FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Please Note: Camping is not permitted at Sand Harbor

Day-Use Reservations are required for vehicle entry daily April 15 through October 15. Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions: View a list of FAQs for Sand Harbor

Transportation: From Memorial to Labor Day Sand Harbor is very popular and experiences high visitation. Those planning to visit Sand Harbor should be prepared for park closures and have an alternate destination in mind. Parking and dropping off on Hwy 28 at any location other than designated parking (Memorial Point) is prohibited and you will not be permitted entry to the Park. For more information, visit the FAQ page.  

Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is pleased to announce the return of the East Shore Express Service beginning June 28, 2024. This season, hourly paid parking will be available at the Tunnel Creek parking lot, located at 1102 Tahoe Blvd. at the Tahoe East Shore Trailhead. Learn more here.

Group Area/Ramada: A group use area set next to the lake that can accommodate groups of up to 120 people. Larger groups may be accommodated by making arrangements with the Park prior to booking and may require a special use (SCUP) permit. The covered facility comes equipped with a large gas grill which the Park will provide propane for (use of the grill is prohibited during red flag days), electricity via two 110V outlets (No amplified sound, including music, speakers, and PA systems) potable water (pending weather conditions and winter shutoff), and twelve cafeteria-style tables which can comfortably seat 10 people each. Use is by reservation only which can be made via Nevada State Parks’ online reservation system, ReserveNevada.com. Information, rules, regulations, and the group area reservation agreement are available on the reservation site. Booking the Ramada does not guarantee beach space which is available on a first-come, first-serve basis only.  View Ramada photos.

Weddings: Weddings, regardless of size or duration, are permitted within the Group Area//Ramada ONLY (see above). Booking the Ramada does not guarantee any beach space which is available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. Asking users to move from an area on the beach is strickly prohibited and will result in immediate revocation of the group area.

Bookings at the Ramada allow use of an officiant and a photographer with no further permitting. Officiants are prohibited in all other areas of the Park and must have client’s booking of the Ramada. The photographer may take photos in the Ramada area only. For photography anywhere else in the Park, the photographer must obtain a photography permit with the Park Office (see the Photography section below)

Weddings must follow all park rules and regulations. Users violating any rules will result in immediate revoation of the group area and may be asked to leave. The use of confetti or other small particulates is strickly prohibited. 

Photography: Sand Harbor State Park offers amazing views and we encourage visitors to photograph the natural beauty of the park. Photographers/videographers utilizing the park for commercial use (including but not limited to: social media influencing or promotion, print ads, movies, wedding, engagement, family, or senior photos, or any service that would normally be expected to be paid for under regular client/vendor circumstances) are required to get a photography permit. Information can be obtained by contacting us at shsp@parks.nv.gov.

Please remember that permit applications must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the photography shoot. Applications submitted later than two weeks will automatically be denied. Complete the packet in its entirety. Incomplete packets may cause delays and/or denial of the permit. 

Picnicking/Day Use: Located in the shade of the cedars and Jeffrey pines, the picnic area offers a peaceful retreat from the busy beaches. Each site is equipped with a picnic table. Paved walkways make the area accessible to persons with disabilities. Propane grills and stoves with an on/off switch are allowed in the picnic area, charcoal and wood fires are prohibited at Sand Harbor. All fires are prohibited when a red flag warning is issued by the national weather service, including propane grills.

Boating: The boat launch includes two wave protected double ramps with docks and adjacent parking. Parking fills to capacity early on summer weekends. Watercraft inspections are required as part of the new program that is helping to protect Lake Tahoe from the threat of aquatic invasive species such as Quagga and Zebra mussels. Normal boat launch hours:

• Boat Ramp CLOSED for the season

Hours are subject to change. For more information on how mandatory watercraft inspections help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Lake Tahoe, visit tahoeboatinspections.com.

Kayaking/Stand-up Paddleboarding: Kayaks, sailing kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented during the summer from Clearly Tahoe Rentals. Guided tours are also available.

Live webcam overlooking the Sand Harbor Boat Ramp

Hiking: The Sand Harbor to Memorial Point Trail is a short half-mile trail offers a link to Memorial Point and provides access to many secluded beaches and rock areas.

The Sand Point Nature Trail, a one-third-mile trail, is a handicap-accessible trail with interpretive signs and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. 

The Tahoe East Shore Trail, dubbed as “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway” is not only a spectacular way to recreate, but also provides direct access to public beaches, coves and trails along the picturesque Nevada shoreline.This 3-mile paved trail system connects Incline Village south to Sand Harbor —one of the four Lake Tahoe Nevada State Parks.

Swimming and Scuba Diving: Gently sloping beaches, crystal-clear water and interesting rock formations allow for wonderful swimming and scuba diving. Beach Patrol is on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Winter Activities: Sand Harbor is very beautiful and scenic during the winter-time. The parking lots are kept clear of snow, the Visitor Center is open year-round and visitors may enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Sand Harbor Sleigh Rides.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival: During July and August, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor offers the Bard's best plays set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Lake Tahoe.

Visitor Center: The Sand Harbor Visitor Center and Gift Shop is available for self-guided tours with informative displays and regional information. The Kokanee Bar and Grill concession offers snacks and drinks on a relaxing, shady deck.

Programs: Information about program scheduling may be obtained from either park staff or kiosks. Upon request, special presentations can be arranged for groups.

All Terrain Wheelchair: Sand Harbor State Park has one all terrain wheelchair, made by Trackchair, available on a first-come, first served basis. To check out the chair, visitors will need to visit the park office to sign a waiver and receive instruction on its use. More information on Trackchairs can be found here.

School field trips and other tour groups: Organizers must give two weeks minimum written notice to shsp@parks.nv.gov and receive approval or the tour may be denied access to the park. This ensures adequate space without going over the park's capacity.

Educational field trips must give as much notice to the park as possible, but two weeks minimum. Notice must include the educational compenent as it relates to the park. Also include a syllabus or curriculum of the trip. 

FIELD NOTES

• Day Use Reservations are required for entry from 8:00am to 10:30am, seven days a week, April 15 through October 15. Learn More
• No glass bottles are allowed in waterfront areas.
• Propane grills and stoves with an on/off switch are allowed in the picnic area, charcoal and wood fires are prohibited at Sand Harbor. All fires are prohibited when a red flag warning is issued by the national weather service, including propane grills.
• Pets are only allowed off-season from October 15 to April 15 and must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.
• Stay on trails.
• Do your part, keep Tahoe Bears Wild.
• No camping is allowed at Highway 28 beaches.
• Practice Leave No Trace.
• 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 properly disposed.
• Use of drones are not authorized unless approved by the Park Supervisor per NDSP policy. 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 Parks are 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 parks. (READ MORE)

HISTORY OF SAND HARBOR – Established in 1958

The resources of Tahoe's east shore were prized by Native Americans long before European Americans made their discovery of the lake in 1846. The Washoe Tribe spent countless summers at Sand Harbor fishing, hunting and gathering.

By the 1870s, lumber baron Walter Scott Hobart had established operations for the Sierra Nevada Wood & Lumber Company at Sand Harbor. Trees logged around the lake were towed into the harbor behind the Steamship Niagara and then sent by rail to the company sawmill in Incline. From there, milled lumber and cordwood was taken to the Comstock Mining District by the ingenious Great Incline Tramway of 1880, and an intricate system of V-flumes. (READ MORE)