Dog friendly beaches at Lake Tahoe
Where a dog can get in the water at Lake Tahoe, with the leash rules and seasonal dates beach by beach.
Checked by Thomas Beach
Who manages the beach
Dogs aren’t allowed at these Forest Service swim beaches: Nevada, Pope, Baldwin, Meeks Bay, William Kent and Zephyr Cove. Leashed dogs are generally welcome on other national forest shoreline. State parks and local beaches set their own rules.
Open to dogs
Tallac Historic Site shoreline, South Lake Tahoe
Leashed dogs are allowed from Valhalla Pier to Tallac Point, where the Lake of the Sky Trail reaches the water. Kiva Picnic Area also allows leashed dogs and has free day use. Keep out of nearby Taylor Creek Marsh and its pet-restricted surroundings.
Zephyr Shoals, east shore
Head north of the Zephyr Cove Resort swim beach to Zephyr Shoals. Dogs aren’t allowed on the resort swim beach itself.
Hidden Beach and Chimney Beach, east shore
The Forest Service allows dogs in the water at both, on a leash, as on the rest of its land.
Raccoon Street Beach, Kings Beach
Dogs are allowed in the water here, per the Forest Service. It is the only north shore beach the agency lists for dogs.
Echo Lakes and the Desolation Wilderness
Dogs are allowed at Echo Lakes and at lakes and streams in Desolation Wilderness. Keep them leashed and check wilderness permit requirements before hiking in.
No dogs
Besides the six swim beaches above, Emerald Bay State Park allows no dogs on its beaches or trails in any season. The full Emerald Bay answer.
Sand Harbor allows pets October 15 to April 15, on a leash of six feet or less, and none the rest of the year.
What to bring
Bring a leash and waste bags. Tahoe’s water stays cold, with surface temperatures around 40°F to 68°F over the year, and the Forest Service suggests a dog life jacket for boat trips.
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