William Kent Beach
Tahoe City, California · on Lake Tahoe · Tahoe National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $10
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About William Kent Beach
William Kent Beach is a Lake Tahoe day-use beach on the lake's west shore, about 2 miles south of Tahoe City off CA-89, adjacent to the USFS William Kent Campground. It is an official U.S. Forest Service recreation site offering swimming, sunbathing, boating and water skiing directly on Lake Tahoe, and one of the west shore's no-fuss places to swim, a developed beach rather than a hidden swimming hole.
The beach sits on Lake Tahoe's forested west shore, surrounded by pine, cedar, and fir trees, directly across CA-89 from the William Kent Campground within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (managed by the U.S. Forest Service).
Swimming at William Kent Beach
Official Forest Service materials describe the site as offering swimming, sunbathing, boating and water skiing on Lake Tahoe; as a Tahoe lake beach the water is typically clear and cold even in summer. No further detail (depth, bottom type, or entry conditions) was found in sourced material.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located on Lake Tahoe's west shore about 2 miles south of Tahoe City on California Highway 89; the day-use beach area is across the street from William Kent Campground.
Parking: Paved parking aprons at the campground/day-use area; extra vehicles are charged a nightly fee per Recreation.gov listing.
The hike in
- To the water
- Under 0.1 mi (short walk across CA-89)
- Time on foot
- 1-2 minutes on foot from the parking area
Difficulty: easy - flat, paved crossing, no trail involved
This is a drive-up day-use beach: the official Recreation.gov/USFS listing describes the swim/day-use area as 'across the street from the campground,' i.e. reached by crossing CA-89 on foot from the paved parking apron - no hiking trail is required.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
No lifeguards are indicated at this USFS day-use beach and Lake Tahoe water stays cold even in midsummer, so young kids should be supervised closely; the official Recreation.gov listing does not mention cliffs, drop-offs, or strong current here, and access is a flat walk from paved parking, but no spot-specific depth/entry description was found.
Parking
Lot
Paved parking aprons at William Kent Campground; the swim beach day-use area is directly across CA-89 from the campground parking. Recreation.gov does not list a specific day-use parking fee (only campsite reservation and extra-vehicle fees for overnight camping).
Restrooms
Yes
Flush toilets and drinking water are provided at William Kent Campground/day-use area, per the official Recreation.gov listing.
On the water
The official Recreation.gov/USFS listing for William Kent states the day-use area offers 'sunbathing, swimming, boating and water skiing' on Lake Tahoe, implying both motorized boats and hand-launched small craft are used from this stretch of open shoreline. No boat ramp, no-wake zone, or other craft-specific restriction was confirmed in official material; the listing does note boats must be 'clean, drained and dry' to prevent spreading aquatic invasive species.
Rentals nearby
Single kayak, double kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and inflatable paddleboard rentals (hourly, 3-hour, and full-day)
Prices: Single kayak $32/1hr, $64/3hr, $96/day; double kayak $48/1hr, $96/3hr, $110/day; paddleboard $32/1hr, $64/3hr, $96/day; inflatable SUP $96/day
Commons Beach, 400 North Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145 (~2 mi north of William Kent Beach); (530) 581-4336 · Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm, weather permitting
Hourly kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, plus guided outrigger canoe tours
5166 North Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140 (~7 mi north of William Kent Beach); (530) 546-3590
William Kent Beach: FAQ
Does William Kent Beach charge a fee?
Recreation.gov page does not list a specific day-use fee amount; campsite reservations are booked through Recreation.gov with a $10 change/cancellation service fee.
Is William Kent Beach kid friendly?
No lifeguards are indicated at this USFS day-use beach and Lake Tahoe water stays cold even in midsummer, so young kids should be supervised closely; the official Recreation.gov listing does not mention cliffs, drop-offs, or strong current here, and access is a flat walk from paved parking, but no spot-specific depth/entry description was found.
Do I need to hike to reach William Kent Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for William Kent Beach?
Paved parking aprons at William Kent Campground; the swim beach day-use area is directly across CA-89 from the campground parking. Recreation.gov does not list a specific day-use parking fee (only campsite reservation and extra-vehicle fees for overnight camping).
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to William Kent Beach?
The official Recreation.gov/USFS listing for William Kent states the day-use area offers 'sunbathing, swimming, boating and water skiing' on Lake Tahoe, implying both motorized boats and hand-launched small craft are used from this stretch of open shoreline. No boat ramp, no-wake zone, or other craft-specific restriction was confirmed in official material; the listing does note boats must be 'clean, drained and dry' to prevent spreading aquatic invasive species.
What are the rules at William Kent Beach?
Pets are prohibited on the beach. Bear-proof food storage lockers are required forest-wide due to bear activity. Off-road vehicles, chainsaws, and hunting are prohibited in the area.
What water body is William Kent Beach on?
William Kent Beach is on Lake Tahoe, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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