With 55 acres of long sandy beaches, rocky coves, shady forested areas and panoramic lake views, Sand Harbor offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to enjoy Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Visitors can enjoy activities all year round, with the summer months bringing perfect weather for swimming, boating, and fishing, and the winter months offering a variety of snowplay opportunities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and even sleigh rides. The park is also the host of the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival every summer.

How to Get to Sand Harbor State Park

Sand Harbor is an extremely popular destination, particularly during the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Visitors should be prepared for park closures and have an alternate destination in mind. Check out our blog on other state parks available in the Lake Tahoe area.

Sand Harbor is three miles south of Incline Village on State Route 28. Parking is not allowed anywhere other than the designated parking lot — visitors cannot park on Hwy 28 and walk to the park. As of June 28, 2024, the Tahoe Transportation District has resumed the East Shore Express Service, a free transit service operating along Lake Tahoe’s east shore daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

What is the Climate Like at Sand Harbor State Park?

Boasting a wide variety of natural resources, Sand Harbor State Park is a fantastic place to visit any time of year. Visitors can expect dry, sunny summers and snowy winters. Average monthly temperatures range from 38.5 ºF in January to 77.7 ºF in July. Winters in the higher elevation tend to be cold, but not severe, with the daytime temperatures averaging about 44 ºF.  Summers in the basin are cool and dry, with the daytime temperature averaging 75º F and nighttime temperatures dipping to around 44º F.

For up-to-date conditions view our Lake Tahoe weather forecast.

Reservation Requirements for Sand Harbor State Park

To reduce traffic congestion and improve trip planning, the Nevada Division of State Parks is introducing day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park. Starting August 17 through October 13, 2024, reservations will be required on weekends and holidays. Reservations will be available to book starting July 1, with full implementation of the program set for April 2025. To accommodate spontaneous visits, entry after 10:30 am will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to park capacity. Reservations made before the day of arrival are subject to a non-refundable $5 reservation fee; however, reservation fees for same-day bookings are waived.

Make a reservation with Nevada State Parks. Note that camping and overnight visits are prohibited at Sand Harbor State Park.

Facilities and Amenities at Sand Harbor State Park

Picnicking/Day-Use

The day-use entrance fee is $10 for those with an NV state-registered vehicle and $15 for those with non-NV vehicles. This park only accepts cash. Visitors can enjoy the picnic area away from the busier beaches and unwind in the cooling shade of Jeffrey pine trees. The picnic area is paved and easy to access, and each site offers a picnic table. Propane grills are allowed, but charcoal and wood fires are prohibited in Sand Harbor State Park.

Boating

The boat ramp is open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM. The boat launch entrance fee is $20 for NV vehicles and $25 for non-NV vehicles. The boat launch area has two wave-protected double ramps with docks and nearby parking. Visitors should note that boat launch parking tends to fill quickly on summer weekends and should plan to arrive early to avoid a long wait. Watercraft inspections are required prior to launch to avoid the introduction of invasive species to Lake Tahoe. Visit Tahoe Boat Inspections for more information. 

Kayaking/Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Kayaks, sailing kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are all available to rent in the summer through Clearly Tahoe Rentals. Guided tours are also available. If you plan to bring your own, please makes sure to clean and wipe down to prevent introducing invasive species to the water.

Hiking and Biking

The entrance fee for biking in is $2 per bike. There are a few trails available for hikers and bikers, ranging in difficulty and length. The Sand Harbor Nature Trail offers hikers a short, fairly easy hike connecting to Memorial Point, with access to secluded beach and rocky areas available along the loop. The Sand Point Nature Trail also offers incredible views of Lake Tahoe along a paved walkway, making this a great choice for those needing a more accessible hike.

You can also embark on the Tahoe East Shore Trail, one of Lake Tahoe’s most stunning hiking experiences. This three-mile paved trail snakes along the lake’s east shore and connects Incline Village to Sand Harbor. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views along this hike, dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway,” as well as access to many secluded beach areas.

Swimming and Scuba Diving

With direct access to the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor State Park is ideal for sunny afternoons spent swimming and exploring the diverse underwater environment. Beach patrol is on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Winter Activities

Once the snow starts to fall, the lake remains an ethereal place to explore, even if you aren’t going in the water. Enjoy snowshoeing along the beach or embrace the magic of the holiday season on a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Sand Harbor Sleigh Rides. The parking lot is kept clear of snow during the winter months.

Visitor Center and Kokanee Bar & Grill

The Sand Harbor State Park Visitor Center and Gift Shop is opening during park hours for visitors to browse souvenirs and engage in self-guided tours through informative displays. The park is also pleased to offer dining options onsite through Kokanee Bar & Grill, a family-owned restaurant serving up grilled delights of all kinds. In addition to grab-and-go snacks, you’ll find burgers, seafood and much more.

Group Events/Weddings

Sand Harbor State Park offers the Ramada for larger groups (including school field trips) and weddings, available by reservation only. The Ramada can accommodate groups of up to 120 people — if you have a larger group, please contact the park directly to inquire about accommodations. Weddings are only permitted in the Ramada. Visitors should also note that booking the Ramada does not guarantee beach access, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Bookings at the Ramada allow the use of an officiant and a photographer with no further permitting. Officiants are prohibited in all other areas of the park. The photographer may take photos in the Ramada area only. The use of confetti or other small particulates is strictly prohibited. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Photography

Sand Harbor State Park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Lake Tahoe area, which is why we encourage visitors to take photographs to remember their visit. Photographers/videographers utilizing the park for commercial use (including but not limited to social media influencing or promotion, print ads, movies, weddings, engagements, family or senior photos or any service for which you are being paid) are required to get a photography permit. Contact the park at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to when you plan to shoot to obtain a permit.

All-Terrain Wheelchair

In an effort to make the park accessible for everyone, Sand Harbor State Park is pleased to offer the use of one all-terrain wheelchair provided by Trackchair. The chair is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sand Harbor State Park Rules and Regulations

• Day-use reservations are required starting August 17, 2024.
• 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. 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 only on designated trails.
• Do your part and keep Lake Tahoe wildlife wild.
• No camping is allowed at Highway 28 beaches.
• Pack out everything you pack in.
• Removing, disturbing or damaging any historic structure, artifact, rock, plant life, fossil or other natural feature is prohibited. State and federal laws protect this area and its resources.
• Properly dispose of all trash in designated receptacles.
• Drone use is 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.
• Check out more Frequently Asked Questions for visiting Sand Harbor State Park.