Beach Campground
4.2445 reviews/
Beach Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsites are $35 per night with an additional reservation fee of $8.25. Food lockers, picnic tables, and fire rings are included.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine west shore of Lake Tahoe, Beach Campground at D.L. Bliss State Park beckons adventurers seeking an unforgettable alpine escape. This coveted destination seamlessly blends breathtaking natural splendor with modern recreational amenities, though savvy campers should arrive early to secure parking and properly store food to coexist peacefully with the local black bear population.
Beach Campground supports tent and RV camping, with some sites designated for accessibility.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in millennia of human history. The Washoe people have called this sacred land home for generations, regarding Lake Tahoe as the center of their world and spiritual universe. Today's visitors can explore the legendary Rubicon Trail and venture to the nearby architectural marvel of Vikingsholm Castle, where Nordic design meets Tahoe's natural grandeur in perfect harmony.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons at this mountain paradise. Summer days invite swimming and sunbathing with comfortable temperatures reaching 75-80°F, while crisp nights dipping into the low 40s°F create perfect campfire weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with daytime highs hovering around 40°F and nighttime temperatures plunging below 0°F, offering a completely different but equally enchanting camping experience.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,200 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers a refreshing escape from valley heat. The crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures create an invigorating atmosphere, though visitors should pace themselves as they adjust to the thinner air and pack layers for the notably cooler evenings that define mountain camping.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the gentle whisper of wind through towering pine forests and the shimmer of sunlight dancing on Lake Tahoe's legendary crystal-clear waters. From your campsite, wander down to pristine beaches where the lake's famous clarity reveals an underwater world of boulders and sand. The dramatic cliffs of Rubicon Point tower nearby, offering spectacular vantage points where visibility extends over 100 feet into the sapphire depths below.
Geological RegionDiscover camping at the heart of the majestic Sierra Nevada, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning granite formations and dramatic lakeside cliffs. The campground's crown jewel, Rubicon Point, stands as a testament to the region's volcanic past, its sheer walls plunging into waters so clear that snorkelers and divers can explore underwater preserves visible from the clifftops above.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySite #155 is designated accessible, with generally accessible restrooms and parking. Routes may pose challenges.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, fitting multiple tents and cars. Some tent pads measure up to 17x11 feet.
Sites PrivacySites are noted to lack privacy due to close proximity. 'Sites are kinda small so if you like privacy you won't get that here.' - user review
Total Campsites250 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites close to Lester Beach offer easy access to water activities but may lack privacy due to their popularity.
Best CampsitesSite numbers 149, 151, 153, 156, 158 are highly recommended for views and proximity to Lester Beach.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 15 nights consecutively with a 2-night vacating period before rebooking.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 8 guests per site.
Groups
Designated group campsite accommodates up to 50 people with a limit of 10 cars.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutBeach Campground is laid out in loops near Lester Beach, with some sites offering partial shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from late May through September. Closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailability unspecified, though some user reviews mention first-come-first-served options.
Cancellation Policy/
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Beach Campground offers a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and nature viewing. The Rubicon Trail is particularly popular for hiking, and Lester Beach is noted for its scenic beauty.
Hiking
The Rubicon Trail offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. 'Rubicon Trail is a wonderful day hike with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.' - user reviewClimbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, with opportunities to catch trout and kokanee salmon.Swimming
Swimming is available at Lester Beach and Calawee Cove, praised for their crystal-clear water and breathtaking views.Boating
Boating is allowed, and Lester Beach is a popular launch site for kayaks and paddleboards.Wildlife viewing
Widely praised for opportunities to see wildlife such as bald eagles and osprey.Beach activities
Beach access is available and described as highly scenic with clear, turquoise waters.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as backcountry skiing are allowed west of Highway 89.Water Sports
Opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular at Lester Beach.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires confined to rings provided; closures may apply during high fire danger.
- Quiet hours are From sunset to sunrise.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is common, requiring strict food storage compliance. Yellow jackets are a nuisance during warmer months.
Active alertsPark closed for construction until summer 2025; limited access to services and facilities.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Dense drizzle
Precipitation: 1.2%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 19.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (1.20% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Dense drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Visitor Information Line at Lake Tahoe Sector Ranger Station: (530) 525-7277
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May through September.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available in the campground.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lester Beach and Calawee Cove, both renowned for their pristine waters.
Common complaintsNegative experiences include difficult parking situations, bear activity, yellow jackets, and enforcement of strict rules.
HostHosts sell firewood and enforce rules; praised by some reviews for helpfulness.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsD.L. Bliss State Park is located 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, approximately 2 miles north of Emerald Bay's Vikingsholm Parking Lot. The Rubicon Trail is accessible through Emerald Bay State Park.
The park is not accessible from Highway 89 due to closures and restrictions.Nearby places
Tahoe City (17 miles), Emerald Bay (2 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in nearby towns like Tahoma (distance unspecified).
Camper Reviews
4.2
45 reviews
Beach Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some praising the scenic beauty and facilities while others criticize restrictions and staff behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praise the campground's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to Lester Beach and the Rubicon Trail.
Based on 45 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include staff behavior, restrictions on dogs, yellow jackets, and invasive enforcement of bear-proofing rules.
Based on 45 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early for parking. Bring tokens for showers and prepare for yellow jackets during meals.
Based on 45 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is highly popular, with warm weather and opportunities for swimming and hiking. Winter is less favorable due to closures.
Based on 45 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Dreamy campground with steps to a wonderful beach with incredible views.' - user review
'Bathrooms were somewhat clean. Fresh water access at each site.' - user review
Based on 45 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites 157 and 159 are praised for proximity to Lester Beach. Best campsites include #149, #151, #153, #156, and #158.
Based on 45 reviewsAccessibility Features
Site #155 is highlighted for accessibility; however, routes may pose challenges.
Based on 45 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but restricted to developed areas and must be leashed at all times.
Based on 45 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025