Nevada Division of State Parks is introducing day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park. Starting August 17th through October 13th, 2024, reservations will be required on weekends and holidays. Reservations will be available to book starting July 1st, with full implementation of the program set for April 2025. Make a reservation here. 
3. Entry fee is $10 per vehicle, or $15 for all non-Nevada vehicles. 
4. Bike-in entry is $2 per bike. 
5. Pets are prohibited during the peak season; during the off-season (October 15th – April 15th), pets are allowed on leash. 

California State Parks 

Tahoe State Recreation Area 

Situated in Tahoe City, CA, this state recreation area is primarily a campground, making it the perfect place to plan a Lake Tahoe outdoor getaway. Here, you’ll find 23 picturesque campgrounds complete with picnic tables and space for up to eight people per site. With easy access to the lake and proximity to the Truckee River, it’s an excellent spot for fishing, boating and swimming. The campground provides a peaceful setting with beautiful lake views and is conveniently located near local Tahoe City shops and restaurants. 

Quick Tips: 

1. Check-in is 2 PM; check-out is 12 PM. 
2. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM. 
3. All food, beverages, toiletries and trash containing food/smells are required by law to be stored in provided food lockers except when food is being prepared or eaten to avoid attracting bears. 

Kings Beach State Recreation Area 

A popular beach along the north shore, Kings Beach State Recreation Area is perfect for a sunny afternoon spent sunbathing and swimming. You’ll also find a wide range of fun activities available, including a playground for kids, a basketball court, volleyball poles, watersports such as jet skiing and more. In the winter, it’s a great spot to take in some lake views as you snowshoe across the beach. Its location right in the heart of the town of Kings Beach provides easy access to dining and shopping once you’re done soaking in the scenery. 

Quick Tips: 

1. Kings Beach State Recreation area is day-use only. 
2. Dogs are not allowed on the beach year-round, but leashed dogs are allowed in paved park areas. 
3. The parking lot is open from 6 AM to 9 PM. 
4. Peak season parking is $10 per vehicle, or $3 per hour, and off-season parking is $5 per day.  

 D.L. Bliss State Park 

Note: D.L. Bliss State Park is closed for the 2024 season due to the Waterline Replacement Project.  
 
Located about 17 miles south of Tahoe City, D.L. Bliss State Park offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and access to some of the best hiking trails in the area, including the Rubicon Trail, a 7.4-mile trail that connects D.L. Bliss to Emerald Bay. It’s an excellent spot for swimming and scuba diving through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, or simply soaking in some sun as you watch the water.  

Quick Tips: 

1. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or trails. Dogs are allowed in the campground and picnic areas on leashes. 
2. All food, beverages and toiletries are required by law to be stored in provided food lockers except when food is being prepared or eaten.  
3. The campsite fee is $45 for Beach Camp and $35 for all others. 
4. Keep an eye on the website for information about when this park will be reopening. 

Skylandia State Park & Beach 

This state park, located in Tahoe City, offers visitors both a wide expanse of park to explore as well as a sandy beach perfect for lakeside activities all year long. The park’s picnic areas provide stunning views of the lake, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day by the water during the sunnier months or snowshoeing during the winter. Skylandia also features a network of trails that wind through the forested areas if you prefer to spend your afternoon immersed among the trees. 

Quick Tips: 

1. Pets are allowed on leashes in the park area, but not on the beach. 
2. Public restrooms are available.  
3. Drinking water is available. 

Emerald Bay State Park and Vikingsholm Mansion 

One of Lake Tahoe’s most popular destinations, known for its stunning vistas and historic landmarks, Emerald Bay has long been a must-visit spot — even earning a National Natural Landmark title in 1969. Here, you’ll find Vikingsholm Mansion, an impressive Scandinavian-style castle dating back to the late 1920s, as well as Fannette Island, the only island in the Lake Tahoe area. Aside from these historic sites, the park offers many hiking trails with breathtaking views of the lake — and adventurous visitors can even strap on their diving gear and explore the park’s underwater “trail” of historical artifacts. 

Quick Tips 

1. Overnight camping is available at the park’s two campgrounds. 
2. Dogs and pets are not allowed. 
3. Vehicles cannot drive down to the lake; the lake and Vikingsholm castle are only accessible via pedestrian trails. These trails are not recommended for visitors with mobility issues. 
4. For more detailed information, check out our blog: Your Ultimate Guide to Emerald Bay. 

Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park 

Another site of historical significance, Sugar Pine Point State Park features nearly two miles of pristine lakefront space to explore and is home to the Hellman-Ehrman mansion, a beautiful summer home originally constructed in 1903. In addition to historic tours, visitors can also explore eight different hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, catch a fish or two or simply unwind among some of the greatest natural wonders in the world, this park has it all.  

Quick Tips 

1. Sugar Pine Point has several campsites available for groups of any size. Reserve your campsite up to six months in advance. 
2. Day-use parking is $10 per vehicle during the peak season, $5 per vehicle in the winter or free if you are camping at Sugar Pine Point. 
3. Leashed dogs are welcome on paved trails, but not on beaches or unpaved trails.  

Donner Memorial State Park & Emigrant Trail Museum 

This historic site is ideal for anyone interested in some local history alongside their outdoor adventures. The park features several commemorative attractions detailing aspects of the region’s long and storied past, including the incredible Pioneer Monument, a towering and beautiful statue that honors the pioneers who first crossed the Sierras on their journey west. The pedestal the statue sits upon is 22 feet tall, which illustrates the height of the snowfall the famous Donner Party encountered on their trek. In addition to its incredible historic significance, this state park offers outdoor activities all year round, from swimming, fishing and boating to skiing, snowshoeing and snow play.  
 
Quick Tips: 

1. Stop by the visitor’s center to get a full picture of the area’s fascinating history. In total, the visitor’s center offers guests about an hour of exploration, if they plan to see all the exhibits. 
2. Day-use fee is $10 per vehicle from May 1st-September 30th and $5 per vehicle from October 1st-April 30th. 
3. The park offers 154 campsites for overnight stays. Check out all camping information on their website. 

Know Before You Go & Travel Responsibly

There’s no question that Lake Tahoe’s beauty is the stuff of legends. We want to keep it that way. When you travel to the region, it is imperative that you practice responsible travel in order to preserve the area for generations to come. For specific, actionable tips on sustainable travel, check out our hub for all things sustainability. 
 
The first step to traveling responsibly? Staying prepared. Our Know Before You Go guide offers you all the information you need ahead of your trip, such as local and state alerts, real-time weather tracking, road information and much more.  

Ahead of your exploration of Lake Tahoe’s state parks, be aware that wood and charcoal fires are not prohibited in any day-use areas. Propane and gas fires are allowed. We recommend reviewing the California and Nevada State Park guidelines before your trip, as well. 

Discover True Tahoe Adventure 

No matter when you plan your visit, Lake Tahoe offers truly unparalleled outdoor adventure. Discover breathtaking scenery, unmatched relaxation and so much more when you plan your stay in Lake Tahoe.