Beach guide
Baldwin Beach
South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, CA
Overview
Baldwin Beach is a Forest Service day-use beach on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, about five miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe. It sits on the lake side of Highway 89 across from Mt. Tallac Road.
Who goes here
It's a classic family swim and picnic beach, with picnic tables for single families and groups. Swimming and non-motorized boating such as kayaks and paddleboards are listed activities, along with viewing scenery, plants and wildlife. Tahoe Recreation, a division of Vista Recreation, runs it under a Forest Service special use permit.
Season and fees
The parking area is open from mid-May to mid-October, with a $10 per vehicle day-use fee. Season passes for National Forest beaches are sold at the Baldwin Beach kiosk. Out of season you can still walk in, but there are no restrooms or trash service, so pack everything out.
Things to know
Baldwin is strictly day use: no camping or overnight parking. Pets aren't allowed, and campfires and barbecues are banned, though portable stoves with an on/off valve are allowed with a valid permit. There's one flush toilet in season and no drinking water, so bring your own. The Forest Service posts harmful algal bloom alerts for Tahoe beaches, so check current alerts before swimming.
Getting there & access
Driving and parking
Baldwin Beach is on Highway 89 about five miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe, on the lake side across from Mt. Tallac Road. From Tahoe City, drive south on Highway 89 around Emerald Bay. Pay the $10 vehicle fee at the kiosk.
Season and hours
The parking area is open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October. Forest Service beach parking areas generally run 8 a.m. to sunset in season, weather permitting. When the lot is closed you can still walk in.
Kayaks and paddleboards
Non-motorized boating is a listed activity, so you can carry a kayak or paddleboard from the lot to the water. There's no boat ramp, and this isn't a launch for trailered or motorized boats.
Season passes
Season passes for Forest Service beaches are sold at the Baldwin Beach kiosk, as well as at Pope Beach, Fallen Leaf Campground and Nevada Beach Campground.
Amenities
- Sandy swim beach — Day-use swimming on Lake Tahoe's south shore
- Picnic tables — Single-family and group picnicking
- Restroom — One flush toilet, open while the beach is open
- Pay kiosk — Day-use fees and Forest Service beach season passes
- Off-season walk-in access — Open to foot traffic year-round; no restrooms or trash service when closed
Rules & official resources
- No pets, due to public health and safety restrictions
- Campfires of any solid fuel (wood, charcoal, etc.) and BBQs are prohibited; portable stoves with an on/off switch or valve are allowed with a valid permit
- Day use only: no camping, car camping or overnighting
- $10 per vehicle day-use parking fee in season
- When the beach is closed for the season, pack out all trash
Common boat service needs here
Kayak and paddleboard transport
Baldwin is a carry-in beach with no ramp. Visitors with larger kayaks, canoes or small sailboats sometimes hire transport to get boats to the lake for the season.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →UV protection for small craft
High-altitude Tahoe sun is hard on kayaks, paddleboards and boat covers left outside all summer. Owners often replace or repair covers to keep them from fading and cracking.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026