FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Picnicking/Day Use: There are numerous picnic tables dispersed throughout the park. Most have natural shade provided by the various species of fir and pine that make up the vast majority of the forest cover. There are also two restroom facilities. The park functions as a trail head to access areas of the Tahoe backcountry.

Hiking/Mountain Biking: With stunning views from the trails and a connector to the Tahoe Rim Trail, the park is a popular spot for hikers and mountain biking enthusiasts.

Hours: Park hours vary by season:

• Open to pedestrians year-round, sunrise to sunset
• Open to vehicles May 1 - October 31, sunrise to sunset

FIELD NOTES

• Practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles.
• Stay on trails.
• Do your part, keep Tahoe Bears Wild.
• Gathering firewood is prohibited.
• Drive only on designated roadways. Vehicles must be licensed.
• Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.
• The use of drones or any remote controlled aircraft is not allowed. Visit B4UFLY for more info.
• 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.
• 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 VAN SICKLE – Established in 1988

As a memorial to his late grandfather Henry Van Sickle, Jack Van Sickle donated 542 acres of his land to the State of Nevada in 1988 to create a new Nevada State Park. Subsequently, the State of California purchased the adjacent land, the Van Sickle family’s former Crescent V Ranch, to connect the park to the community of South Lake Tahoe.

The ranch’s barn, a circa-1914 log cabin and housekeeping cabins from the 1930s-era Three Pines Motel, were all relocated to their current location in 1960. The Van Sickle family operated the Stateline Stables on the site until 1993 with up to 60 horses taking riders on trails throughout the area, creating unforgettable memories for many of Tahoe’s vacationers. Opened to the public in the summer of 2011, the park is managed by the Nevada Division of State Parks in partnership with the California Tahoe Conservancy.