Here’s an oft-asked question: Can you swim in Lake Tahoe? The answer is yes, especially if cool/cold water is your thing! And, if you look at all the water sports outfitters and popular beaches in the area, it’s clear that it’s absolutely a preferred thing to do in Tahoe for a lot of people. Summer/early fall temperatures for Big Blue reach around mid- to upper 60s – invigorating, right? And there are other places to enjoy Lake Tahoe swimming such as Donner Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, Spooner Lake and the Truckee River. These waters are also popular for water skiing, Jet Skiing, tubing, boating, diving, SUPing, paddleboating, kayaking and more, with rentals available for all of it. If you’d rather do your Lake Tahoe swimming in man-made structure – aka, pools – you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of them, even one that’s a tram-ride to the top of a mountain! Recreation centers in the area offer passes to visitors so they, too, can make use of the exceptional workout equipment, competition-size pools, classes and activities. Of course, all the resorts offer pools, outdoor and indoor for year-round Lake Tahoe swimming.
Featured for Your Visit
Lake Tahoe Swimming
CA State Park Road, Tahoma, CA
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also open with a larger selection of sites in the summer, the park is positioned to take advantage of both the beautiful natural setting of Lake Tahoe and the historic aspects. Within the park is access to the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion that was built in 1903. The property is still exquisitely maintained and is an excellent representation of the wealthy side of Tahoe. Tours are offered during the summer by Sierra State Parks Foundation (sierrastateparks.org). There are various trailheads, swimming beaches and great fishing within the park as well as a Nature Center that helps visitors identify the local flora and fauna. In the winter the foundation hosts full moon snowshoe expeditions, and this is a great place for sledding and snowshoeing. Dogs are allowed on leash only. Visitors should remember to pack it in, pack it out and leave no trace. An entrance fee is charged.
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also open with a larger selection of sites in the summer, the park is positioned to take advantage of both the beautiful natural setting of Lake Tahoe and the historic aspects. Within the park is access to the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion that was built in 1903. The property is still exquisitely maintained...read more
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Swimming
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
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Lake Tahoe Swimming
If you are looking for a fun and safe way to keep the kids entertained, then check out Camp Hyatt Kids Program. This summer day camp opportunity is an exceptional way to keep your children busy while you take much-needed time for yourself. Happening from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this camp for kids ages 3 to 12 is filled with endless activities like swimming,...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
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
Lake Tahoe Swimming
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 Swimming
Carnelian Beach West is a nice sandy beach on the west side of Sierra Boat Company, located in Carnelian Bay. The free public beach is a little more than 500 feet in length. Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to Gar Woods Grill & Pier. This beach offers a few different amenities including a shoreline promenade, picnic tables, barbecue grills, public restrooms...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Swimming
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 Swimming
Chambers Landing Beach is a small, pebbly beach next to the historic and iconic Tahoe fine-dining restaurant Chambers Landing on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. The beach doesn't offer any amenities like garbage cans or bathrooms. It does, on the other hand, allow dogs. Parking is along the street only. read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Chimney Beach, a little off the beaten path on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, is a favorite for locals. Usually less crowded than the more commercial beaches, Chimney has a curving shoreline and large boulders that form a peninsula out into the water creating a small cove. Besides the main beach, featuring its namesake chimney (all that remains of a long-gone cabin), Chimney Beach...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Commons Beach is the community beach area and park for Tahoe City. A large grass space, public bathrooms, a children's outdoor jungle gym and swings as well as a paved bike path that leads to Meeks Bay and Squaw Valley make up the park portion of Commons Beach. Beyond the grass is a large sandy beach that frames Lake Tahoe. This is an excellent swimming...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Coon Street Dog Beach and Boat Launch is in Kings Beach. Situated at the corner of Coon Street and Highway 28, this rocky public beach is option for both putting a boat in the water and for walking your dog. Dogs must be on a leash of 6-foot or shorter and in your control at all times. There are shaded picnic tables, public bathrooms and parking for regular cars as...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Swimming
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
Lake Tahoe Swimming
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
