Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park

Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park extends along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe south of Incline Village. The lakeside areas of the park offer crystal clear water, rocky coves, gently sloping sandy beaches and panoramic views of the lake.

The most popular area of Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park is Sand Harbor (about 3 miles south of Incline Village on State Route 28) with a boat launch, long sandy beaches and picnicking and group facilities. The Sand Point Nature Trail is handicap accessible, about 1/3 mile long and offers interpretive signs and great views of the lake and surrounding area. And in July and August, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival puts on shows at Sand Harbor.

Between Incline and Sand Harbor you'll find Hidden Beach and Memorial Point, both of which offer more secluded access to the lake and incredible views of the area. The rocky shoreline at Memorial Point is one mile north of Sand Harbor and is popular with the fishermen, sunbathers and photographers. 2 miles north of Sand Harbor but with no parking lot, the large granite boulders and narrow sands of Hidden Beach are most popular with local sunbathers and swimmers.

Spooner Lake is located 9 miles south of Sand Harbor, just north of the intersection of US 50 and State Route 28. In addition to picnicking, mountain biking, fishing and cross country skiing, Spooner Lake also gives hikers access to miles of trails in the back country between Lake Tahoe and Carson City. This Marlette/Hobart Back Country spans some 13,000 acres within the Carson Range designated by the state as a Primitive Area, so motorized vehicles are not allowed (but hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are). Cool pine forests, spectacular granite outcroppings, huge panoramic views, miles and miles of trails, sounds like paradise to me...

Another popular day-use area for fishing and boat launching is Cave Rock, along US 50 near Zephyr Cove, 3 miles south of Glenbrook and just below the Cave Rock Tunnels.

No camping or overnight parking is allowed around the lake beaches. And practice "leave no trace" discipline: pack it in, pack it out.

Entry fees:

• Cave Rock
  April 15 - October 15:
  $10 per vehicle per day for non-Nevada residents, $8 per vehicle per day for Nevada residents
  October 16 - April 14:
  $7 per vehicle per day for non-Nevada residents, $5 per vehicle per day for Nevada residents
  Boat launch (including parking): $17 per boat for non-Nevada residents, $15 per boat for Nevada residents
  To launch a boat and leave the parking lot: $5
  Photo stop: $2 for 15 minutes
• Sand Harbor
  April 15 - October 15:
  $12 per vehicle per day for non-Nevada residents, $10 per vehicle per day for Nevada residents
  October 16 - April 14:
  $7 per vehicle per day for non-Nevada residents, $5 per vehicle per day for Nevada residents
  Boat Launch (including parking):
  April 15 - October 15:
  $20 per boat for non-Nevada residents, $18 per boat for Nevada residents
  October 16 - April 14:
  $14 per boat for non-Nevada residents, $12 per boat for Nevada residents
  To launch a boat and leave the parking lot: $5
• Spooner Lake
  $10 per vehicle per day for non-Nevada residents, $8 per vehicle per day for Nevada residents
  April 15 - October 15: $2 per bike for vehicles carrying more than 4 bikes