25 Best Dog Friendly Beaches & Trails: North Lake Tahoe, CA
Discover the best stops for dog-friendly beaches around North Lake Tahoe this summer. Where are the best places to bring your dog in North Lake Tahoe? We'll unpack all you need to know before your summer vacation.
CALIFORNIA DOG FRIENDLY TRAVEL
Katie Abendroth
4/29/202414 min read
What are the best dog-friendly beaches and trails in North Lake Tahoe?
Whether you are a highly sensitive person (HSP) traveling with an emotional support animal, or a Tahoe tourist with a furry friend, this is my best round up of popular spots for Summer 2024.
Top 25 dog-friendly beaches and waterfront picnic spots near North Lake Tahoe this summer.
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Carnelian West Beach
Offering over 500 feet of public, dog-friendly shores, this is a great place in Carnelian Bay. It shares a parking lot with Gar Woods Grill and Pier, so there is free parking and bus access.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome on Carnelian West Beach; poop bags available.
Parking
There is a parking lot shared with restaurant next door; free parking in all spots.
Address
5074 North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay, California 96140
Features
BBQ, picnic tables, lakefront promenade, Restrooms available, and nearby boat launch.
Phone: (530) 542-5580
Travel Tip:
You can rent or reserve grassy area along the beach making a great spot for photo shoots or special occasions.
Hidden Beach
This area is perfect if your dog loves to run off-leash. There are over 700 feet of beach areas where dogs are welcome. This Nevada beach is truly a hidden gem with the feel of a secret cove. Nude sunbathing is allowed.
Leash Rules
Off-leash dogs and swimming allowed. Pack your own poop bags to clean up.
Parking
Parking along Hwy 28.
Address
1713 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV
Features
Portable restrooms along road
Phone: 775-831-0494
Travel Tip:
Nude sunbathing allowed, so dog owners without kids would be best. This is off the beaten path, so bring your own food, drinks, blankets, and doggy bags.
There are steps leading down to the water, making access difficult.
King's Beach State Park
Visitors describe the dog-friendly portion as a small area. The rocky terrain makes it tough for the humans to lounge.
Leash Rules
Dogs are welcome on leash along the sidewalks and in the picnic table areas. They are also welcome on the east end of Kings Beach boat ramp.
Parking
(May 1 - September 30) - $10.00 per vehicle for the day, or $3.00 per hour. Off season rates (October 1 - April 30) $5 per vehicle for the day. Open year round: 6:00am-10:00pm.
Address
Bear St, Kings Beach, CA 96143
Features
Picnic Areas, Firepits, Playground
Phone: (530) 546-7248
Travel Tip:
Dogs only allowed on Dog Beach at the east of the Park beyond the boat ramp. Dogs not allowed on sandy beaches in Placer County.
Patton Beach & Waterman's Landing
This is a 3-acre pebble beach, best known for paddle boarding. Dogs are allowed on the West side (right side) and areas are clearly marked.
Leash Rules
Dogs welcome on leash along sidewalks and picnic table areas. They are welcome at east end of Kings Beach boat ramp.
Parking
Parking is extremely limited; parking lot only fits 23 vehicles. Open year round dawn to dusk.
Address
5166 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA, US, 96140
Features
Picnic Tables, Firepits, Boat Launch, Kayak Rentals, Restrooms
Phone: (530)-546-3590
Travel Tip:
A great feature is Waterman's Landing, a gourmet coffee shop on site. Dogs are welcome on the coffee shop deck.
Coon Street Dog Beach
There is a dog beach section clearly marked where dogs are welcome on this rocky stretch of beach. In the dog-friendly area, dogs are allowed off leash and allowed to swim in the shallow water.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome. Unleashed dogs allowed in clearly marked areas.
Parking
Dedicated parking lot with $10 fee to park. Open year round, sunrise to sunset.
Address
8318 North Lake Blvd. Kings Beach, CA 96143
Features
Restrooms, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and playground. Restrooms are closed in winter.
Phone: (530) 546-4212
Travel Tip:
Coon Street Dog Beach has rocky terrain and is not considered handicap accessible.
Ski Beach
Ski Beach is a spot for easy boat access with 500 feet of shoreline. It is next to Baldwin Beach.
Ski Beach is primarily accessible by boat and it is noted that dogs are only allowed by boat. Dogs can enjoy the shoreline off-season from October to April.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome.
Parking
Off season (when dogs are allowed) parking is free across the street. There is a daily parking fee during the summer season (April - October)
Season: Dogs only allowed off-season from October 15 to April 15; Beach open dawn until dusk.
Address
964 Lakeshore Incline Village, NV 89451
Features
Restrooms; no other facilities.
Phone: (530) 546-2600
Travel Tip:
Visit this spot off-season, Oct-April when dogs are allowed on the beach and there is no parking/entrance fee. This area is best accessed by boat.
Skylandia State Park
Although dogs are not allowed on the beach, leashed pets are welcome in the 24-acre park. This park is a popular place to picnic and hike.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome. Visitors report some dogs off-leash, so be sure your dog is comfortable with other dogs.
Parking
Extremely limited parking fills up quickly.
Season: May 1-October 31; Open 8:00am-10:00pm. Beach open dawn until dusk.
Address
964 Lakeshore Incline Village, NV 89451
Features
3 picnic areas, BBQ, Pier, Boat launch, Fresh Water, and Hiking Trails
Phone: (530) 583-3796
Travel Tip:
Parking is limited to paved streets outside of park, so arrive early!
Bonsai Beach/ Bonsai Rock
This small area is one of the most frequently photographed spots in Tahoe. It features small bonsai growth out of a boulder.
Located on the Eastern shore, it is dog-friendly but hard to access.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome. Access is difficult so make sure your dog can hike down rocky areas.
Parking
Park along paved road. A 1/2 mile hike down to area. Area is not well marked.
Address
Bonsai Rock, Carson City, NV 89704
Features
No public facilities.
Phone: None
Travel Tip:
No public facilities, so pack in pack out supplies. Terrain is rocky boulders and hard to access, but a beautiful view.
East Shore
East Shore Beaches 3-mile trail
As the name implies, this is a 3-mile paved trail that allows access to 11 different beach spots. It is a popular spot for joggers, bikers, and dog owners.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome in all areas.
Parking
Paid parking. Mon-Thurs $4; Fri-Sun $1
Address
1924 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451
Features
$2 admission fee.
Phone: (775) 298-0035
Travel Tip:
Check pavement temps with your hand before heading out. There is no shade, so dog paws can be burned in hot weather.
Chimney Beach
This spot, named after the preserved chimney of the old Thunderbird Lodge, is a hidden gem and a great options if your dog likes a nature trail, as it is a half-mile hike to access.
It is located south of Sand Harbor State Park and is on National Forest property. This is more rugged terrain, with sand, rocks and boulders.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome in all areas.
Parking
There are 2 parking lots, both free. Both require a short hike to access the beach areas. Gated; open Memorial Day (end of May) to October.
Address
Chimney Beach, Carson City, NV 89703
Features
Portable restrooms in parking lots, no other features available; no charcoal grilling allowed due to fire hazards, since this is off the beaten path.
Phone: (530) 543-2600
Travel Tip:
There may be nude sunbathers in areas, so this may not be as kid-friendly as other beaches (although your dog probably won't care)!
Sand Harbor Beach
Although dogs are only allowed off season during the winter months, this is one of the most beautiful beach spaces in Tahoe. It is a great beach for picturesque views.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome in all areas. Dogs only allowed off season, Oct. 15-April 15
Parking
$10 per vehicle, parking lot inside the state park entrance. Bike parking $2 per bike.
Address
Sand harbor beach, Incline Village , NV 89452
Features
Barbecues, paddleboard/kayak, and jet ski rentals, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, and boat launch area.
Phone: (775) 831-0494
Travel Tip:
Arrive early, entrance is closed off when parking lot fills up. Note that dogs are only allowed off season from October to April, when there may be snow.
Secret Cove Beach
This is a nude beach that is popular among locals. It is a 300 ft. long beach.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome in all areas. Bring clean up supplies and poop bags.
Parking
2 free parking lots, but spots often fill up by 7:00am. Best parking available off season.
Season: Gated access from Secret Harbor Parking Lot; open Memorial Day Weekend through mid-October
Address
Lake Tahoe East Shore, Incline Village, NV 89451
Features
Restrooms 1/2 mile away; no other facilities.
Phone: (530) 546-7248
Travel Tip:
Nude beach appropriate for dog owners without kids. There is a steep path to get to the beach area. Entire area is dog friendly.
Secret Harbor Beach
This is a popular spot for locals, but does require a challenging hike to access. Signs clearly mark this beach spot. This is another "clothing optional" nude beach spot.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome in all areas. Bring clean up supplies and poop bags.
Parking
Free parking area on the west side of Hwy 28. Gated access; open Memorial Day Weekend through mid-October.
Address
Secret Harbor Beach, NV-28, Carson City, NV, US, 89703
Features
Restrooms 1/2 mile away; no other facilities.
Phone: (530) 543-2600
Travel Tip:
Nude beach appropriate for dog owners without kids. Requires hiking to access. Entire area is dog friendly.
Whale Beach
A popular and scenic 100 yard beach that can be reached from the Secret Harbor Parking area. It is another "clothing optional" beach, so better for dog owners without kids. It is also known as Black Sand Beach.
Leash Rules
Dogs welcome and allowed off leash. Visitors report dogs happily jumping across boulders and rocks enjoying the beach.
Parking
Access from gated parking area of Secret Harbor. Open Memorial Day to October.
Address
Whale Beach, Highway 28, Incline Village, NV
Features
None.
Phone: (530) 543-2600
Travel Tip:
Like a few other secluded beaches, this requires a hike down a trail to access. This is a clothing optional beach, not suitable for children.
64 Acre Beach
This is a popular beach near Tahoe City, CA and has great scenery.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs can enjoy the beach on Lake side
Parking
Small designated parking area. Season- Open year round, but not plowed in winter
Address
130 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA, US, 96145
Features
Picnic tables, hiking trails, and portable toilets.
Phone: (530) 543-2600
Travel Tip:
Offers access to Truckee River and Lake Tahoe. Be sure to pack fresh water.
West Shore
Chambers Landing
Next to a restaurant named Chambers Bar and Landing (which is Tahoe's oldest bar), is a small beach area of sand, rocks, and pebbles. This is a small beach but great option for dog owners.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome in all areas.
Parking
No parking lots; park along paved road. Open year round, sunrise to sunset.
Address
6300 Chambers Lodge Road, Homewood, CA 96141
Features
No charcoal fires allowed (portable gas grills only), restrooms, picnic tables, pier
Phone: (530) 543-2600
Travel Tip:
This beach has a public area run by National Park service, and a private area called Chamberland Beach and Mountain Club.
The public side is open to visitors. The calm waters and shallow water on this part of the lake are a popular spot for paddle boards and kayaks.
Elizabeth Williams Hurricane Bay (AKA Pebble Beach or "Dog Beach")
This spot welcomes dogs and is just north of Kaspian Campground. As the name implies, this is an area covered with pebbles rather than sand. It is popular among anglers.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome in all areas. Some areas marked allow dog swimming.
Parking
No parking lots; park along paved road. Open year round, sunrise to sunset.
Address
Highway 89 Tahoe City, CA 96145
Features
Picnic tables and bike paths. NO restrooms as this is off the beaten path.
Phone: (530) 583-3796
Travel Tip
There is public transit access here if you don't want the hassle of parking. It is not handicap accessible and has rocky pebbles along shore.The public side is open to visitors. The calm waters and shallow water on this part of the lake are a popular spot for paddle boards and kayaks.
Kaspian Picnic Area
This area includes a 1/2 mile stretch of waterfront with sand and rocks. Near bike trails and Kaspian campground.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome in all areas. Kaspian campground only allows 2 pets at a time.
Parking
No parking lots; park along paved road. Open year round, sunrise to sunset.
Address
W Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA 96142
Features
Picnic tables, restrooms, 100 ft. pier
Phone: (530) 583-3796
Travel Tip
This area has a large number of bear sightings. Always throw away food completely.
Lake Forest Beach (Bristlecone)
This is a free day park with beach access.
Leash Rules
Dogs welcome to roam off leash on dog beach; poop bags stations available. Dogs are allowed on the West side (right side) and areas are clearly marked.
Parking
No parking lots; park along paved road. Open year round, sunrise to sunset.
Address
1 Bristlecone St., Tahoe City , California 96145
Features
Charcoal grills, portable restrooms, picnic tables, public transit access
Phone: (530) 583-5544
Travel Tip
This is a popular area for bird watching and annual blooms of lupine, beautiful purple wildflowers. Parking can be difficult and area can get crowded quickly according to visitor reviews.
Kiva Beach
A dog-friendly beach list would not be complete without listing popular Kiva Beach, which is worth the drive for a day trip. Multiple visitor reviews describe this as the best beach around Lake tahoe.
Leash Rules
Dogs allowed east of Tallac Point. Check signs as dogs are not allowed in protected wetlands property. Leashes are required, but visitors report dogs swimming and running off leash.
Parking
Free parking lot; open Memorial Day weekend - October.
Address
35 Visitor Center Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, US, 96150
Features
Firepits, restrooms, picnic tables
Phone: (530) 543-2674
Travel Tip
Popular spot. Be sure to clean up after your dog as some visitors reported a pee/poo smell at the beach due to the number of dogs.
South Shore
Tallac Point & Shoreline
Operated by the National Parks Service, this is a sandy/soil mix beach about 1 mile walk from a museum at the Tallac Site.
Leash Rules
Leased dogs allowed, but visitor reviews report lots of dogs running off leash, so be sure your dog is comfortable with other pups.
Parking
Free parking lot; open Memorial Day weekend - October. Gated entry open 8:00am-10:00pm.
Address
Tallac Point, Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA, US, 96150
Features
Museum, restrooms, picnic tables
Phone: (530) 541-5227
Travel Tip
Visiting Tallac shoreline, Tallac Point, and Kiva Beach would make a great day trip if you are staying in North Lake Tahoe.
Donner Memorial State Park/ Donner Lake
Donner Lake and Memorial State Park are well worth the drive for a day trip. We found the facilities clean, visitors friendly, and dogs everywhere.
Donner Lake east end has a pet friendly beach, in the area closes to the Donner Beach Club Marina.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome on trails, roads, and the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs are not allowed inside the visitor center. Pet friendly beach on east end of Lake Donner.
Parking
Parking lots, $5-10 parking fee depending on the season. Requires some walking from parking lots (up to 0.5 mile). Open year round 10:00am-5:00pm; closed on Thanksgiving, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1
Address
12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
Features
Charcoal grills, restrooms, picnic tables, and Memorial Center.
Phone: (530) 582-7894
Travel Tip
The east end of Donner Lake, where there is a d0g beach, is the best spot for a sunset. Stay late and get great sunset pics.
Worth the Drive
Echo Lakes
This beautiful area is dog-friendly and off the beaten path. Echo Lake is separate from Lake Tahoe but easy to access when there is no snow. Dogs are welcome and there is breathtaking scenery for beautiful pictures.
Leash Rules
Leashed dogs welcome on trails, roads, and the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs are not allowed inside the visitor center.
Parking
Free parking lot but it fills up quickly. Parking along paved roads available.
Address
9900 Echo Lakes Road, Echo Lake, CA 95721
Features
Restrooms, boat taxi, kayak rentals, picnic tables
Phone: (530) 644-2324
Travel Tip
This is a popular spot among campers, and there are plenty of dog friendly trails for active adventures. Access in the winter may be difficult as I found the roads quite narrow, steep, and curvy even in the summer.
Prosser Reservoir
This is a popular local spot with 11 miles of water front to play with your pooch. Popular for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, and motorized boats. It is about 10 minutes north of Truckee, CA.
Leash Rules
Dogs allowed throughout park. Be sure your dog responds to voice recall if they are off leash. Open sunrise to sunset.
Address
9646 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA 96161
Features
Restrooms, boat ramp, and picnic areas.
Phone: (530) 587-3558
Travel Tip
This is another great spot for sunrise and sunset photos. Beautiful scenery and endless shorelines make it easy to find a less crowded spot. Campground open Memorial Day weekend - October.
Truckee River Regional Park
This charming family friendly park is well worth the drive. You can spend all day at this 62 acre park, full of dog-friendly trails and picnic areas.
Leash Rules
Strict leash requirement from May 1 - October 31; dogs allowed off leash from November-April. Be sure your dog responds to voice commands and recall if they are off leash!
Address
10500 Brockway Rd, Truckee, CA, US, 96161
Features
Restrooms, 4 picnic areas, playgrounds, ball parks, skate parks, and amphitheater.
Phone: (530) 582-7720
Travel Tip
Check dates for the popular farmer's market that is held here if you are looking for special events to visit. There are so many outdoor activities, plan on spending the whole day here!
Find these tips helpful? Share the love!
When we moved to California, North Lake Tahoe became our favorite getaway for winter weekends.
But summer months offer the perfect place to get away with your four-legged friends.
Be sure when bringing your fur baby that your practice general "petiquette" towards other visitors.
Pet owners who are good stewards of the land, remember to pack doggy waste bags to pick up after their pet, and keep their well-behaved furry friend on a leash, will be welcome at these spots.
