Please refer to the appropriate state water quality agency website (California, Nevada) before heading out to your favorite beach, lake, or river to check for algae watches, warnings, or dangers.

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Chimney Beach, NV

Carson City, NV 89703


Chimney Beach is located on National Forest land approximately two miles south of Sand Harbor State Park. A parking lot is located on the east side of Highway 28, across the street from the trailhead down to Chimney Beach. The beach is named after the stone chimney that still remains on the lakeshore, a remnant of the caretaker's cabin that once stood there. Its a small sandy lakeshore area that is very popular and provides scenic views of Lake Tahoe.

Chimney Beach, NV
Carson City, NV 89703

Hours of Operation

Gated.  Open Memorial Day Weekend through October (weather pending).

Beach Features

  • Dogs Allowed with Restrictions
  • Public Bathrooms
  • Shade Available

Beach Contact

Tel: (530) 543-2600, leave a message with your phone number and we will get back to you at our earliest convenience.
Email or Website: [email protected]


Helpful Information

The hike to Chimney Beach can be a challenging one for beach visitors, so be prepared! There are no picnic tables or other facilities at Chimney Beach. Portable restrooms and trash bins are available in the parking lot. No wood or charcoal fires permitted on the beach; keep dogs under control; pick up dog waste. Dog waste bags NOT provided.

GRILLS: The Forest Service requires the use of portable gas grills instead of charcoal. This reduces the risk of fires from hot coals and helps keep the beaches clean from ashes. Campfire permits needed outside of a developed recreation site for grills; burn/fire restrictions apply.

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.
  • Wood and charcoal fires or grills are NEVER permitted on Tahoe beaches or in the forest.
  • Portable gas appliances with an on/off switch are allowed with a valid CA Campfire Permit.

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!

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.