Should you’re vacationing along with your dog in the realm, you’re probably searching for Lake Tahoe dog friendly beaches.
Well, you’re in luck! I combed the web for weeks and got here up with this list.
Remember to respect other beach visitors and help keep the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe beautiful by all the time following posted rules (dogs should be on leash unless stated otherwise), respecting marine habitats, and packing out your trash (including dog poop).
Bear in mind that the lake level can vary by season and from 12 months to 12 months based on the snowfall.
Some years a beach may appear large while the shoreline might be virtually non existent the following 12 months.
Unless noted, beaches are open year-round so far as I’m aware.
Dog Friendly Beaches South Lake Tahoe
During our visit, we tried to stop by the entire South Lake Tahoe dog beaches.
1) Kiva Beach
Kiva beach in South Lake Tahoe was our favourite. It has an awesome view that’s magical at sunrise.
After we were there, the beach was a combination of rocks and sand but I hear that the terrain can depend upon what 12 months and season you visit.
I suppose sometimes the sand has been washed away, leaving only cobblestones.
Kiva beach is on the west side of the lake adjoining to the Tallac Historic Site.
Note: Unfortunately, dogs will not be allowed on the gorgeous, sandy Baldwin Beach adjoining to Kiva Beach on the west side.
Throughout the late fall to early spring season, the gate to the Kiva Beach and Tallac Historic Site is closed. You’ll need to park in considered one of the limited spaces on the side of the highway and walk in.
2) Nevada Beach
Nevada Beach is dog friendly but only on the south portion near the Tahoe Beach Club.
There may be very clear signage – and even dog prints painted on the asphalt – directing you to the portion of the beach where dogs are allowed.
Nevada Beach is sandy and there’s one bench there to sit down on.
It’s an awesome place to look at the sunset along with your pooch but bear in mind the dog friendly portion of the beach may be very small so it will probably be very crowded.
Throughout the late fall to early spring season, the Nevada Beach campground is closed so you’ll have to park along the road outside of the gate and walk to the beach.
It’s probably a couple of mile or so a method, although I didn’t track the space once we walked it.
3) North Beach at Zephyr Cove Resort
The beach at Zephyr Cove is dog friendly but only north of the dock at Zephyr Cove Marina.
This sandy beach wasn’t very wide when were there, and we only walked a brief distance to the rock formation, nevertheless it’s among the best non-rocky beaches on the east side of South Lake Tahoe.
Bonus: You’ll be able to stay right near this beach so you’ll be able to take your dog for a morning or sunset beach stroll without having to drive anywhere.
Should you are searching for pet friendly cabins at Lake Tahoe, the Zephyr Cove Resort could be your home.
Each cabin has a full kitchen, or kitchenette, a picnic table, and a hearth pit.
4) Regan Beach
Dogs are permitted off leash at this beach but should be under strict voice control in any respect times.
Your furry friend is just allowed within the dog water park section of the beach near the doorway to the park (east end of the beach).
Regan Beach, South Lake Tahoe’s oldest beach facility, offers great views of the lake.
It’s open to the general public April 1 – April 30 from 7am to 4pm and May 1 – September from 6:30am – 9:30pm (weather permitting)
Dog Friendly Beaches North Lake Tahoe
I actually haven’t visited North Lake Tahoe but I desired to be prepared for after I accomplish that I sought out the entire north Lake Tahoe dog beaches I could find.
5) Blackwood Canyon/Kaspian
The beach at Blackwood Canyon – often called Kaspian – is definitely positioned about half way along the west shore of Lake Tahoe so it’s equally accessed from the north and south portions of the lake.
I’m including it on my “north dog beach” list though because most individuals staying in South Lake Tahoe may not enterprise that far north because there’s a lot to do there.
It has a pebbly shoreline.
Blackwood Canyon, across the highway from the beach, is the one state managed sno-park on Lake Tahoe’s north shore.
It’s a beautiful place for cross-country skiing snowshoeing, and dog sledding in winter. The highest of the pass offers scenic views of the canyon below.
6) Coon Street Dog Beach
Coon Street Dog Beach is positioned on the east end of Kings Beach on the corner of Coon Street and Highway 28.
Dogs are allowed only on the rocky a part of the beach south of the boat launch (make sure to check the signs to ensure that you’re in the precise place).
Warning: Although that is essentially the most accessible dog beach in north Lake Tahoe, several articles and reviews I read mentioned how rocky it’s.
One review described the Coon Street Dog Beach as “a pile of rocks” and noted how difficult it was for his senior dog to walk on.
One other reviewer said, “I’m shocked they even call this a “beach”….it’s principally three picnic table and all rocks on the shoreline. My pups [hurt]… their poor paws from all of the rocky terrain!”
It cost $10 to park at Kings Beach but I read there was free parking a brief walk away.
7) Carnelian West Beach
Carnelian West is a large, flat, but pebbly beach.
The parking is free and shares space with a well-liked restaurant.
There ae benches, picnic tables, and barbeques there.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the eastern portion of Patton Beach at Waterman’s Landing, which isn’t removed from this one, but I’m not giving it a separate callout since it appears to be small and rocky.
8) Skylandia State Park & Beach
Note: A reader reported on 10/10/2021 that dogs aren’t allowed at Skylandia beach anymore.
Skylandia Park and Beach continues to be fairly unknown in the summertime and doesn’t get as crowded as other beaches.
Dogs can run off leash here (so long as they’re under voice control) in the autumn and winter months but should be on leash the remaining of the 12 months.
It’s noted in several articles that, “Pets are permitted only on dog-friendly beaches at Skylandia” so the belief is that they’re only allowed on part, or parts, of the beach.
9) Lake Forest Beach
Dogs are allowed on the western end of the beach.
From the photos I’ve seen, it looks like a flat, sandy beach. I’m not positive what I used to be was the west end of the beach though.
There are picnic tables and barbecuing areas right next to the general public beach with an awesome view of the lake.
10) Bonsai Rock
I’m mentioning Bonsai Rock beach since it’s one of the popular, and Instagrammed, beaches in south Lake Tahoe and dogs are technically allowed there.
Nevertheless, getting there may prove difficult. While it’s apparently only just a few yards from the highway to Bonsai Beaach, it’s steep and rocky.
In photos, the “beach” itself appears to be made up of very large granite boulders.
But when you and your dog are adventurous and in good condition, it would make for an awesome photo.
Select Your Own Dog Beach Adventure
On the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, I’m told you’ll be able to pull off almost anywhere and discover a pocket cove to walk or hike into.
Besides those I’ve listed above, beaches along the northwest shore it’s possible you’ll wish to scope out are:
- Secret Cove – Secret Cove is listed as nude beach for those eager about partaking or that wish to avoid it due to that. It’s a little bit of a scramble to get to, it’s very talked-about and parking is restricted.
- Chimney Beach – It’s a half mile walk (each way) to this beach with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, boulder outcroppings, sandy areas, and crystal clear water. Apparently there may be nude sunbathers here sometimes too when you stray from the immediate area of Chimney Beach.
- Hidden Beach
Do note that parking may be very limited and refill fast for these beaches.
For more on where to eat and stay, and for other things to do in the realm, read our guide to dog friendly South Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley.
Whether you were searching for a dog beach in south Lake Tahoe or North Lake Tahoe, hopefully my comprehensive list is sufficient to keep you and your dog busy.
