Can you swim in Lake Tahoe? As with just about everything, the answer is Yes, but… . You can swim in the lake, but you have to keep in mind that even though the air may be warm, the water can be dangerously cold. After a warm summer, the surface water can warm to 65 to 75 degrees, which is cool but comfortable for swimming. However, temperatures can drop has much as 10 degrees just 18 inches below the surface. So diving into deep water can cause a dangerous condition known as a cold-shock response. It’s best to enter the water slowly to give your body time to adjust to the cold temperatures. Swimmers should watch for obstacles, keep an eye on the weather, and always look out for boats. Never swim alone, and supervise children at all times. So can you swim in Lake Tahoe? Yes. The list below includes favorite places for South Lake Tahoe swimming. If you prefer a pool to swimming in the lake, these listings will point you to swimming pools in South Lake Tahoe.
Featured for Your Visit
Swimming in West Shore, CA
11001 CA Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay State Park. The park includes two campgrounds: the Boat-In Camp (accessible by boat and foot only) and Eagle Point Campground. Within the park are various treasures including Tahoe's hidden castle, Vikingsholm, the scenic Rubicon foot trail that connects Eagle Point Campground with Vikingsholm and DL Bliss State Park. The park also encompasses Fanette Island, the only island of Lake Tahoe. The park extends below the surface of the lake, where visitors will find a historical story book of days gone by in the form of sunken barges, ships and launches. The park closes down in the winter, though people are able to walk the mile-long, steep trail to Vikingsholm Castle to enjoy the grounds and beaches. The trail can be a bit treacherous in winter if snowy or icy. Visitors should remember to pack it in and pack it out and to leave no trace.
If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay State Park. The park includes two campgrounds: the Boat-In Camp (accessible by boat and foot only) and Eagle Point Campground. Within the park are various treasures including Tahoe's hidden castle, Vikingsholm, the scenic Rubicon foot trail that connects Eagle Point Campground with Vikingsholm and DL Bliss State Park. The park...read more
If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay...read more
CA Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
DL Bliss State Park is a culmination of absolute Tahoe beauty in the form of stunning turquoise water, old-growth forests and giant cartoon-like granite boulders that balance themselves like toys in amazing ways. There are multiple hiking trails that lead from the park, giving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the splendor that outdoor Tahoe has to offer, and you'll find several good dive spots here too. To help enjoy the area even more, there are 150 regular campsites and one group site, all having easy access to the water via various points around the park. The park is also good for dogs as long as they're on a leash at all times and not on the trails. If you're coming to the park for day use only it is highly advised that you come early, as the park tends to be very busy and parking is limited. The park does not allow day use visitors once the parking lots are full. The park closes in the winter, although access to trails is still available. Visitors should remember to pack it in and pack it out and to leave no trace.
DL Bliss State Park is a culmination of absolute Tahoe beauty in the form of stunning turquoise water, old-growth forests and giant cartoon-like granite boulders that balance themselves like toys in amazing ways. There are multiple hiking trails that lead from the park, giving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the splendor that outdoor Tahoe has to offer, and you'll find several good dive spots here...read more
DL Bliss State Park is a culmination of absolute Tahoe beauty in the form of...read more
Swimming in West Shore, CA
11001 CA Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay State Park. The park includes two campgrounds: the Boat-In Camp (accessible by boat and foot only) and Eagle Point Campground. Within the park are various treasures including Tahoe's hidden castle, Vikingsholm, the scenic Rubicon foot trail that connects Eagle Point Campground with Vikingsholm and DL Bliss State Park. The park also encompasses Fanette Island, the only island of Lake Tahoe. The park extends below the surface of the lake, where visitors will find a historical story book of days gone by in the form of sunken barges, ships and launches. The park closes down in the winter, though people are able to walk the mile-long, steep trail to Vikingsholm Castle to enjoy the grounds and beaches. The trail can be a bit treacherous in winter if snowy or icy. Visitors should remember to pack it in and pack it out and to leave no trace.
If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay State Park. The park includes two campgrounds: the Boat-In Camp (accessible by boat and foot only) and Eagle Point Campground. Within the park are various treasures including Tahoe's hidden castle, Vikingsholm, the scenic Rubicon foot trail that connects Eagle Point Campground with Vikingsholm and DL Bliss State Park. The park...read more
If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
One way to experience Lake Tahoe as the rich and famous do (or at least how we imagine they do) is to stay at one of the lakeside resorts. The Aston Lakeland Village Beach & Mountain Resort is located very nearly right in the center of South Shore on some 19 acres of woods and beach. They even have a pier that stretches out onto...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Baldwin Beach, a part of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is a great place to enjoy the nature that Tahoe has to offer. The wide-open, sandy beach includes dunes and is often uncrowded. Baldwin provides restrooms and some picnic tables, and there is a nearby campground for overnighters. The parking, which costs $10 (subject to change) per vehicle, is convenient for those...read more
Bally's Lake Tahoe Casino Resort
Swimming in Stateline, NV, NV
Bally's Lake Tahoe has an indoor pool that is really spectacular. The rock work and setting has been designed to resemble a lagoon or grotto with rock islands and a lazy river feature. It offers an indoor heated pool with a seating area and a whirlpool spa. The pool is available for private parties, and people who are not resort guests can pay a fee...read more
Big Blue Adventure hosts a variety of sporting events in and around the Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas. When summer arrives, Big Blue Adventure’s events start rolling and are perfect for those visiting the area who want to participate in an organized event. A wide range of offerings from scenic 5K trail runs to endurance multisport events covering 80 miles of scenic and challenging terrain...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Swimming in East Shore, CA
By foot, Boaters Beach is reached via the same trail system that accesses Chimney Beach, Secret Cove, Whale Beach and Creek Beach. The trailhead starts at the free public parking about 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor on Highway 28. The hike begins as a steep downhill and then quickly levels off. When it flattens out, take the trail to the left (right will take...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
On the picturesque shores of South Lake Tahoe, the original Camp Richardson Resort is a cherished destination that has offered a timeless retreat for generations of families and friends. This historic resort blends a rich history with modern amenities. Welcoming those who have made cherished memories for decades and inviting new visitors to create their own traditions, Camp Rich offers a range of accommodations — from a...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Historically known as Jameson Beach, this is the expanse of Tahoe beach at Camp Richardson. Visitors can rent Jet Skis, powerboats, paddle boats and kayaks, or they can take a Rum Runner Cruise to Emerald Bay. The beach has grills and picnic areas, and leashed dogs are allowed in the picnic areas only. It's a good swimming beach and has one of the longest docks...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Swimming in East Shore, NV
Cave Rock is an esteemed part of Lake Tahoe. Considered sacred by the Washoe Indians, the 3 million-year-old rock formation is known as the Lady of the Lake due to the image of a woman's profile. Cave Rock is 3 miles south of Glenbrook on Highway 50, and the entrance to the park is just a few feet south of Cave Rock Tunnel. The small...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Swimming in East Shore, CA
Creek Beach is in a succession of beaches along the same trail network that connects Chimney Beach, Secret Cove, Boaters Beach and Whale Beach. Creek Beach is the third beach that one comes to after passing Secret Cove. To access the beach, park at the free public parking 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor on Highway 89. Take the single track down a steep hill...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Desolation Wilderness is a designated protected wilderness area of pristine National Forest land within the Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County. Spanning nearly 64,000 acres, the protected wilderness is home to numerous alpine lakes, sub-alpine and alpine forests and stunning granite peaks, spires and teetering boulders that lend to the natural landscape's beauty. There are various places to camp that are interlinked by beautiful single track trails that are host only to...read more
