Lake Tahoe east shore camping

[CPT Davenport]

We will be at our annual camping spot this July about 2 1/2 hours away from Tahoe. I have always avoided the lake due to the cold water and the crowds. I think I finally want to break down and see some of that super blue water on the east shore. Any advice or camping recommendations? We will have the boat in tow as well.

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

There is fairly limited lakeshore access along the east shore. There is a state park near the northeastern corner, with flat beaches. My favorite place is what is marked on the maps as Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, farther north of the state park. It's a small parking lot, a restroom building next to the highway, pathways down to the boulder strewn water front.

I don't know about camping nearby.

I'd come mid week. The last time I came I was planning on circumnavigating the lake; I've been at various points on the north and south and east but never on the west side. I started out at Incline Village with the intent of circling the lake clockwise. I wanted a leisurely drive, I was pushed and shoved by incessant traffic wanting to drive at warp speed. I'd pull out, wait for traffic to clear, only to have someone on my back bumper within seconds of pulling back out. By the time I reached US50 I had enough and got out of there via Carson City. That was about 2013 and I haven't been back since.

 

[rubberlegs]

It's too bad Lake Tahoe isn't a national park.

 

[CPT Davenport]

This is not encouraging news, and supports the reasons I have avoided the place. My hope was to get out on the water and hopefully escape the landlubber mayhem.

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

Sand Harbor State Park has a public boat ramp.

Sand Harbor - Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park | State Parks

With crystal-clear waters, long sandy beaches, rocky coves, shady forested areas and panoramic lake views, Sand Harbor offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to enjoy and explore Lake Tahoe and also hosts the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival every summer.

parks.nv.gov

 

[pvstoy]

Tahoe in July is over loved and too many people that cause parking problems everywhere. I live nearby and need to drive around the lake to get to work sites on the rim trail. I leave earlier than need to avoiding traffic. There is camping on the south shore.

 

[pvstoy]

To add... some locations traffic is slowed as parking lots are full, can cause delays.

I should not work for the tourist department with those selling points.

 

[Cuss]

We will be at our annual camping spot this July about 2 1/2 hours away from Tahoe. I have always avoided the lake due to the cold water and the crowds. I think I finally want to break down and see some of that super blue water on the east shore. Any advice or camping recommendations? We will have the boat in tow as well.

There is not any real camping right along the east shore, believe me I've looked for a random 2 track. July is busy, mid week is manageable. The east shore is pretty special place to visit though. I come up from Sac for the day and have my spots along the 50 that are good for the night. There are formal camp grounds north of the lake along 267 that would be convenient to get down to the lake. They are pretty strict on no camping outside of formal sites most areas close to the lake. South Lake Tahoe area will have more crowds.