Quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8 AM to 1 hour after sunset |
| Entry | $10 per vehicle, Nevada plates. $15 per vehicle, out of state plates. $2 per bike |
| Reservations | May 15 to September 30, cars, 8 to 10:30 AM. $5 booking fee, none for a same-day booking. One state page says the season starts May 1, so check before an early May trip |
| Dogs | Leash of 6 feet or less, October 15 to April 15 only |
| Boat launch | $20 per vehicle, $25 out of state. Open 6 AM to 4 PM in season, and closed for the season at our last check. Boats get an inspection |
| Rentals | Clearly Tahoe Kayak Rentals at Sand Harbor |
| Bus | East Shore Express, free, summer only |
| Address | 2005 NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89450 |
What the water does
Sand Harbor sits on the same lake as the UC Davis buoys. The numbers below come from the middle of the lake, 5 feet down. Water in the shallow coves can be warmer.
The live reading is in the box on this page. September can still be swim weather in a warm year. The yearly average has climbed from 50.4°F in 1968.
When does smoke hit?
Since 2019, the nearest air monitor logged 52 smoke days. 48 of them came in August and September: 28 in August and 20 in September. July had 3 and November had 1. June had none.
A smoke day means fine particles rose above 35.4 micrograms. That is the level where air turns unhealthy for sensitive people. The monitor sits in Tahoe City, 12 miles away, so Incline can differ. Check the air page before a trip.
What is on the grounds
- A half mile trail leads to Memorial Point. A third of a mile nature trail has signs and is wheelchair friendly.
- The visitor center and gift shop are open for a self-guided look.
- Beach patrol works from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
When should you go?
From May 15 to Sept 30, book a morning entry (8 to 10:30 AM) or come after 4 PM. On warm weekends, the lot fills by 9 AM. Rangers close the gate until cars leave. Weekdays in September and October are quiet.
What if the lot is full?
Park at the trailhead lot at 1102 Tahoe Blvd and walk the East Shore Trail 3 miles to the Sand Harbor entrance.
- 0 mi Trailhead lot, 1102 Tahoe Blvd
- 1 mi Hidden Beach stairs
- 3 mi Sand Harbor entrance
Do not park on SR 28. The shoulder is a tow zone and a bike lane. Park at the trailhead lot, 1102 Tahoe Blvd, at the Incline Village end of the East Shore Trail and walk or ride the 3 paved miles. That lot has 90 spaces and charges by the hour: about $14 for a 9 AM to noon stay on a summer weekday and $19 on a weekend. In 2026 the free East Shore Express ran daily from June 21 to September 12, from 10 AM to about 6:30 PM. The last bus left Incline at 3 PM. Stops and dates are on our bus page.
Can you go without a reservation?
Yes. Reservations cover only car entry from 8 to 10:30 AM, May 15 to September 30. They cost a $5 booking fee. A same-day booking skips the fee. Walking in on the East Shore Trail needs none. At any other time, pay at the gate if the lot has room.
Why is Sand Harbor closed?
The gate closes when the lot is full. It reopens as cars leave. Full day closures are rare.
What are the rules?
- Dogs only from October 15 to April 15, on a leash.
- Propane grills only. No charcoal or wood fires.
- No glass bottles near the water.
- No camping. No amplified sound.
- The boat launch has its own lot and fee.
Is Sand Harbor worth it?
Yes, for most visitors. A car costs $10 to $15. The beach has sand and clear water, and the paved East Shore Trail runs 3 miles to it from Incline Village. The lake averages 65.3°F in July, so it is a cold swim. On a smoke day, skip it. We counted 48 smoke days in August and September since 2019, and 40 of them were in 2020 and 2021. Book a morning entry in summer and the lot is easy. Go at noon on a July weekend and you may wait.
Other beaches near here
Hidden Beach is on the trail, a mile from town. See all 7 on the beaches page.
