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
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
El Dorado Beach is right in the middle of the city of South Lake Tahoe and is the perfect place to stop and have lunch while taking in the view. Visitors can sit at one of the picnic tables at street level, relax on the grass, gaze at the lake from one of the many stone amphitheater-like benches that lead to the beach or make...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Fallen Leaf Campground, a part of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is located on National Forest lands and is an excellent place to enjoy the beauty of Tahoe while stepping away from the busy-ness that can sometimes occupy Lake Tahoe. Fallen Leaf Lake is adjacent to Lake Tahoe and offers a large trail network that accesses the top of Mt. Tallac as well...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
If your dog is your best friend, Kiva Beach is for you. Kiva Beach, a part of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is one of the few beaches where dogs are welcome, though they still must be on leashes, per El Dorado County leash law, and the Tallac Marsh is off limits to canines to protect the wildlife of the Taylor Creek wetlands....read more
The south and east shores of Lake Tahoe span two different states and three different counties and exhibit physical attributes more diverse than one might imagine. This area contains the lake's one and only island and a native Washoe spiritual site. It contains a cove known for its afternoon winds and beaches known for their shallow shorelines and gentle slopes. The south...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a park system found on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. With six different management units that total 14,301 acres, the park protects miles of dense Tahoe forest and beautiful sandy and rocky beaches. Within the park are the swimming areas of Sand Harbor, Chimney Beach, Hidden Beach, Secret Cove, Creek Beach, Boaters Beach and Whale Beach as well...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe
Local Tahoe Adventures is a one-stop-shop for standup paddleboard (SUP) and snorkel rentals, boat cruises and SCUBA charters. They also offer free delivery of kayaks and standup paddleboards right to your preferred destination, spanning from Tahoma to Zephyr Cove. Their range of inflatable and hard-shell kayaks as well as paddleboards caters to specific preferences and skill levels. Add a mask and snorkel to any
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Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Pope Beach, a part of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is a wonderful place to spend the day with or without kids. The $10 (subject to change) per vehicle fee and pet prohibition keep some folks away, so it tends to not be as crowded as some other Tahoe beaches. Visitors can make use of picnic tables and restrooms are available. Although there...read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Regan Beach is a great place to take the whole family for the afternoon. It has a playground and swings for the kids and a dog-friendly portion of the beach to walk your furry friend. There is also a large section of grass for the kids to run around, restrooms and a small seasonal cafe for when everyone gets hungry. Visitors can take advantage of...read more
Swimming in East Shore, NV
Round Pines is a great beach for those who like a lot going on but also like a beach that is tucked away. Not only does it have a deli and a bar, but it also has a wonderful selection of available water-activity rentals, including boats, Jet Skis, kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats. Visitors can also choose to go parasailing, play volleyball, swim in the...read more
Three miles south of Incline Village on State Highway 28, Sand Harbor has a variety of natural features that you can spend an entire day exploring. You can hike several trails down the shoreline or off into the woods. You can rock-hop, scrambling across the giant boulders that extend out into the lake. You can rent a kayak or standup paddleboard to float down to...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Swimming in East Shore, CA
Secret Cove is a secluded nudist beach that is off the same trail system that accesses Chimney Beach. On the east shore of Lake Tahoe on Highway 89, 2.6 miles from Sand Harbor, the trailhead to Secret Cove is found to the right of the free public parking. The trail is steep at first and then mellows out to a gentle 3/4-mile of single track....read more
Swimming in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Ski Run Marina is a shopping and marina center highlighting water experience: restaurants, boat and water activities rental, cruise boat, fishing and shopping in South Lake Tahoe. It is the launching spot for day and dinner cruises on the Safari Rose and the soon to arrive The Tahoe Spirit. Ski Run Marina is the home to Riva Grill (amazing food and cocktails with impressive views), Artemis Mediterranean Cafe (a healthy...read more
