Cave Rock
State Park
About Cave Rock
Atop the Sierra Nevada mountain range, tucked along the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe, Cave Rock is a great place to put in a boat and explore the crystalline waters of the largest alpine lake in North America. The boat launch offers a double ramp and the park has more than 40 spaces for trailer parking. A small beach at the south end of the park provides a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling, as well as a good spot to launch a canoe or kayak. A steep shoreline and rocky shoals make this a great location for fishing and enjoying the majestic beauty of Lake Tahoe.
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Picnicking/Day Use: There are three picnic areas located in the park. One is located by the beach at the south end of the park, one is across from the restroom and the other is at the north end by the boat ramp. Picnic areas have tables and barbecue pits.
Boating: The boat launch includes one double ramp with a dock separating the ramps and over 40 spaces for trailer parking. Offsite watercraft inspections are required for all motorized watercraft as a part of the new program that is helping to protect Lake Tahoe from the threat of invasive species such as the Quagga and Zebra mussels. Visit Tahoe Boat Inspections for hours of operation and holiday closures. For more information on how mandatory watercraft inspections help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Lake Tahoe, visit tahoeboatinspections.com.
Fishing: A steep shoreline and rocky shoals make this area a good location for fishing. However, there is no fishing allowed on the beach or in the boat ramp area.
Swimming: There is a small beach located at the south end of the park where park visitors can swim, sunbathe, play in the sand, scuba dive, snorkel and launch non-motorized watercraft.
Hiking: Currently, visitors cannot access the trail from Cave Rock State Park. The trailhead is located across the highway, about 1/4 mile up Cave Rock Drive. Google Maps will direct you to the correct location when you search, "Cave Rock Trailhead".
Hours: Park is open sunrise to sunset. Boat launch hours vary by season. For current boat ramp hours and holiday closures, visit https://tahoeboatinspections.com/locations-2/
- May 25 through September 4: 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- September 5 through May 24 - 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.
FIELD NOTES
- No glass bottles are allowed on the beach.
- Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length and off of the beach.
- No overnight parking or camping.
- Fires are permitted in the barbeque pits only.
- Do your part, keep Tahoe Bears WIld.
- Removing, disturbing or damaging any historic structure, artifact, rock, plant life, fossil or other feature is prohibited. State and federal laws protect this area and its resources.
- Litter must be disposed of in the bear proof trash containers.
- The use of drones or any remote controlled aircraft is not allowed. Visit B4UFLY for more info.
- Visitors are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations in effect. Detailed rules and regulations are posted at the park or may be viewed on the Park Rules page.
- Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks. If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call the Nevada State Parks division office. We continually seek ways to provide recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and welcome any suggestions you may have.
- View a list of frequently asked questions.
NATURAL RESOURCES/CLIMATE
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is abundant and diverse in natural resources, from high alpine mountain peaks (Snow Valley Peak, Marlette Peak) to lush meadows (Spooner Meadow), majestic forest stands to ribbons of aspen groves, sub alpine and alpine lakes, to the prominent granitic rock outcrops and sandy beaches of Lake Tahoe’s spectacular shoreline. This varied environment supports the dynamic processes that shape the habitat for a rich spectrum of vegetation, wildlife, and fisheries within the park. (READ MORE)
HISTORY OF CAVE ROCK – Established in 1967
In 1967, the Nevada Legislature transferred title of the Cave Rock boat launch and parking area to the Nevada State Park System. Since then, the Cave Rock boat landing has become a very popular recreational site on Lake Tahoe’s east shore. Apart from its role in Native American culture and tourism history, Cave Rock was once an impediment to early lakeshore transportation. The actual “Cave Rock” had at various times several distinct, but overlapping travel ways that went over, around and through. (READ MORE)
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