Popular Lake Tahoe Beach to Test Reservation System This Summer

It’s truly hard to describe the grandeur of Lake Tahoe. There’s so many aspects of the lake that make it so enjoyable and fun, but also enigmatic.

One of the best feelings I’ve ever had is diving into the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe on a hot day, and I know many people feel the same. That’s why it attracts so many visitors from around the world.

However, it’s a blessing and a curse.

Complaints of overcrowded beaches, endless traffic, litter, and an overall feeling of self-entitlement are just some of the issues faced at Lake Tahoe during the summer.

Working at a rafting company out of Tahoe City for eight summers enabled me to see the absolute worst of it. A whole lot of booze, sun, and family time just really gets people going.

I’ve seen fights and arrests on the docks, been in the middle of a couple of them, and watched full rafts flip over in the rapids dumping hundreds of beer cans, with no one even thinking twice about not picking them up.

I’ve seen drunken rampages go through the River Ranch Bar, watched a couple fight for a half hour until the man threw her bag into the river with their keys, seen brides-to-be puking all over our old wooden dock, and more I dare not recount on the internet.

Sometimes it truly sickened me to watch fellow humans act like this. I know it’s fun to have a few drinks and get a little wild in the water, but time and time again I watched people step over the line.

And sadly, it’s already beginning for the summer.

“In May, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Zephyr Cove Beach 19 times,” Sheriff Dan Coverley said.

And it’s not even officially summer yet. I wonder what kind of madness will be ensuing at Zephyr Cove on the 4th of July this year.

Another one of the most popular beaches on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe is Sand Harbor. It’s a Nevada State Park Beach, and the parking lot can be filled by 9 am on early days. Leaving people to fend for themselves by parking on the side of the road, sneaking in, or figuring something else out.

However, later this summer Sand Harbor is going to test out a reservation system. It won’t be implemented until August, and it will run through October. Then, it should be in full effect for next summer.

Sand Harbor is the most popular Nevada State Park, and officials are hoping that this curbs the overcrowded beaches, reduces traffic, and creates a safer environment in general.

The park was only designed for about 1,200 people, but on a busy summer day the park can see more than 3,000 visitors.

Beach season is right around the corner.