11 Beautiful Lakes in Nevada for the Perfect Beach Day

Nevada’s Best Swimming Spots

Nevada might be bone dry, but don’t write off beach life in the Silver State. Nevada’s lakes and reservoirs are hiding some of the West’s best beaches minus the Pacific price tag. Here are 11 spots where you can get your dose of sand and sun in the Silver State.

1. Sand Harbor Beach

Sand Harbor has water so clear you can see straight to the bottom, with interesting rock formations that make swimming and scuba diving especially fun. You can easily launch boats from two ramps if you want to get out on the water.

When you need a break from the sun, relax at one of the shaded picnic areas under beautiful Jeffrey pines. Take a stroll on the Sand Point Nature Trail, which is wheelchair accessible and gives you some breathtaking views of the lake.

If you visit in summer, catch a show at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival with the water as your backdrop.

2. Chimney Beach

Chimney Beach gets its name from the stone chimney standing alone on the beach, the last piece of an old cabin that once stood there. You’ll need to walk about 15 minutes from the parking area located 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor, but the payoff is worth it.

Because of this small effort, you’ll often have much more space to yourself compared to other Lake Tahoe beaches. Bring your dog along since they’re welcome here. Look for the trail that starts just past the restrooms on the lake side of the highway.

The beach has small, cozy coves separated by big rocks that give you some privacy.

3. Silver Springs Beach

Visit Silver Springs Beach on the western shore of Lahontan Reservoir where the sand smoothly blends into the water. You can get there in under an hour from Reno, making it doable for a day trip.

If you enjoy fishing, bring your gear because the area has plenty of catfish, bass, and trout. The sunsets here are gorgeous as the light bounces off both the water and the surrounding desert. Even when it gets busy, the large shoreline gives you plenty of room to spread out and find your own space.

4. Baldwin Beach

Baldwin Beach runs for nearly half a mile along Lake Tahoe’s south shore, giving you unblocked views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Many people use this beach to launch kayaks headed to Emerald Bay, and you can rent one right there if you don’t have your own.

The swimming is great because the sandy bottom slopes gradually, making it safer for everyone. During summer, lifeguards watch over designated swimming areas. Bring food for a picnic as there are tables and BBQ spots perfect for a family meal.

5. Zephyr Cove Beach

Zephyr Cove gives you over a mile of beautiful sand with lots to do beyond just swimming. Try parasailing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding with equipment you can rent right at the beach.

From this spot on Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore, you get beautiful views of the mountains across the water. When you get hungry, head to Zephyr Cove Resort next to the beach for a meal, or even stay overnight in one of their cabins.

Take a ride on the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheel boat that leaves from the pier for a different view of the lake. Recent improvements have made the beach easier to access and helped prevent erosion.

6. Burnt Cedar Beach

You’ll need either a resident’s pass or a guest pass to visit Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village, but this means fewer crowds. Once inside, enjoy clean restrooms, a swimming pool, places to eat, and grills for cooking. The shoreline slopes gently, making it great for kids and casual swimmers.

During summer, lifeguards keep an eye on the swimming areas. The pool stays warm and includes a shallow section for little ones. Being on the northern part of the lake, you get unique sunset views over the western mountains.

7. Willow Beach

Though technically in Arizona, Willow Beach is part of Nevada’s Lake Mead Recreation Area near Lake Mojave. From here, you can take a boat to see Hoover Dam from below. With 235 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty to explore with scenery you won’t find elsewhere.

Rent a boat, canoe, or kayak right at the beach to get out on the water. The water is so clear it’s great for fishing, and rainbow trout are regularly added to the area. You’ll find a full-service marina with fuel and supplies for boaters.

Stay longer at one of the campgrounds or RV spaces if one day isn’t enough.

8. Pyramid Lake Beach

Drive about an hour north of Reno to find Pyramid Lake with its strange pyramid-shaped rocks rising from the salty water. This lake is what remains of ancient Lake Lahontan that once covered much of Nevada.

Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep in the mountains along State Route 445 as you drive there. The lake is on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Reservation, so you’ll need a permit for fishing, boating, or camping.

The unusual minerals in the water create a striking blue-green color different from other lakes in Nevada. Anglers come for the cutthroat trout, which can grow to record sizes here.

9. Secret Cove

Secret Cove, a clothing-optional beach on Lake Tahoe’s east shore, sits just a couple miles south of Chimney Beach. This small cove has crystal-clear water, soft sand, and smooth stones that add to its natural beauty.

Parking can be tricky, so you might need to walk a bit from where you leave your car. Large boulders create natural dividers between different parts of the beach, giving you some privacy.

The cove is sheltered, which makes the water calmer than at more open beaches. Remember that cell service is limited here, so plan accordingly before you head out.

10. Kings Beach

Kings Beach keeps its swimming area clean and well-maintained, with water so clear you can see everything underwater. Families appreciate the playground equipment and shallow areas for kids to swim safely.

Want some excitement? Rent a jet ski for about $100 an hour or try parasailing for amazing aerial views. Unlike some Lake Tahoe beaches, you can bring alcohol here if you want to enjoy a drink.

When hunger strikes, walk to one of several restaurants right next to the beach. The town surrounds the shoreline, so shops and places to stay are just a short walk away.

11. Scotts Flat Lake Beach

Scotts Flat Lake Beach sits high up at 3,100 feet, surrounded by beautiful green forests. The lake covers 850 acres with 7.5 miles of shoreline to explore. Choose from 180 campsites across two campgrounds on the north shore if you’d like to stay overnight.

On the south side, visit Cascade Shores day-use area for beach access, picnic spots, and a place to launch boats. Everyone can enjoy the fishing pier, which is wheelchair accessible. The swimming zone is separated from areas where motorboats go, keeping swimmers safe.