Best Places to Kayak Near South Lake Tahoe, CA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of South Lake Tahoe, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby25 Lakes4 Reservoirs1 River
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near South Lake Tahoe

a couple of boats float on the water1

Lake Tahoe - Cave Rock (State Park)

Standout kayak fishing on Lake Tahoe

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a body of water with snow covered mountains in the background2

Lake Tahoe - Sand Harbor

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner20 mi away
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime3

Kings Beach

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner22 mi away
a woman in a boat

Tahoe Keys Marina

California · 1.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Regan Beach

California · 1.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Lake Tahoe - Bijou

California · 2.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

El Dorado Beach

California · 2.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Camp Richardson Marina

California · 3.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Lakeside Marina

California · 3.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Fallen Leaf Marina

California · 5.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Echo Chalet

California · 6.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Lake Tahoe - Zephyr Cove Marina

Nevada · 6.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of boats float on the water

Lake Tahoe - Cave Rock (State Park)

Nevada · 9.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Meeks Bay Resort & Marina

California · 11.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Wrights Lake Access

California · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Obexer's Boat Company

California · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Homewood High & Dry Marina

California · 15.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Caples Lake Resort

California · 15.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Indian Creek Reservoir

California · 16.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sunnyside Marina Resort

California · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Kit Carson Resort

California · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Loon Lake

California · 18.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Silver Lake

California · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Tahoe City Marina

California · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Lake Forest

California · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with snow covered mountains in the background

Lake Tahoe - Sand Harbor

Nevada · 19.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees under blue sky during daytime

Ice House Reservoir

California · 21.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lower Blue Lakes Ramp

California · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Union Valley Reservoir - Yellow Jacket BLF

California · 21.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Truckee River BTAF

California · 21.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sierra Boat Company, Inc.

California · 22.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Kings Beach

California · 22.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Union Valley Reservoir - Peninsula

California · 22.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of South Lake Tahoe.

Stateline, NV4 miZephyr Cove, NV6 miGlenbrook, NV6 miEcho Lake, CA9 miGenoa, NV10 miTwin Bridges, CA11 miTahoma, CA13 miGardnerville, NV14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near South Lake Tahoe, CA?

Top picks near South Lake Tahoe include Lake Tahoe - Cave Rock (State Park), Lake Tahoe - Sand Harbor, Kings Beach. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near South Lake Tahoe?

Near South Lake Tahoe you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near South Lake Tahoe?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near South Lake Tahoe are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.