LAKE TAHOE, Nev. — Among the alpine trees and rock formations lays the crystal-clear fresh water shores, sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the world-renown Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park’s Sand Habor appeals to beach goers, scuba divers, picnickers, watercraft enthusiasts, large parties and audiences for the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare festival.
The park’s visitor center includes a gift shop and attached is a snack bar, grill concession and a shaded deck for individuals to enjoy eating and drinking.
The group-use area, complete with electricity, water, tables and a large barbeque, can accommodate up to 100 people and is available for reservations only.
Swimming and scuba diving are welcomed and beach patrol is on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The park’s boat launch area has two wave-protected double ramps and docks with parking. Summer hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Mandatory watercraft inspections prevent the threat aquatic invasive species such as Quagga and Zebra mussels from entering Lake Tahoe, and a required annual fee is charged for motorized watercraft inspections. For more information regarding inspections, visit http://tahoeboatinspections.com/.
Within the motorized bay, Seadoo Jet Ski rentals are available for 30 minutes, hourly or full day. Guided tours are offered. For more information, visit http://www.sandharborws.com/.
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival offers plays during July and August. Enjoy drinks or dinner on the beach or in the gallery seats for the Bard’s best plays amid Lake Tahoe’s ambiance. Wine tasting is available at the on-site tasting room. The main gate opens at 5:00 p.m. and the amphitheater’s entrance opens at 5:30. For more information, visit http://www.laketahoeshakespeare.com.
Visitation peaks from 11:00am to 4:00m during summer weekends and weekdays during July and August. The park is open year-round with varying hours and entrance fees:
Hours:
May 1 to May 30, open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
May 30 to September 5, open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 5 to September 30,open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October 1 to April 30, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry Fees:
April 15 to October 15 $12.00 per vehicle for non-residents and Nevada residents $10.00 per vehicle
October 16 to April 14 non-residents pay $7.00 per vehicle and Nevada residents $5.00
Walk-in visitors pay $1.00 per person, and annual and senior passes offered.
For more information contact:
Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
PO Box 6116
Incline Village, Nevada 89452
Phone: (775) 831-0494
[email protected]
What is a State Park?
National Parks, State Parks and City Parks share similar purposes. They emphasize preservation of scenic areas or of historic significance. National parks preserve areas of national interest and State Parks preserve areas of state interest and so on. The Nevada Division of State Parks is under the jurisdiction of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Division “preserves areas of scenic, historic and scientific significance in Nevada.”
Jamie Roice is a graduate student studying Interactive Environmental Journalism at the University of Nevada. Currently, she is interning with the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and ThisisReno.com. Each week a State Park will be highlighted with an article and multimedia to gain attention to Nevada’s State Parks.
