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 nearby24 Lakes6 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near South Lake Tahoe

a person swimming in a lake1

Lake Tahoe - Crystal Bay

Standout kayak fishing on Lake Tahoe

LakeBeginner22 mi away
a couple of boats float on the water2

Lake Tahoe - Cave Rock (State Park)

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a body of water with snow covered mountains in the background3

Lake Tahoe - Sand Harbor

A top-rated lake launch on Lake Tahoe

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a woman in a boat

Tahoe Keys Marina

California · 1.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Lake Tahoe - Bijou

California · 2.0 mi

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a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

El Dorado Beach

California · 2.0 mi

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

Lakeside Marina

California · 3.5 mi

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a man on a paddle board

Fallen Leaf Marina

California · 5.0 mi

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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

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a man on a paddle board

Obexer's Boat Company

California · 14.7 mi

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a man on a paddle board

Caples Lake Resort

California · 15.2 mi

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A large body of water surrounded by mountains

Indian Creek Reservoir

California · 16.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Kit Carson Resort

California · 18.4 mi

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A couple of people on water skis in the water

Loon Lake

California · 18.5 mi

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a person swimming in a lake

Silver Lake

California · 18.7 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
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
a person swimming in a lake

Lake Tahoe - Crystal Bay

Nevada · 22.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

North Tahoe Marina

California · 22.3 mi

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

Tahoe Vista Recreation Area

California · 22.5 mi

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

Union Valley Rervoir - West Point

California · 24.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
the sun is setting over a mountain range

Washoe Lake State Park - 2

Nevada · 25.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Hell Hole Reservoir

California · 25.1 mi

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a boat on the water

Washoe Lake State Park - 1

Nevada · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

French Meadows Reservoir (South)

California · 27.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

French Meadows Reservoir (North)

California · 27.5 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 - Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe - Cave Rock (State Park), Lake Tahoe - Sand Harbor. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs.

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.