Beaches
Much of the popular D.L. Bliss State Park will be closed for another summer according to California State Parks. They made the announcement Friday that the park on the west shore of Lake Tahoe will remain closed for camping and partially closed for day use into summer 2025. They said the extended closure is necessary to complete an ongoing waterline infrastructure replacement. Campground reservations for the 2025 season at D.L. Bliss State Park will not be available until further notice.
The following day-use areas remain accessible:
Lester Beach and Calawee Cove: These areas will remain open for water access from Lake Tahoe and foot access via the Rubicon Trail from Emerald Bay State Park.
Backcountry Areas: Portions of D.L. Bliss State Park west of Highway 89 will continue to be available for winter backcountry use.
Bouldering/Rock-Climbing Areas: Popular bouldering and rock-climbing sites located just east of Highway 89, closed for the past two seasons, will reopen in 2025 for walk-in access from designated roadside parking areas.
Please note: No restroom or trash services will be available at these locations. Visitors must practice “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize environmental impact. Due to construction activities on the park roadways, emergency response vehicle access may be limited, and response times could be delayed.
The public is invited to visit nearby campgrounds and day-use access areas at Emerald Bay State Park and Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, which are expected to be fully open during the summer of 2025.
California State Parks said they appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as it works to improve D.L. Bliss State Park for all visitors. For further updates, please monitor the D.L. Bliss State Park webpage.
“Bliss Beach” is a beautiful, popular beach in DL Bliss State Park. It comprises two parts: the north portion is known as “Lester Beach” and the south portion is known as “Calloway Cove”. This area is the northern portal to the famous Rubicon Wall, one of the deepest portions of Lake Tahoe, and the popular Rubicon Hiking Trail. It is adjacent to DL Bliss Campground. Beachgoers can expect a gentle beach; however, there is no designated swim area, and boat traffic is common.
Park hours- Sunrise to Sunset
Beach Features:
- Campsites Nearby
- Fishing Nearby
- Parking/Day-use Fee
- Picnic Tables
- Public Bathrooms
- Shade Available
- Showers
- Watertrail Trailhead
Arrive early, since the beach parking fills daily, often by 11:00 am. Once filled, visitors are not allowed to drive into the park, and must walk approximately 2 miles from the highway to the beach. No pets are allowed on the beach, and no fires are allowed anywhere outside of designated campsites. The access road is narrow and the parking is restricted, so trailers are not advised. The beach is adjacent to private property beaches, so be respectful of neighbors and remain on park property.
KEEP IT CLEAN: Lake Tahoe is recognized as an Outstanding Natural Resource Water. Please, join your fellow beachgoers in protecting this special place! Begin by being an example to others:
- Dispose of trash properly or pack it out.
- Never feed birds, squirrels or any other wildlife.
- Campfires are NEVER allowed on Tahoe beaches.
VEGETATION: Protect Tahoe plants! Keep outside signed or fenced protected habitat.
SWIM and BOAT SMART: Very cold water, sudden storms and unexpected waves deserve respect. Be alert!
PET OWNERS: Pets are permitted only on dog-friendly beaches. Use a bag to pick up after your pet, and use a leash. Protect your pet’s privilege to share the beach!
BOATERS: Aquatic invasive species are a very serious threat – completely clean, drain and dry your boat before launching it at Tahoe.
FISHING: Any person over 16 years old must have a valid California or Nevada sport fishing license. Visit one of the many Lake Tahoe fishing sites to learn more about fishing and the special regulations that are enforced at Tahoe.
As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting D.L. Bliss State Park:
What is open now?
D.L. Bliss SP is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to active recreation with restrictions in place to encourage social distancing.
- Day-use parking is now available to the public. Parking is $10.
- All trail systems are available and active recreation will be permitted.
- Outdoor restrooms will be available.
Lester Beach at D.L. Bliss State Park
Hwy 89 (2 miles north of Vikingsholm Parking Lot at Emerald Bay), Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
