Lake Tahoe Basin

Lake & beach activities in Lake Tahoe Basin

The Lake Tahoe Basin features a diverse collection of alpine waters and sandy shorelines within the Sierra Nevada. This list includes high-elevation destinations like Eagle Lake and the Angora Lakes, alongside extensive sandy stretches like Pope Beach and Baldwin Beach. Visitors can access boat rentals at West Shore Sports or find secluded spots like Chimney Beach and Secret Cove. The area also encompasses Spooner Lake’s trail networks and the historic Round Hill Pines Beach Resort, offering environments ranging from quiet coves to active recreation hubs.

Lake & Beach Activities — Map

ForestH2 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is a mountain lake located in El Dorado County, California, near the California–Nevada state border, about one mile south…

B

Chimney Beach

Named for the remaining stone chimney of a demolished cabin, this east shore beach is accessed via a steep trail and features large granite boulders and clear water.

C

Eagle Lake

Located in the Desolation Wilderness above Emerald Bay, this alpine lake is reached via a moderate hike from the Eagle Falls trailhead and is surrounded by granite peaks.

D

Spooner Lake

A man-made lake within Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park that serves as a trailhead for the Flume Trail and offers a 2.5-mile loop trail for hiking.

E

Secret Cove Nude Beach

A secluded cove on the east shore known for turquoise water and granite boulders. It is a clothing-optional area accessible via a forest trail.

F

Kiva Beach

This beach is a real hidden gem. Unspoiled by tourists, it offers vast sandy areas, clear water and a terrific view of the mountains.

G

Moon Dunes Beach

The locals keep this place secret and they know why. The sandy beach is lovely, dog-friendly and has relatively warm water.

H

Pope Beach

A 0.75-mile sandy beach managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It features a pine grove providing shade and is located near Camp Richardson.

I

Hidden Beach

Situated on the east shore near Incline Village, this rocky shoreline is accessible via the Tahoe East Shore Trail and features boulder-strewn waters.

J

West Shore Sports

Offers rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles with locations in Homewood and Sunnyside for west shore access.

K

Round Hill Pines Beach Resort

A historic beach resort on the east shore featuring a marina, lakeside dining, boat rentals, and a water taxi service.

L

Upper Angora Lake

The higher of the two Angora Lakes, set in a glacial cirque. It features a historic resort with cabin rentals and a snack bar.

M

Lower Angora Lake

An alpine lake located below Upper Angora Lake, accessible via a forest service road within the Angora Lakes basin.

N

Nevada Beach

A wide sandy beach and campground managed by the Forest Service. Located near Zephyr Cove, it offers views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

O

Baldwin Beach

A half-mile sandy beach offering views of Mt. Tallac. It serves as a launching point for kayakers traveling toward Emerald Bay.

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