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The Best Swimming in Truckee

Looking for the best swimming in Truckee? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Truckee. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top swimming spots in and near Truckee

  • Carnelian Bay, California

    Explore Carnelian Bay

    5.0
    Located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay is a fun place to spend the afternoon. However, there is no sand at Carnelian Bay as the ground is all large rocks. It's a great place to go swimming or SUPing in the summer, and it has a pier that you can jump off.  It is usually less cr...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Camp at William Kent Campground

    / 6282 ft gain
    William Kent Campground is a few miles south of Tahoe City on Lake Tahoe's western shore. Access to the lake is just a short walk from the campground. The campground provides bathrooms, campfire rings, a trash dump station, firewood vendor, grills, picnic tables, and food storage lockers. Pets ar...
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  • Truckee, California

    Swim at Long Lake near Truckee

    3.7
    1.5 mi / 100 ft gain
    The story goes that twenty or so years ago, long before the advent of the Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area, some local Truckee boys decided to put a couple rope swings up on Long Lake near Soda Springs, CA, and they remain there to this day.Long Lake sits amongst a cluster of both man-made and ...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Camp at Kaspian Campground

    / 6298 ft gain
    Kaspian Campground is a short walk from the shores of Lake Tahoe, less than 10 miles from popular Meeks Bay. The campsites are relatively private and are surrounded by pine and fir trees. Each campsite has a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. The campground provides bathrooms, potable water, and...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    A Lazy (Fun) Float Down the River

    4.5
    Start your day by heading to Tahoe City where the East and North Shores of Lake Tahoe meet. Be sure to grab supplies along the way including drinks, picnic lunch, sunscreen, coolers, floating devices (if you aren’t interested in renting) and maybe even some super soakers if you are planning to ...
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  • Sierraville, California

    Explore Webber Falls

    0.25 mi
    Just a short trip from North Lake Tahoe, this waterfall is only a short hike from the pull-off (area lined with boulders) in Nevada City, CA.  The route down to the swimming hole at the base of the falls is a little steep, so please be careful if you choose to head down for a look or a swim. 
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  • Carson City, Nevada

    Relax at Tahoe's Chimney Beach

    5.0
    2.2 mi
    Located on the East Bank of Lake Tahoe along Highway 28, Chimney Beach is a great alternative to the more popular and heavily used beaches which can be quite a challenge to gain access due to the parking limitations during the busy summer months and on weekends.From the parking area on the east s...
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  • Carson City, Nevada

    Hike to Skunk Harbor

    4.5
    The parking for Skunk Beach is very limited and a little difficult to find. Make sure you get there early if you want a spot. The parking is a turnoff along highway 28, about two miles north of the junction with highway 50. There is no trail sign or anything but there is an old green pipe gate wh...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Explore the Lighthouse Trail

    2.3 mi / 449 ft gain
    D.L. Bliss State Park is known for its camping, beaches, and enjoyable hiking trails. There is a day-use fee for entry into the park - you can pay at the ranger kiosk or a self-serve pay box. The park closes around the end of September, but you can typically park your car outside the main entranc...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Kayak Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place for kayaking for both beginners are more advance kayakers. Depending on the time of year and the water level on the nort...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Camp at Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and outdoor activities, from wake surfing to backpacking to trail running on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Zephyr Cove Resort campground has 47 walk-in campsites and 10 drive-in campsites in additio...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Explore Emerald Bay by Boat from Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities including a boat ride across Lake Tahoe to explore Emerald Bay. To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe and turn left into the Zephyr Cove...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Stand Up Paddle Board Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to do stand up paddle board. Depending on the time of year and the water level on the northern end of the beach there ar...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Wake Board Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to wake surf and to *learn* to wake surf To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Wake Surf Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to wake surf and to *learn* to wake surf To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe...
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  • Zephyr Cove, Nevada

    Photograph Zephyr Cove at Sunset

    5.0
    After pulling into the parking it is only a a few minute walk right down to the beach. This place is incredible for sunrise and and sunset. The water is so calm because its tucked back in the cove which gives awesome reflections of the sky in the water. Make sure to bring a tripod and neutral den...
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