Island & destination guide
Emerald Bay Boat Camp and Mooring Field
Tahoma, El Dorado County, CA
Overview
Emerald Bay is a glacial inlet on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, part of Emerald Bay State Park. The park's boat-in campground sits on the north side of the bay, about half a mile east of Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe. There is no road or boat-launch access inside the bay: you arrive by water or on foot.
The mooring field
A State Parks buoy project upgraded 20 existing mooring buoys and added two more, giving the boat camp a capacity of 22 boats. State Parks says the buoys are reserved for registered boat-camp campers, and asks other boaters not to drive through the buoy field. Anchoring is allowed only in designated anchor zones. The campground is seasonal, running from around Memorial Day into early autumn, and is listed at $35 per night. Reservations go through ReserveCalifornia.
What to see
Fannette Island has a small stone tea house at its summit and is accessible only by watercraft. It is closed April through May for wildlife breeding, and visitors may not swim to it. Vikingsholm, the Scandinavian-style mansion at the head of the bay, is reached from the pier by a steep hike of one to two miles from the highway side or directly from the water. Restrooms are about 50 yards from the Vikingsholm pier.
Boating rules that matter here
All of Emerald Bay is a 5 mph zone for motorized boats, and every motorized boat must have passed a Tahoe inspection and decontamination before launching on the lake.
Getting there & access
By water
Emerald Bay opens off the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Keep under 5 mph throughout the bay. The camp is on the north side, about half a mile east of Fannette Island. There is no launch ramp inside the bay, so trailer boats launch elsewhere on the lake and cross after inspection.
Buoy field etiquette
State Parks says the buoys are reserved for registered boat-camp campers and asks boaters not to drive through the buoy field. Anchoring is permitted only in designated anchor zones.
Vikingsholm pier and parking
The Vikingsholm pier is at the head of the bay with restrooms about 50 yards away. By road, the Vikingsholm lot costs $10 per day or $3 per hour, has a maximum vehicle length of 18 feet and does not allow overnight parking.
Fannette Island
Reachable only by watercraft. It is closed April through May for wildlife breeding, and swimming to the island is prohibited. Pack out everything you bring.
Amenities
- Boat-in campground — Tent sites reached by boat, kayak, paddleboard or trail only; $35 per night
- Mooring buoys — 22 buoys for registered campers
- Boat-camp pier — Accessible pier at the camp
- Vikingsholm pier — Pier at the head of the bay with restrooms about 50 yards away
- Restrooms — Seasonal restrooms at the camp, Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Drinking water and food lockers — Water and bear-resistant lockers at the campground per camper guides
- Fannette Island — Small stone tea house at the summit; watercraft access only
- Cruises from Camp Richardson — Action Watersports lists a Vikingsholm cruise and tour package
Rules & official resources
- The mooring buoys are reserved for registered boat-camp campers; do not drive through the buoy field, and anchor only in designated anchor zones
- Fannette Island is closed April through May for wildlife breeding, and visitors may not swim to it
- Every motorized watercraft needs a Lake Tahoe aquatic invasive species inspection, or a current Tahoe inspection seal, before launching into Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake or Echo Lakes; vessels launch only from managed ramps or marinas after inspection
- Mandatory decontamination follows every inspection, to protect the lake from golden mussels; arriving Clean, Drained and Dry earns a discount on the decontamination fee
- Motorized boats must stay under 5 mph within 600 feet of shore, 100 feet of paddlers and swimmers, 200 feet of shoreline structures, and anywhere in Emerald Bay
- Remove bilge plugs while transporting a boat on roads in the Tahoe Basin, and fill and drain ballast tanks in the same place, at least 200 feet from shore
- Most carbureted two-stroke engines are prohibited on Lake Tahoe
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Anchoring and electronics
Boats that visit Emerald Bay rely on chartplotters, depth sounders and VHF while crossing the lake. Electronics service before the season is a common request.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Engine service
A boat that carries campers across Tahoe to a remote bay needs a reliable engine, so owners schedule pre-season service and impeller and fuel-system checks.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Detailing
After a stay on a mooring buoy, boats come back with algae, pollen and water spots. Washdowns and wax protect the gelcoat from high-altitude UV.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Transport
Because no ramp exists in the bay, owners tow to another launch on the lake. Transport services help owners who would rather not make the mountain-road drive.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026