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    Kings Beach State Recreation Area

    4.3 (138 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    View from the pier
    Jennifer N.

    After snow shoeing up near Chickadee Ridge, Kings Beach was easy to swing by after lunch in the area. On a March weekday, the lot had plenty of parking, but it's not a large parking area, so I imagine summers are probably impossible to get a spot. You can use your California State Parks pass, otherwise there is a day use fee. There are a few picnic areas, pier and a short walking trail in addition to the beach. Nearby, you can also walk to a few shops and restaurants. It's more laid back feel than some other parts of Tahoe (although maybe that's due to it being off season.) Lots of scenic views and a nice relaxing spot to enjoy the lake.

    Linda H.

    Stopped off for another lake walk on the way home from Tahoe City. Perfect Sunday to enjoy the fresh air and nature. Kings beach was more crowded than it's sister to the West in Tahoe City. But nevertheless just as beautiful. Parking was a bit more challenging.

    Left of our spot
    Victoria V.

    Beach is great! Just make sure if you go on the weekends, leave a bit earlier because parking gets full quick. We went on a Saturday and had to find parking on the side streets. Parking cost $10, self pay at a kiosk. Just know, it can get terribly packed. This place does get very busy. The awesome thing I like about this beach is all the restaurants that are walking distance. They have little shops and bars literally 5 minutes walking time. Beware that bathrooms are busy due to the amount of people, so maybe not the cleanest, but not the worst. These have sinks and are flushable. Plenty of places to rent kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis and even parasailing. They also have the big wheel tricycles for the water. Pretty pricy if you're interested. There is a park next to the beach area and also a basketball court on the other end. Lifeguards are on duty and I even saw one picking up someone's trash left behind. The saddest part is when the trash gets full, people just dump everything right next to it so whatever you bring in, PLEASE TAKE IT BACK OUT.

    Nicole R.

    This beach is really pretty but it's super busy and very challenging to find parking. The water looked rather choppy, but there were still people swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There's some benches to sit on.

    Alex C.

    On our way back home from Tahoe, we made a quick stop to King's Beach. It was such a hot and beautiful day, and we saw plenty of families and groups spread out throughout the crowded beach with towels and tents everywhere. The water itself was gorgeous and apparently quite shallow for a good ways out. Perfect if you don't know how to swim (like me!) or have small children in tow. There were also plenty of people enjoying activities on the water including: paddleboarding, kayaking, pedal boats, as well as these really cool and large looking quad cycle trikes. There's a rental place just across from the beach where you can rent a lot of these equipment and more. It was sadly just a pit stop for us on the way home. But will definitely plan to enjoy the beach and waters longer next time we're up there. There's a paid parking lot, but we opted to simply park in the residential area across the street for free.

    Elizabeth I.

    A very nice beach in North Lake Tahoe.Lots of stuff to do.Good recreation spot I recommend this beautiful place

    Nice hot sand.
    Emily L.

    I liked the town and the beach. Parking was a challenge. I will definitely return to this beach. Just going to bring sand shoes.

    AmErica A.

    What do you do when you have a toddler that needs to get her wiggles out before nap time? Well you find the nearest playground, silly! There's a parking lot dedicated to the park. You pay at the little kiosk. It's an unattended parking lot. There is a bathroom near the playing structure which is nice. The day was beautiful. There was great amount of kids on the play structure and there was a handful of people on the beach and even in the water. Lots of benches and some picnic tables. You could definitely spend an entire day here. You don't even need to bring food. You can pick up lunch from the Taco Bell or any of the other many restaurants across the street and eat on the beach. We have to return when the weather is warmer and spend a full day here!

    Stephany G.

    Amazing place to experience! My family and I enjoyed every bit! Thursday not busy at all but Friday & Saturday I would recommend arriving before 10 to get good parking and spot in the lake. Parking is $10.

    Ronald M.

    This is about as far north as you can get on Lake Tahoe, and is on the California side of the state line with Nevada. Across the state line is Nevada's Incline Village where we ate lunch earlier. Another area popular for sunbathing; temperatures were in the mid-70s while we were there. This area is also a hub for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, jet skiing, and even parasailing. But not a lot going on the couple of hours we spent here; hanging out on the pier ( which could use some restoration). As well as walking along the paved trail, and sitting at a picnic table reading and conversing. The public restrooms leave somewhat to be desired, and are badly in need of toilet seat covers; especially for the ladies using them. Wait for the first available, they're all gender neutral. I found Kings Beach to be an excellent spot for photo ops. And Lake Tahoe as a whole is very nostalgic for us, having spent our honeymoon here some 22 miles south in South Lake Tahoe. The lake itself is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, the highest lake of its size in the United States at an elevation of 6,229 feet above sea level. Lake Tahoe is shared by California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. A very popular vacation destination, offering about every outdoor activity you could imagine. There are plenty of Vacation homes, cabins, Inns, Hotels, and motels for rent.

    Peaceful at 6:40AM
    Katrina P.

    Visited Lake Tahoe last weekend for 4th of July and it was such a great experience!! We arrived at the beach at around 6:40am, the parking lot was pretty empty with only a few other cars unloading. The cost for the day on weekends $10 and there is a parking machine available so you can pay with either cash or credit card. The beach was clean and so was the water. It got pretty full by 12pm which I imagine is the norm during the summer weeks. Kayak and Paddle board rentals are located on the beach, there are many stores and restaurants within walking distance and a gas station just across the street selling everything you need to enjoy a great day of sun and water. The bathrooms weren't super clean and there was no soap dispensers but it was bearable. Be prepared to wait on a long line or be brave and use one of the many disgusting port a potty's available. There are no garbage pails on the beach however there are two large dumpsters in the parking lot for people to pack out their trash. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I will be back soon to enjoy another day!

    Teuila G.

    My daughter's favorite beach to visit in the summer since she was only a baby. It's clean, with several restrooms and a playround nearby. They offer rentals and boat rides. It's a self register to park inside, and it's $10 fee for all-day use or $3 an hour. With school out, you can find us out here with family. We usually pack our cooler, shade tent, chairs, towels, and lunch sometimes dinner. If not, there are plenty of dining options nearby. I love working in the area, especially during the summer months. I'm never in any rush to get home when I'm here, and today is no exception. Thanks to the staff that keeps up the restrooms, etc.

    Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Lake Tahoe
    Bruce K.

    I did not go into the water today but I did take the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful state park. I found free parking up the street https://www.yelp.com/biz/christmas-tree-parking-lot-kings-beach?hrid=20wQH-nXcCNsyr7CFpYW-g and so I did not have to pay anything to enter. All sorts of activities here from volleyball to swimming, jetskis and paddleboats. There's even a basketball court and a playground. Picnic tables all around including one occupied by a possible residentially-challenged guy drinking from a brown paper bag. Good luck, dude. The view from the beach and on the pier is fantastic. I have never been to Tahoe before but I now understand why people in Los Angeles and San Francisco swear by it. This is amazing. [Review 17679 overall - 470 in California - round number 1200 of 2022.]

    Feeling sexy like Marilyn Monroe..

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    Great park! Get there early it fills up. Right across the street from a lot of restaurants. Super convenient rentals nearby too.

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    Ask the Community - Kings Beach State Recreation Area

    What time does the parkings get full during the summer?

    I was just there,during the week I would say around 9am. On weekend I'm sure earlier around 8am. At Sand harbor beach the line starts forming at 6:30am

    Does anyone know if it is still smoky up in this area due to the wildfires in northern Cali or had it cleared up?

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Kings Beach State Recreation Area

    We enjoyed our lunch and suntanning session when we decided it would be fun to rent a jet ski.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    Kings Beach State Recreation Area - beaches - Updated July 2026

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