As the largest city on Lake Tahoe with more than 21,000 residents, South Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer everyone. Whether you are into water sports like boating, waterskiing, swimming, and fishing or like to stay on the ground for some hiking, biking, and playing, you can find it in this northeastern town in California. Even though it is not on the ocean, there is plenty of shoreline along the lake that is absolutely stunning.
One of the main activities tourists and locals enjoy here is gambling at the casinos. They have some of the loosest slots in the country, as well as shows, dining, and shopping. However, since dogs are not allowed at casinos, you will have to find other things to do with your cuddly canine. Why not take him to one of the dog parks instead? Here are 15 of what we consider to be the best dog parks in South Lake Tahoe, California.
Bijou Dog Park
- Address: 1201 Al Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Open Hours: 6am – 9pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Located in the southeastern section of South Lake Tahoe, Bijou Dog Park is at the western tip of Bijou Community Park by the skate park and BMX track. The main part of the dog park is just a huge open area split into a small dog section and a dog section. There are benches, water, and doggie bags for pet parents, as well as lots of room for pups to run amok until they are worn out.
But do not let him get too worn out because the best part of the dog park in Bijou Park is the Barnes Yard Agility Park. It is right down the way and has a plethora of activities like weave poles, an A-frame, all sorts of tunnels, pause tables, a seesaw, a dog walk, jump bars, and hoops. The section is for all dogs and is open to the public except for when the police K9 units are using it.
Sonoma Park Dog Park
- Address: 1003 Sonoma St, Carson City, NV 89701
- Open Hours: 6am – 7pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
About 24 miles northeast of downtown South Lake Tahoe in Carson City, Nevada, Sonoma Park is a five-acre community park with a large fenced dog park for some off-leash fun with your pup. About one acre is fenced off for the kids’ playground, but the rest of the space is for pooches to play unhindered. They can run and chase each other, or pup parents can play a game of fetch with them. Or bring a doggie disc for a game of frisbee.
There are numerous doggie bag dispensers and trash bins to keep the park clean and water fountains to keep your pup hydrated. However, bring your own water for yourself. Although there is no separate section for small dogs, there is so much space here your little fur puppy does not have to worry about big-dog anxiety. Dogs are not allowed during scheduled ball games or inside the playground.
Fuji Park Dog Park
- Address: 601 Old Clear Crk Rd, Carson City, NV 89705
- Open Hours: 8am – 830pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Also, in Carson City, Nevada, just a few miles southwest of Sonoma Park, Fuji Park Dog Park has two sections for different size dogs. The small dog section is for dogs 30 pounds and under, while the large dog section is for everyone else. The small section has a few concrete tunnels for the dogs to run through and logs to climb on, as well as seating and shade for the pooch parents. The large area has huge logs and boulders to climb on and shaded seating as well.
The rest of the 14-acre park is dog-friendly too as long as you put your dog’s leash back on. Right next to the fairgrounds, the park is almost always busy, so if you want a picnic table for lunch, you should come early. There is also a lovely playground with slides, climbing equipment, swings, and more. There are also restrooms and water fountains here.
K9 Korral Dog Park
- Address: 1191 Service Dr, Gardnerville, NV 89410
- Open Hours: Sunrise – sunset
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
About 20 miles east of South Lake Tahoe city, you can find the K9 Korral Dog Park just off Interstate 395 across the street from Walmart. This is a large open space with a paved walkway around a large acre of grass. Many dog parents here walk around the path while their cuddle buddies play in the center. Four laps around the track equals one mile. There are several benches along the path as well as pup poop bags.
The park also has water fountains around the path for pups and their humans. The terrain in the center is like a big bowl with high sides and a rocky bottom. There are lots of desert plants and trees but not much shade, so bring sunglasses and wear plenty of sunscreen. The bottom of the bowl sometimes turns into a nice little pool after it rains, and the dogs love to play in it on hot days.
Tahoe City Dog Park
- Address: 211 Grove St, Tahoe City, CA 96145
- Open Hours: Sunrise – sunset
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Tahoe City Dog Park is approximately 25 miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe between Conners Baseball Field and Fat Cat Bar & Grill. This fenced pup playground is just a large open space with a few benches, a water fountain, and a few poop bag dispensers. However, it is a good idea to bring your own poop baggies and water just in case. The park gets a lot of usage, so they run out often.
Although is a completely open space, it is not huge, so there is only one section. That means there is no special section for small or shy dogs, unfortunately. So, if your little one has big dog anxiety, you may want to choose a different dog park on this list. The grass is well-kept, but the fencing has some issues that need to be addressed. However, it may be fixed already by the time you read this.
Van Sickle Bi-State Park
- Address: 30 Lake Pkwy, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Open Hours: Sunrise – sunset
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: No
Although dogs can be off the leash in some sections, you will want to keep your pooch nearby because of the dangerous areas at Van Sickle Bi-State Park, just two miles from downtown. There are many cliffs and drop-offs where an excited dog can lose his footing. For that matter, humans often get too close as well. The Tahoe Rim Trail is the most popular hike here with the most breathtaking views. But the climb can be a lot for some who are not used to it.
Located on the California and Nevada border, the park’s 725 acres take you into both states. During the winter, you can bring your cross-country skis or snowshoes for some gorgeous winter hikes. You can get some stunning shots of the largest alpine lake in the country, Lake Tahoe. There are also picnic tables where you and your canine companion can enjoy a meal or just take a break and enjoy the scenery for a while. Be sure to bring doggie bags and water.
Fallen Leaf Lake
- Address: 2165 Fallen Leaf Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Open Hours: 24 hours
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: No
Another popular lake in the northeastern section of California, Fallen Leaf Lake, is just five miles west of the city center of South Lake Tahoe. It is a fantastic place to spend the day fishing, swimming, boating, and waterskiing. In fact, you can even stay the night since they have a pooch-friendly campground with 206 campsites. Whether you have a tent RV or want to rent a yurt, you can stay from May through October.
Being a mountain lake, the water is always cool and crystal-clear, with a maximum depth of 380 feet, running five miles long and two miles across. If you like to fish, there are a plethora of huge lunkers to pull out of the lake. You and your fur buddy are welcome to explore the trails, play in the water, and just kick back and look at the beautiful scenery. During the summer, the store and marina are open, so you can get some burgers and fries or a stand-up paddleboard.
Cave Rock State Park
- Address: Hwy 50, Glenbrook, NV 89413
- Open Hours: Sunrise – sunset
- Price: $10
- Off-Leash: No
Less than 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe city center, Cave Rock State Park has everything you want and more. A double boat ramp for all sized boats, a beautiful beach where you can sunbathe, build sandcastles, play in the water, or take out a kayak, or grab a fishing pole and toss out a line. If you fish, make sure you have a license, though. Your fur baby is welcome to join you, but he has to be on a leash.
If you want to get out on the water but do not have a vessel, Tahoe Paddle Sports has what you need, from kayaks to stand-up paddleboards. Rather play on land? Cave Rock State Park has some great hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for the kiddos. Please remember to bring doggie bags to pick up after your pup, and always bring extra water for the both of you.
Tahoe Paradise Park
- Address: 1011 E San Bernardino Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Open Hours: 830am – Sunset
- Price: $5
- Off-Leash: No
Tahoe Paradise Park is a pup popular recreation area on Lake Baron, about 15 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. The lake is the main attraction for those who visit, but the Upper Truckee River is also a fun place to play in the water or just take a walk. The disc golf course is another feature that attracts many visitors. The good thing for those who dislike crowds is that most of the tourists are at Lake Tahoe!
There are two areas, both allow dogs as long as they are leashed. The upper area is where you will find Lake Baron. You can swim, fish, or take out a kayak here. They also have tennis and pickleball courts, but no dogs are allowed there. The lower section runs along the river. There is a large picnic area, hiking, biking, and basketball here, as well as a fun playground for little humans. You will need to pack your own cleanup bags and water.
Washoe Meadows State Park
- Address: Sawmill Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Open Hours: 24 hours
- Price: $10 for parking
- Off-Leash: No
Just north of Tahoe Paradise Park, Washoe Meadows State Park boasts more than 600 acres of mostly untouched and unspoiled land. The park is popular all year long for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. You and your leashed fur buddy can also enjoy swimming and fishing in the Upper Truckee River. Just remember to pack those doggie bags, always keep your pooch on a leash, and bring plenty of water for both of you.
The park extends all the way to Lake Tahoe and includes the smaller Fallen Leaf and Cascade Lakes, as well as several other small lakes. It also has over a dozen trails and paths, including the Tahoe Mountain Trail, Angora Ridge Trail, Cathedral Peak, and Lily Lake Trail. You will need to keep your canine companion close because there are mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, and bears that call this park home. Bring some food and enjoy a lunch at one of the several picnic areas with your pupster.
Mormon Station State Historic Park
- Address: 2295 Main St, Genoa, NV 89411
- Open Hours: 24 hours
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: No
Located in Genoa, Nevada, just 20 miles from South Lake Tahoe, Mormon Station State Historic Park is dog-friendly as long as your cuddly canine companion is kept on his leash at all times. There is a fantastic half-mile interpretive trail with exhibits, historic areas, and a description of the past 100 years in Genoa. You can also visit the Campbell Homestead at the northern end of the park, where they have a garden, chicken house, apple orchard, and blacksmith shop.
Another historic spot is the stockade and wagon shed. It is an awesome place for selfies with your fur baby. The park and station were built in 1851 on the California Trail’s Carson Route. There is also a museum, but dogs are not allowed. The park is a haven for wildlife as well, including deer, bobcats, coyotes, and even bears. Pack plenty of poop bags and water, and do not feed the wildlife.
Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
- Address: 7360 W Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA 96142
- Open Hours: 24 hours
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: No
Whether you and your canine compadre plan to spend the day fishing, hiking, and swimming, or you want to stay a few days and do it all, E Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is ready for you. Just 20 miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe, you can find this 2,000-acre park on the western banks of Lake Tahoe in Tahoma. In fact, the park boasts almost two miles of lakefront property.
Your leashed dog can join you in the park and in the water, but he is not allowed on the swimming beach. You can take him on most of the trails, including the Lakefront Interpretive Trail, Lily Pond Trail, and the Dolder Nature Trail. During the winter, it becomes the perfect spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you plan to stay at the campground, be sure to book your spot early because they fill up fast. And do not forget the doggie bags.
Burton Creek State Park
- Address: 4000 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
- Open Hours: Sunrise – sunset
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: No
Just 11 miles north of Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park in Tahoe City, Burton Creek State Park has another 2,000 acres of recreational space with trails for hiking and skiing. Your pooch will need to stay on a leash at all times, no matter where you are in the park, and you will want to keep him close because of all the wildlife. You may see deer, bobcats, black bears, coyotes, and mountain lions roaming around any time of the day.
The park has six miles of trails that connect you with other trail systems, including the Fiberboard Freeway and Tahoe Rim Trail. Some parts of the park are preserves and do not allow dogs, so keep an eye out for signage in those areas. The best thing to do is download a map of the area that tells you where you can and cannot go with your pooch.
Zephyr Cove Park
- Address: 233 Warrior Way, Glenbrook, NV 89413
- Open Hours: 24 hours
- Price: $12
- Off-Leash: Yes
Zephyr Cove Park has 90 acres of entertainment for everyone just seven miles northeast of South Lake Tahoe on the eastern banks of Lake Tahoe. You and your pup can stay for the day or reserve one of the 150 campsites to stay longer. There is certainly plenty to do to keep you both busy, from hiking and biking to swimming and boating. Right on the lake, there are miles of trails to the east. Make sure Fido is on a leash, and bring doggie bags.
There is also a fitness trail and a huge disc golf course where you can play 18 holes. To the north, there are several dozen picnic areas with barbecue grills, volleyball, tennis courts, and a baseball field, as well as a playground for the little humans. Bring a fishing pole and a license so you can try to catch something to cook for dinner. Remember to bring puppy poop bags and water.
Regan Beach
- Address: 3199 Sacramento Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Open Hours: 6am – 10pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Also known as Thomas F. Regan Historic Beach, named after a beloved city worker, this park has a water park just for dogs. Sure, there is a beach for the humans, too, but your dog is way more interested in the pooch play area at the eastern end of the park. Although he is allowed off-leash, you may want to keep him leashed anyway if he is not voice-controlled because there are no fences keeping him in.
The rest of the park (except for the human swimming beach area) welcomes leashed dogs but remember to bring your own poop bags and use them. There are several picnic areas, an observation deck, and a volleyball court, as well as a playground and restroom. There is also a water trail here that you and your pup can enjoy if you have a kayak. Just be sure to have life jackets for you and your canine companion.
For more information on dog-friendly beaches in South Lake Tahoe, including detailed insights into various activities and amenities for you and your dog, check out our dog-friendly beaches in South Lake Tahoe guide. This resource is invaluable for planning a fun and safe beach day with your canine companion.
The Final Woof
You are sure to find one or more of these 15 dog parks in and around South Lake Tahoe to your liking. But if you want to take your cuddle buddy out on the water and do not have a boat, you can get one from Clearly Tahoe. They have transparent kayaks that are pup-friendly, where you can see straight to the bottom of the lake. If you would rather enjoy the rushing waters on the Truckee River, check out Truckee River Rafting to rent a raft to explore the five miles of river. Tahoe City Kayak is another place where you can rent a boat to take your pooch out on the lake.
To thoroughly explore all the dog-friendly opportunities South Lake Tahoe has to offer, make sure to check out our dog-friendly South Lake Tahoe travel guide. This detailed guide is the perfect resource for uncovering the best activities and spots that welcome both you and your furry companion, ensuring your visit to this beautiful region is both memorable and enjoyable.
