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Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Sand Harbor's Caribbean-blue coves and the Flume Trail's cliff-edge single track — Tahoe's east shore at its most photogenic.

Where
Incline Village
Tickets
$15 per vehicle (non-Nevada)
Turquoise water and granite boulders at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Turquoise water and granite boulders at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe

What to expect at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Where the desert highways finally hit alpine water: Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park stitches together Sand Harbor, Spooner Lake, Cave Rock and the Flume Trail along 13 miles of the lake's east shore. Sand Harbor's granite-boulder coves and 40-foot visibility make it the most-photographed swimming spot in the Sierra. Spooner, up at 7,000 feet, is the trailhead for the legendary 14-mile Flume Trail mountain-bike route.

Sand Harbor's parking lot fills by 9:00 every summer day and the gate literally closes when it's full. Either arrive by 8:00 sharp or take the East Shore Express shuttle from Incline Village ($3 round trip, mid-June through Labor Day). Bring a picnic — the on-site cafe is fine but slow — and stay for the Shakespeare Festival, which stages plays in a lakeside amphitheater July and August.

Plan your visit Tickets$15 per vehicle (non-Nevada) WhereIncline Village Opening hours Park open daily 8:00-sunset Sand Harbor gate opens 6:00 in summer Spooner Lake open year-round Hotels near Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Questions about Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

How much does it cost?

$15 per vehicle for out-of-state plates, $10 for Nevada plates at Sand Harbor. Spooner Lake is $10/$5. Walk-in and shuttle riders pay $2.

Are there free entry days?

No — Nevada state parks charge every day. Walking or biking in from Incline Village costs only the $2 pedestrian fee.

How long do I need?

A full day if you’re swimming and hiking. Sand Harbor alone eats 4-5 hours once you factor in the beach.

When is the park closed?

Never fully closed, but Sand Harbor's gate shuts once the lot fills (often by 10:00 in summer) until cars leave.

Can I reserve parking?

Yes — Sand Harbor sells timed parking reservations at reservenevada.com from Memorial Day to Labor Day for $8 extra. Highly recommended on weekends.

How do I get there?

Drive NV-28 south from Incline Village 4 miles. In summer take the East Shore Express shuttle from Incline Village Elementary, running every 20 minutes 9:00-18:30.

Where to stay

Hotels near Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

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