Summary
Nevada Beach consists of two separate but related parts. The day use area features one of the longest and widest public beaches on Lake Tahoe. The Nevada Beach campground has 51 sites. Lake Tahoe is visible from most campsites and it is a short walk to the beach. Moreover, Nevada Beach is an easy drive from the Reno / Sparks area and offers a peaceful retreat in the beautiful Lake Tahoe Basin.
Nevada Beach is a U.S. Forest Service campground and beach and part of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Facilities at Nevada Beach, both the campground and day use area, are operated under a special use permit by California Land Management, a private concessionaire.
Nevada Beach Day Use Area
The Nevada Beach day-use area features a vast expanse of sand that reaches from shady picnic spots with tables all the way to the shore of Lake Tahoe. Notably, there are picnic pavilions, though these are reservable and may not be available on some days.
At the shoreline with Lake Tahoe, the water remains shallow for a significant distance, making it an ideal play area for families with children. Proper water play caution is always necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable day at the beach. Consequently, it’s advisable to bring beach umbrellas or other types of shade, as there is none at the water’s edge. Please note that pets are not permitted in the picnic area or on the beach anywhere in the day use area.
The day-use fee is $7 per car. You can pay an attendant upon entry or utilize the self-service system if no attendant is present. There is parking available along the road parallel to the beach, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Facilities include flush toilets and drinking water. Additionally, the vehicle length limit is 45 feet.
Nevada Beach Campground
The Nevada Beach campground is situated in a grove of tall pine trees and is mostly flat. There really aren’t any undesirable spots among the 51 campsites, and you can view Lake Tahoe from most of them. The campground serves as a quiet oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Stateline / South Lake Tahoe tourist activity. It is a popular family destination, with ample opportunities for hiking, sunbathing, swimming, boating, fishing, or simply relaxing. Therefore, this family fun spot is a short drive from the urban confines of Reno and Sparks.
Nevada Beach campground is extremely popular, and a stay here necessitates advance planning. Of the 51 campsites, 47 are reservable and they are typically booked solid through the summer. For checking availability, you may visit the Recreation.gov online reservation system. Simply driving in and expecting to find an open campsite is often futile, although a few spots may be available on any given day. If you try this method, ensure you have a Plan B ready.
Facilities and recreation opportunities at Nevada Beach campground include:
- On-site campground host
- Beach and lake access
- Campfire rings and firewood for sale
- Picnic tables at each site
- Fishing and boating access
- Flush toilet bathrooms and drinking water
- Food storage boxes
- Nearby ranger station
The nightly camping fee at Nevada Beach campground ranges from $30 to $36. Since Nevada Beach is a federal facility, holders of senior citizen, disability, and regular annual passes receive a 50% discount on camping fees. Other passes may also apply as indicated here.
Directions to Nevada Beach
Nevada Beach day use area and campground are located on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, approximately 3 miles north of Stateline, Nevada, and South Lake Tahoe, California. To reach Nevada Beach, turn toward Lake Tahoe from Highway 50 at Elks Point Road, then go half a mile to Nevada Beach. There is a traffic signal and a shopping center on the east side of the intersection.
From Reno, take I580 / U.S. 395 south to Carson City. Follow the signs to remain on 395 south, then take U.S. 50 toward Lake Tahoe. South of Zephyr Cove and about three miles before reaching Stateline, look for the signs to Nevada Beach and turn right (toward Lake Tahoe) on Elks Point Road. This route covers approximately 57 miles.
An alternative route involves taking the Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada 431) from south Reno to Incline Village. From there, take Nevada 28 right and follow it along the lakeshore to the intersection with U.S. 50. Go right again and follow the highway to the Elks Point Road intersection as described above. This scenic route is approximately 60 miles; however, it takes considerably longer due to the winding mountain roads.
Other Attractions Near Nevada Beach
Nevada Beach serves as an excellent base camp for various activities and events throughout Lake Tahoe. It is just three miles from the casinos, restaurants, and nightlife at Stateline / South Lake Tahoe. Additionally, Zephyr Cove is nearby, where you can enjoy a scenic lake tour aboard the MS Dixie II paddlewheeler. Other Lake Tahoe water sports adventures are also available. For a scenic hiking experience, consider exploring the Marlette-Hobart backcountry, part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Furthermore, during July and August, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival presents plays and performances at Sand Harbor, near Incline Village.
Here are some of the other amenities and activities available within a few miles of Nevada Beach:
- Bike riding and bike rentals
- Casinos and restaurants
- Gasoline and propane fuel
- Golf courses
- Grocery stores
- Laundry facilities
- Marina
- Hiking trailheads
