Things to do at Lake Tahoe: Recreation

Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding | Cross Country Skiing
Beaches and Picnic Areas | Campgrounds & Trailer Parks
Children's Activities | Tahoe Hiking & Trail Running
Tahoe Golf Courses | Tahoe Mountain Biking

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Lake Tahoe Region Cross Country Ski Areas

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Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area

Spooner Summit is near the Northeast shore of Lake Tahoe
State Route 28, 12 miles south of Incline Village, NV
Phone: (702) 749-5349

Auburn Ski Area

Programs include a full winter full of events for children and adults.
Located at Boreal on Hwy. 90 West of Truckee
Phone: (530) 426-3313

Blue Lakes Road

State snow park permit required. Purchase yours at a US Forest Service office.
Blue Lakes Road is located on Hwy. 88 just South of Picketts Junction.
North of intersection of Hwys. 88 and 89.

Camp Richardson

Rentals: Touring, skating, snowshoes
Lessons available
Restaurant and cafe
Christmas Gift Shop through the Holidays
User fees are required.

State Route 89
(2 1/2 miles North of the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe)
P.O. Box 9028
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158
Phone: (530) 541-1801 For reservations: (800) 544-1801

Hope Valley Cross-Country

Rentals: Touring, backcountry
Lessons: One and one-half hour lesson & trail pass & equipment rental available
Food: Sorenson's Resort
Cost all day: Donations Accepted

Located at Pickett's Junction where Hwys. 88 and 89 intersect.
Phone: (530) 694-2266

Kirkwood Cross Country

Rentals: Touring, skating, telemark, showshoes
Lessons: Group lesson & trail pass & equipment rental available
Food: Day lodge
Trail fees are required.

Highway 88 near Carson Pass
Kirkwood, CA
Phone: (209) 258-6000

North Tahoe Regional Park

11 K of tracks, mostly for beginner skiers.
Trail fees are required.

National Ave. off State Route 28
Tahoe Vista, CA
Phone: (530) 546-7248

South Shore Beaches & Picnic Areas

Baldwin Beach
Located on Hwy. 89, 4 mi. S. of "The Y", South Lake Tahoe
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Fee, No Dogs Allowed
Operated by US Forest Service (530) 573-2674

Camp Richardson
Located on Hwy. 89, 2.5 mi. N. of "The Y", South Lake Tahoe
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, Playground
Parking Fee, Boat Rentals, Food, Paved Bicycle Path & Rentals Nearby.
Operated by US Forest Service (530) 573-2674

Connolly Beach
Located on Hwy. 50 at Timber Cove Lodge
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas
Boat Launch Nearby, No Lifeguards

El Dorado Beach
Located between Rufus Allen & Lakeview
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, Playground
Boat Launch (depending on lake level), No Lifeguards

Emerald Bay Beach
Located at the base of Emerald Bay
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas
Trails, Pier, Vikingsholm Castle

Fallen Leaf Lake
Located on Fallen Leaf Lake Rd. off Hwy. 89
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Boat Launch, Fallen Leaf Lake Lodge

Kiva Beach
Located on Hwy. 89, 2.5 mi. N. of "The Y", South Lake Tahoe
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Dogs on Leashes Allowed
Operated by US Forest Service (530) 573-2674

Nevada Beach
Located on Elk Point Rd. near Roundhill & Hwy. 50
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
No Dogs Allowed, Boat Launch at South End
Operated by US Forest Service (530) 573-2674

Pope Beach
Located on Hwy. 89, 2 mi. N. of "The Y", South Lake Tahoe
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Fee, No Dogs Allowed
Operated by US Forest Service (530) 573-2674

Regan Beach
Located West of Hwy. 50 at Lakeview & Sacramento
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Playground
No Dogs, Fires or Alcohol Allowed
Operated by City of South Lake Tahoe (530) 542-6055
Regan Beach is a great place to take your toddlers for a lake-side swing in the playground. Bring your picnic basket, and your family will enjoy some of the best lakefront dining anywhere! You will marvel at the sweeping views from your picnic table. Plus, remember to bring along some bread crumbs for the friendly ducks and geese!

D.L. Bliss State Park
Located on Hwy. 89, South of Meeks Bay
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Admission Fee, Trails, Camping, Beach

Kaspian Recreation Area
Located on Hwy 89, South of Sunnyside
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Campsites Across the Highway
Operated by US Forest Service
Reservations: 800/280-2267
Information (no reservations): 530/544-5994

Meeks Bay Campground
Located 10 mi. South of Tahoe City
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Boat Launch, Sandy Beach, Fee
Reservations: (800) 280-2267
Information (not reservations): (530) 544-5994

Sugar Pine Point State Park
Located North of Meeks Bay
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Fee for Cars, Free Pier

William Kent Campground
Located on Hwy. 89 at Sunnyside
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Rocky Beach, Sunbathing
Operated by US Forest Service
Reservations: (800) 280-2267
Information (no reservations): (530) 583-3642

Agatam Beach
Located on Hwy. 28, Tahoe Vista, Agatam St.
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, 300' Beach & Lawn Area
Operated by North Tahoe Public Utility District (530) 546-7248

Coon St. Picnic Area
Located the East End of Kings Beach
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, Playground
Operated by N. Tahoe Public Util. Dist. (530) 546-7248

Kings Beach Rec. Area
Located at the Center of Kings Beach
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, Playground
Operated by N. Tahoe Public Util. Dist. (530) 546-7248

Lake Forest Beach
Located 1 mi. East of Tahoe City
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Operated by Tahoe City Public Util. Dist. (530) 583-5544

Moondunes Beach
Located in Tahoe Vista near Pino Grande
Has Picnic Areas, Firepits, 600' Swimming Beach
Operated by N. Tahoe Public Util. Dist. (530) 546-7248

North Tahoe Beach Center
Located in Kings Beach
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Fee for Sauna, Clubhouse, Hot Tub, Weights

North Tahoe Marina
Located in Tahoe Vista on Hwy. 28
Has Picnic Areas, Firepits, Boat Launch
Operated by N. Tahoe Public Util. Dist. (530) 546-7248

North Tahoe Regional Park
Located in Tahoe Vista
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, Playgrounds
Trails, Volleyball, Softball

Patton Beach
Located on Hwy. 28 in Carnelian Bay
Has Picnic Areas, Firepits
Rocky Beach
Operated by N. Tahoe Public Util. Dist. (530) 546-7248

Sand Harbor Nevada State Park
Located South of Incline Village
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, Cultural Events
Boat Launch, Lifeguards, Fee

Secline Beach
Located at the End of Secline St., Kings Beach
Has Picnic Areas, 300' Beach
Operated by N. Tahoe Public Util. Dist. (530) 546-7248

Tahoe City Commons Beach
Located in the Center of Tahoe City
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, Playground
Operated by Tahoe City Public Utility Dist. (530) 583-5544

Tahoe State Recreation Area
Located next to McDonalds, Tahoe City
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
38 Campsites, Open Dawn till Dusk

West End Beach
Located at the West End of Donner Lake, Truckee
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits, Playground
Volleyball, Tennis
Admission Fee

William B. Layton Memorial Park
Located in Tahoe City
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Rocky Shore, Grass, Gatekeepers Museum

East Shore Beaches & Picnic Areas

Zephyr Cove Beach
Located on Hwy. 50 at Zephyr Cove
Has Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Firepits
Parking Fee, Boat Rentals, Cruises, Food
Operated by US Forest Service (530) 573-2674

Camp Richardson Resort
2 mi. Northwest of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy. 89
Camp Richardson Resort is one of Lake Tahoe's year round retreats, located on the South Shore minutes from Heavenly Valley ski area and all the casinos. A variety of accommodations: lakefront cabins, condominiums, hotel rooms, tent and RV campsites.

Campground by the Lake
Hwy. 50 near South Lake Tahoe
Fee, 170 sites (170 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Fallen Leaf
.25 mi. from of the town of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89
(530) 573-2600
Fee, 205 sites (130 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

KOA of South Lake Tahoe
5 mi. Southwest of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy. 50
(530) 577-3693
Fee, 68 sites (52 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Lakeside Mobile Home RV
South Lake Tahoe
(530) 544-4704
Open Year Round, Fee, 43 sites (10 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush. Toilets, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Nevada Beach
1 mi. Northeast of Stateline on Hwy. 50
(530) 573-2600
Fee, 54 sites (30 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Tahoe Pines
Tahoe Paradise (Meyers) 5 mi. Southwest of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy. 50
(530) 577-1653
Fee, 80 sites (50 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Tahoe Valley
South Lake Tahoe at Hwy. 50 and "C" St.
(530) 541-2222
Fee, 410 sites (301 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

D.L. Bliss State Park
11 mi. South of Homewood on Hwy. 89
(530) 525-7277
Fee, 168 sites (21 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Emerald Bay State Park
At Eagle Point on Hwy. 89, Emerald Bay
(530) 541-3030
Fee, 100 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming
Vikingsholm Castle tours through Labor Day

Emerald Bay Boat Camp
North Shore of Emerald Bay
(530) 525-7277
Fee, 22 sites (no RV sites), Piped Water, Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Kaspian
5 mi. South of Tahoe City on Hwy. 89
(530) 573-2600
Fee, 10 sites (no RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Meeks Bay Resort
10 mi. South of Tahoe City on Hwy. 89
NEW Numbers: (530) 525-6946 for the Resort and (530) 525-5588 for Meeks Bay Marina.
Fee, 28 sites (10 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, No Pets, Swimming

Meeks Bay Campground
10 mi. South of Tahoe City on Hwy. 89
Reservations: (800) 280-2267
Information (not reservations): (530) 544-5994
Fee, 40 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Sugar Pine Point State Park
At General Creek on Hwy. 89
(530) 525-7982
Year-Round, Fee, 175 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

William Kent
2 mi. South of Tahoe City on Hwy. 89
Operated by US Forest Service
Reservations: (800) 280-2267
Information (no reservations): (530) 583-3642
Fee, 95 sites (40 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Lake Forest
2 mi Northeast of Tahoe City off Hwy. 28
(530) 583-3795
Fee, 21 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Mt. Rose
7 mi. Northeast on Hwy. 431
(702) 882-2766
Fee, 24 sites (9 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK

Sandy Beach Campground
Tahoe Vista
(530) 546-7682
Fee, 40 sites (20 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Tahoe State Recreation Area
.25 mi. East of Tahoe City
(530) 583-3074
Fee, 39 sites (23 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Boca
Boca Reservoir off I-80
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 20 sites (10 RV sites), Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Boca Rest
9.5 mi. East of Truckee off I-80
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 25 sites (all RV sites), Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Boyington Mill
10 mi Northeast of Truckee off I-80
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 10 sites (no RV sites), Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Donner Memorial State Park
3 mi. West of Truckee off I-80
(530) 587-3841
Fee, 252 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming
Emigrant Trail Museum

Goose Meadows
5 mi. Southwest of Truckee off Hwy. 89
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 25 sites (all RV sites), Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Granite Flat
3 mi. Southwest of Truckee off Hwy. 89
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 75 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Lakeside
at Prosser Lake off Hwy. 89
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 30 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Logger
10 mi. East of Truckee off I-80 at Hirshdale
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 252 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Martis Creek
5 mi. Southeast of Truckee off Hwy. 267
(530) 639-2342
Fee, 29 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Prosser
at Prosser Lake off Hwy. 89
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 29 sites (all RV sites), Piped Water, Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Sage Hen
11 mi. North of Truckee off Hwy. 89
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 9 sites (no RV sites), Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Pets OK

Silver Creek
9 mi. South of Truckee off Hwy. 89
(530) 587-3558
Fee, 26 sites (19 RV sites), Piped Water, Chem. Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

East Shore Campgrounds

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Zephyr Cove
at Zephyr Cove on Hwy. 50
(702) 588-6644
Year-Round, Fee, 181 sites (107 RV sites), Piped Water, Flush Toilets, Firepits, Tables, Pets OK, Swimming

Sledding: Echo Summit Sno-Park on U.S. Highway 50

The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation runs two sno-parks at Echo Summit on land leased from the U.S. Forest Service.

Jim Ussery operates a concession at one of the sno-parks, on the east side of Highway 50, where Jim and other famiily members sell snacks and equipment and rent sleds and saucers at the park. They also sell sno-park permits on site. The winter of 1998-1999 is the first year that Parks and Recreation has allowed a concession to operate in the sno-park.

The fee is just $5 for the whole family. Bring your own tube, snowboard or garbage can lid, if you like! Call ahead to verify fees and availability, which are subject to change.

Sledding: Other Lake Tahoe area sledding hills...

South Shore Sledding: Across from the South Lake Tahoe airport on Highway 50 south of the "Y". You can't miss it. However, parking is limited, and you can't park on the highway. Bring your own sled, since this is not a commercial hill.

North Shore Sledding: At Spooner Summit, sledding is popular on the southwest corner of Highways 50 and 28. Bring your own sled, since this is not a commercial hill. (A Few Warnings: Do not park on the highway interchange, where you will get a ticket! And, please be especially careful when driving in this area, which is the scene of many high-speed accidents.) Access to parking is from Highway 28.

Runners and Hikers... Click Here for the Tahoe Mountain Milers Web Site... Click Here for the Tahoe Rim Trail Web Site...

South Lake Tahoe City Bike Path

This paved bike path is a real asset to the town of South Lake Tahoe. Located away from the busy roads along scenic meadows and quiet neighborhoods, the mostly flat path is ideal for commuting whether headed to work or to the beaches. The bike path goes from Timber Cove Lodge in mid-town and connects to the Forest Service Bike Path, which continues several miles along side of Emerald Bay Road.

Fallen Leaf Road

How To Get There: From South Lake Tahoe, head north on Highway 89 about one mile past Camp Richardson Lodge. Fallen Leaf Road is on the left, and it can be easy to miss. Park your car in the turnout here, or access Fallen Leaf Road from the Forest Service Bike Path (on the Lake Tahoe side of Highway 89).

Angora Lakes

The Ride: Ride Fallen Leaf Road 1 1/2 miles from Highway 89 and turn left onto Tahoe Mountain Road, then right on Angora Ridge Road after a 1/3 mile climb. The partially paved road will climb steeply for 1 1/2 miles to a fire lookout station with great views of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. The road then descends to a parking lot. Take the trailhead to Angora Lake, another 1/8 mile up, some 5 miles from Highway 89.

Powerline Trail

Start from either Oneidas Street or Garbage Dump Road (at the end of Elks Club Road on Pioneer Trail), head east along the double-track, which is the service road for a large set of power lines and also doubles as a designated off-highway vehicle (OHV) route. The OHV road ends at Cold Creek, and a single track trail ascends behind the Montgomery Estates neighborhood and continues to Ski Run Boulevard near the California base-side of the Heavenly Valley Ski Area.

Corral Loop

The Ride: Take Oneidas Street off Pioneer Trail (road) and follow the paved but little-traveled road several miles up a steep 2-mile climb. Fifty yards past the bridge at Trout Creek, turn left into a turnout trail (you will see the trail marker). The single-track leads up one little climb and then descends through some sand and rock, technical sections before opening into some twisting, fast turns. The trail ends at Powerline Trail, so you can either turn right onto the Powerline or veer left back to Oneidas.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

Named after the Disneyland roller-coaster.

Start from the Bid Meadow Trailhead (parking and restrooms) off Luther Pass Grade on Highway 89. Ride the Tahoe Rim Trail east 3 miles up gorgeous, technically-challenging single track to tucker Flat. Turn left at the Saxon Creek trail marker and prepare to heat up your brakes. For approximately 4 1/2 miles, it's almost all downhill, technical through some early sections and pulverized by overuse in others, but there are still fun curves as you reach the bottom. You will find many streams and meadows along the route.

The Flume Trail

Start at Spooner Lake Nevada State Park near the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 28. (Parking fee required.) The route starts as a double-track meandering north through aspen groves, then ascends to Marlette Lake. At Marlette Lake, go left along the lake. At the end of the lake, you will follow narrow single-track cut into the side of the steep slope. Lake Tahoe is 1,000 feet below you! Several miles from Marlette Lake the trail forks. Go left and descend into Incline Village, where you loop back to your car via Highway 28, or simply take a carpool back. (Trail maps are available at parking lot.)

Lake Tahoe home buyers and sellers: contact Patrick for all your Lake Tahoe real estate needs.