beach

D. L. Bliss/Lester Beach


"Bliss Beach" is a beautiful, popular beach located within DL Bliss State Park. It is composed of two parts: the north portion is known as "Lester Beach" and the south portion is known as "Callawee 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. Beach goers can expect a gentle beach;  however,  boat traffic is common.

D. L. Bliss/Lester Beach

Hours of Operation

Park hours- Sunrise to Sunset

Beach Features

  • Accessibility
  • Campsites Nearby
  • Drinking Water Available
  • Fishing Nearby
  • Hiking
  • Interpretive Site
  • Parking/Day-use Fee
  • Picnic Tables
  • Public Bathrooms
  • Shade Available
  • Showers
  • Swimming
  • Visitor Center
  • Watertrail Trailhead

Beach Contact

Tel: 530-523-3203
Email or Website: www.parks.ca.gov


Helpful Information

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.

THE COAST GUARD AT TAHOE: The station near Tahoe City operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency and give the name of this beach!

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR LAKE TAHOE - BUY OR RENEW A LAKE TAHOE LICENSE PLATE: Over 96% of the funds from Lake Tahoe license plate purchase and renewal fees support lake access, hiking and biking trails, and other important projects in the Lake Tahoe basin. Lake Tahoe plates start at $50 in CA and $61 in NV in addition to your usual annual registration fees. Visit www.tahoefund.org or call (800) 510-8246 for more information.

Updates

UPDATE (June 7, 2023) -

DL Bliss campground is closed for the 2023 season.
A large-scale water infrastructure construction project is planned for DL Bliss State Park the summer 2023.

The day use area road is closed.  Visitors may walk in until construction begins early June.  Please do not block gates and follow all signage.  There is very limited parking in the lot and along the roadway. Plan ahead to carpool or get a ride. It is a 2 mile mountainous hike to the Calawee trailhead and Lester Beach. Pack it in pack it out, no facilities.

What is open now?
D.L. Bliss SP is closed for the 2023 season.