Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Kings Beach State Recreation Area is a sandy day-use beach in downtown Kings Beach on Lake Tahoe's north shore, between Bear and Coon streets and about a mile west of the Nevada state line. California State Parks runs it, and on summer days it's one of the busiest public beaches on the lake.

What's here

The park has a lawn and picnic area with 18 first-come, first-served tables, a playground overlooking the water and a basketball half-court nearby. Restrooms are east of the main lot by the playground and near the boat launch, and the boat-launch restrooms close for winter. Paddleboard, kayak, jet ski and boat rentals are available from a private concession.

Boating

A public boat ramp sits at the east edge of the park, with two boarding floats and about 20 trailer parking spaces for boats of 10 to 30 feet. The ramp has been closed in low-water years, so check current lake levels and status before you tow up. Every motorized vessel launched on Lake Tahoe, from boats to jet skis and e-foils, must pass an aquatic invasive species inspection first, and paddlecraft must be clean, drained and dry.

Rules

The park closes from 9 p.m. to sunrise. Alcohol is prohibited throughout, and dogs are allowed only on the rocky beach east of the boat launch. Charcoal and wood fires are banned, though gas camp stoves are OK.