Guide to the Top Nevada Beaches | Southwest Explorers

Nevada Beaches

Beaches in Nevada?!

Yes, you read that right! We do have some fantastic beaches, especially for a state that is mostly desert.

In the southern part of the state, we have many located with our Lake Mead National Recreation Area (which includes Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River). In the north part of the state, you have several smaller lake beaches and several more around our gorgeous Lake Tahoe.

While there are many beaches for you to enjoy around the state, we have listed the more popular ones that are easily accessible by driving and walking a short distance. Nevada has some neat beaches that are pretty and secluded but they are only accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.

Note that Lake Tahoe has many beaches but we are mentioning the more popular ones AND some listed below are in California across the Stateline.

Did we miss your favorite? If so, let us know and we will add it.

Baldwin Beach

Location: Lake Tahoe – Carson City and Douglas and Tahoe Counties, Nevada

Take in the amazing views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Baldwin Beach which cover approximately 1/2 mile of shoreline.

Boulder Beach

Location: Lake Mead – Clark County, Nevada

With the water levels dropping at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, most of our beaches are now a hot mess with deep mud and people stuck.

Boulder Beach is approximately a mile long and is located about five miles from the Hoover Dam.

If you want to spend more time there, there is a campground at Boulder Beach with RV hook-ups and approximately 150 campsites for you to choose from.

Burnt Cedar Beach

Location: Lake Tahoe – Carson City and Douglas and Tahoe Counties, Nevada

Cave Rock

Location: Cave Rock State Park

1430 US-50, Glenbrook, NV 89413

Chimney Beach

Location: Lake Tahoe – Carson City and Douglas and Tahoe Counties, Nevada

Carson City, NV 89703

If you want a place that isn’t as crowded, Chimney Beach may be what you are looking for as there is a short trek to get to the beach once you park your vehicle.

Cottonwood Cove

Location: Lake Mohave – Clark County, Nevada

One of my favorites to hang out with my friends to kayak and overnight camp. Cottonwood Cove Beach is located within the Lake Mead National Recreational Area on Lake Mohave.

If you are into fishing, bring your fishing license to try to catch a mess of bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, or trout.

Hidden Beach

Location: Lake Tahoe – Carson City and Douglas and Tahoe Counties, Nevada

Nevada Beach

Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Nevada Beach is located on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe, 2 miles north of Stateline, Nevada. It is on Elks Point Road, 1/2 mile west of Roundhill Shopping Center, at Highway 50.

Round Hill Pines Resort Beach

Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Zephyr Cove, NV; Hwy 50 intersection 1/4 mile north of Elks Point Road

Sand Harbor Beach

Location: Lake Tahoe – Carson City and Douglas and Tahoe Counties, Nevada

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Sand Harbor, Hwy 28 or PO Box 6116 Incline Village, 89452

Gorgeous Lake Tahoe is home to Sand Harbor Beach. It has the features most people enjoy on a beach such as soft sand and blue water.

Since it is a popular place to enjoy, it is recommended that you get there early before the crowds take over and get the best spots to hang out for the day.

Secret Cove Beach

Location: Hwy 28; approx 1.5 miles south of Sand Harbor

Secret Cove is a very popular day-use area that offers a scenic view of Lake Tahoe.

Secret Harbor Beach

The parking area is on the west side of Hwy 28.

Secret Harbor Beach is an extremely popular destination for both hikers and boaters.

Skunk Harbor

Location: Hwy 28, 2 miles north of Spooner Lake

Skunk Harbor is a scenic beach area popular with boaters and is located on National Forest land adjacent to land under the administration of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.