Sand Harbor Reservations
The Nevada Division of State Parks is thrilled to announce the introduction of required day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park. This new system aims to reduce traffic congestion on Highway 28, improve trip planning, and alleviate overcrowding at this beloved Lake Tahoe destination.
Since its inception in 2023, reservenevada.com has transformed trip planning across Nevada's state parks, offering a centralized platform for camping reservations. Sand Harbor State Park is the second to implement day-use reservations. Starting August 17 through October 13, 2024, reservations will be required on weekends and holidays. This initial trial period will help staff and visitors adjust to the new procedures, with full implementation set for April 2025.
Reservations for August will go live on July 1, 2024 at 8:00am! Make reservations at www.reservenevada.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do I make a reservation?
- When will day-use reservations be required?
- Initially, reservations will be required for vehicle entry all weekends and holidays from August 17, 2024 to October 13, 2024 from 7am (park opening) to 10:30am. These dates will act as a soft launch or "trial period" for the system helping staff and visitors get used to the system. Starting April 2025, reservations will be required seven days a week from opening to 10:30am.
- Why is the park going to reservations?
- The reservations should help alleviate traffic congestion on HWY 28, assist with trip planning, and prevent overcrowding on the beach. Visitors will no longer need to be at the park in early morning hours in hopes of getting a parking spot. Reservation will be guarenteed a parking spot until 10:30am.
- Can I utilize a day-use reservation on days that are not required?
- No, reservations will not be available on weekdays during the trial period.
- Will the Boat Launch be reservation only?
- No, the boat launch will remain first come, first served.
- Do I need a reservation to get in?
- Day-use reservations will required for vehicle entry from park opening to 10:30am Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from August 17th to October 13th. After 10:30am, the park will open to first come, first served as long as the park has not yet reached capacity. Entering the park via the East Shore Trail will not require reservations.
- Does a reservation guarantee a parking spot?
- Yes, up until 10:30am. If a reservation holder does not enter the park before 10:30am, they forfeit their reservation and their spot will become available to first come, first served.
- Do I need to get a day use reservation to use my Ramada/Group Use Area reservation?
- No, your group use area reservation comes with 25 parking spots exclusively for the Ramada/group use area. All vehicles coming into the park to utilize the Ramada/Group Use Area reservation will still need to pay vehicle entry fees.
- Will I need a reservation if I have tickets to the Shakespeare Festival?
- Reservations are required for vehicle entry from 7:00am – 10:30am Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. If Shakespeare Festival ticket holders want to arrive before 10:30am, they will need a reservation. Since the shows don’t begin until later in the day, the reservations should not impact the ability for ticket holders to gain entry to the park in late afternoon.
- Will reservations be required next year?
- Yes. Beginning April 2025, reservations will be required 7 days a week from 7:00am – 10:30am. After 10:30am, the park will open to first come, first served access as long as the park has not reached capacity. Reservations will be required through October 15, 2025.
- Will I need a reservation to enter the park through the East Shore Trail?
- No, reservations are not required for pedestrian access into the park via the East Shore Trail. Pedestrian access is strictly prohibited at all times on HWY 28.
- Do locals get special access?
- No, the Nevada Division of State Parks remains committed to providing equal access to everyone at all State Parks. The park entrance fee remains the same at $10 for NV vehicles and $15 for out of state vehicles.
- Can I drop my family off without a reservation?
- No. Drop offs are strictly prohibited at all times.
- Can I use a ride share app to get dropped off if I have reservation?
- Yes, a valid reservation will get you access into the park until 10:30am; however, Ridesharing into Sand Harbor is highly discouraged due to the limited availability of rideshares in the evening. Being picked up or dropped off on HWY 28 is strictly prohibited.
- Is the non-refundable $5.00 fee charged in addition to the entry fee?
- Yes, the $5.00 fee is a processing fee that is charged on all reservations. Visitors who make a same-day reservation will not be charged the reservation fee.
- Do I get charged the $5.00 fee even if I have an annual permit?
- Yes, the $5.00 fee is a processing fee that is charged on all reservations. Visitors who make a same-day reservation will not be charged the reservation fee.
- How do same day reservations work? Can I purchase a same day reservation at the entrance booth?
- Same day reservations can be made up until 10:29 am the day of arrival; however, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation as soon in advance as you can. Reservations must be made on www.reservenevada.com and cannot be made at the park. Cell service is unreliable in and around the park, make your reservations in advance.
- Will the kayak spots at the boat ramp be reservation only?
- No, all boat ramp spots will remain first come, first served.
- Do I have to make a reservation if I have an annual permit?
- Yes. Reservations are required prior to 10:30 am for all guests, including those with annual permits to Nevada State Parks.
- What is stopping people from making a bunch of reservations to hog the spots or to resell?
- Reservations must be made with a valid www.reservenevada.com account and cannot be transferred or resold. The reservation holder must be able to present a valid ID to park staff that matches the name on the reservation.
