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Pope Beach

Pope Beach is located 3 miles west of the city of South Lake Tahoe on State Highway 89.


Pope Beach is located on National Forest land and is approximately three-quarter miles long with a sandy beach, excellent swimming and picnicking opportunities and incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. Kayak rentals and a food concession are available on site. Pope Beach is easily accessible by bicycle via the Pope/Baldwin Bike Path. No dogs are allowed. The beach is managed by concessionaire, California Land Management, under a special use permit with the USDA Forest Service.

Pope Beach
Pope Beach is located 3 miles west of the city of South Lake Tahoe on State Highway 89.

Hours of Operation

Gated access; open Memorial Day Weekend through mid-October; Entry fee required.

Fees increase during Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Beach Features

  • Accessibility
  • Food Concessions
  • Paddleboard/Kayak Rentals
  • Parking/Day-use Fee
  • Picnic Tables
  • Public Bathrooms
  • Public Transit Nearby
  • Shade Available
  • Watertrail Trailhead

Beach Contact

Tel: 
Email or Website: [email protected]


Helpful Information

The protected Tahoe yellow cress plant lives on this beach; please respect all fenced enclosures and avoid stepping on any vegetation on the beach.

GRILLS: The Forest Service requires the use of portable gas grills instead of wood or charcoal. This reduces the risk of fires from hot coals and helps keep the beaches clean from ashes.

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.
  • Portable gas grills 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: Dogs are prohibited, swimming beach only.

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.