D.L. Bliss State Park, Lester Beach
Located in D.L. Bliss State Park, Lester Beach and Calawee Cove Beach are two of Lake Tahoe’s most awe-inspiring beaches, offering expansive views of the water. It made our list of Lake Tahoe’s Best Beaches and is always one of our favorite spots to spend the day. Located on the west side of Lake Tahoe just north of Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss State Park spans 1,830 acres. It features six miles of magnificent shoreline and includes the popular Rubicon Trail, which is well worth the hike. The park is named for a pioneering lumberman, railroad owner, and banker of the region. In 1929 the D.L. Bliss family donated 744 acres to the State Park system allowing visitors from all over to enjoy the exceptional beauty of the area.
Lester Beach and Calawee Cove
Though smaller than other Lake Tahoe beaches, Lester Beach and Calawee Cove offer a very nice setting with stunning views of the lake. Both beaches are integrated with the D.L. Bliss Park camping sites, so campers often claim the best spots early in the day. Accessing Calawee Beach involves a fairly steep staircase, while the parking lot for Lester Beach is conveniently located along the sandy shoreline. For more information on Lester Beach, Calawee Cove, and the Rubicon, Lighthouse, and Balancing Rock trails, see this online PDF from California State Parks.
It’s wise to arrive early as the parking lots for both beaches fill up quickly. If you find the beaches are full, several other great Lake Tahoe beaches are nearby. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the beaches or dirt trails.
Lester Beach Details
D.L. Bliss Campsites Nearby
Fishing, Scuba Diving, Kayaking
Parking/Day-use Fee
Picnic Tables
Public Bathrooms
Shade Available
Showers
Rubicon Trailhead, Historic Lighthouse
D.L. Bliss State Park Campground
D.L. Bliss State Park Campground is a classic Lake Tahoe campground with 165 campsites set among the trees above the lake, giving campers a great mix of forest setting and easy access to the park’s beaches and trails. According to California State Parks, each campsite includes a table and food locker, and the campground offers nearby restrooms and hot showers for campers. There are no hookups, but some sites can accommodate trailers up to 15 feet or motorhomes up to 18 feet.
It’s a great option for tent camping and smaller RVs if you want a more traditional Tahoe camping experience. State Parks also notes that showers and a dump station are available for registered campers, with up to 8 people and 2 vehicles allowed per campsite. Because the campground dates back to 1934, parking pads can be small, which is worth mentioning for visitors bringing larger vehicles. Bear-resistant food lockers are provided at each site, and proper food storage is required.
D.L. Bliss State Park campground is on Tahoe’s west shore so you might consider it to be a South Lake Tahoe campground or North Lake Tahoe campground – the distance there is split. To make a campground reservation for DL Bliss State Park visit ReserveCalifornia™.
Boaters can use boat launching facilities about 6 miles of the north or south of the park. Another favorite activity is fishing for Rainbow, Brown and Mackinaw trout, and Kokanee salmon. Lake Tahoe hiking is another draw with many trails to explore, including the Rubicon Point promontory which allows you to see over 100 feet into Lake Tahoe’s crystal clear depths. Dogs are allowed in the park, but are not permitted on the trails or beaches.
D.L. Bliss State Park Location
D.L. Bliss State Park is located 14 miles north of South Lake Tahoe, CA and 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89.
D.L. Bliss State Park and Lester Beach Photo Gallery
A day at Lester Beach or a hike on the Rubicon Trail are at the top of our list! For a preview of what’s in store, check out our D.L. Bliss and Lester Beach photo gallery. We cover campsites, trail images, and, of course, those stunning beach views.
Since D.L. Bliss State Park is just a few miles from Emerald Bay, we suggest you read 10 Things to Do at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe and discover some creative ways to maximize your stay.
Photo Gallery
Map / Directions
D.L. Bliss State Park
