Round Hill Pines Beach Resort
Zephyr Cove, Nevada · Toiyabe National Forest
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $12
- SEASON
- May
About Round Hill Pines Beach Resort
Round Hill Pines Beach Resort is a fee-based, concessionaire-operated beach on the Nevada (south) shore of Lake Tahoe in Zephyr Cove, sited on U.S. Forest Service land under a special-use permit. It is a developed, family-oriented lake beach with a restaurant, bar, and full watercraft rental marina rather than a backcountry swimming hole.
The beach sits in a cove on Lake Tahoe's south shore along Highway 50, with views toward Mt. Tallac and Emerald Bay across the lake. The surrounding land is U.S. Forest Service property operated commercially under permit, with a marina, restaurant patios, and a multi-tiered paved parking lot; a fenced area protects the rare Tahoe yellow cress plant.
Swimming at Round Hill Pines Beach Resort
Swimmers enter directly from a sandy beach into Lake Tahoe's characteristically clear, cold water. There is no lifeguard on duty, and visitors are cautioned about cold water temperatures and the potential for sudden storms and unexpected waves. The setting suits casual family swimming and beach lounging rather than serious open-water swimming.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located on Highway 50 in Zephyr Cove, Nevada, about a quarter mile north of the Elks Point Road intersection; roughly 8-10 minutes from the California/Nevada state line near Emerald Bay when coming from the Sacramento direction, and a few miles past Zephyr Cove when arriving from Carson City.
Parking: On-site multi-tiered paved lot with day-use fee (reported around $12-15 cash, sources vary); free after 5pm; resort guests park free; arrive early in summer as the lot fills quickly.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up beach: the paved, multi-tiered parking lot sits directly adjacent to the sand, so it's a short walk (a couple minutes) from car to water, not a hike.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Sandy beach with gentle entry suits families, but there is no lifeguard on duty, the water is described as very cold, and sudden storms/unexpected waves are called out as hazards by the land manager; parking-lot congestion in peak season is also a safety consideration for kids near traffic.
Parking
Paid, $12/day, cash-only (free after 5pm); resort/timeshare guests park free
Large, multi-tiered paved lot on-site; fills quickly in summer, arrive at/near 8am open for a spot. One visitor review flagged the lot as crowded and parking as chaotic during peak days.
Restrooms
Yes
Public restrooms on-site at the resort/beach (exact building location not specified in sources).
Water clarity
Clear
Multiple independent sources describe the water here as the same characteristically clear, cold water Lake Tahoe is known for; one visitor write-up specifically calls out 'the same incredibly clear water Tahoe is known for.'
Hours
Seasonal: open roughly Memorial Day weekend through mid-October (one source says May-Sept); day-use beach generally 8am-sunset; marina opens 8am and closes between 5-7pm depending on sunset time.
On the water
The resort's own marina rents kayaks, SUP boards, pedal boats, boats, and jet skis, and also sells seasonal/daily/weekly mooring buoys ($5,500-$6,000/season, $185/day, $1,110/week) for private boats, implying personal watercraft use is accommodated. No explicit no-wake or electric-only restriction was found in available sources; standard Lake Tahoe boating rules would apply but weren't independently confirmed for this specific cove.
Rentals nearby
Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, boats, and jet skis; also mooring buoy rental for private boats
Prices: Watercraft rental rates not published online; mooring buoys: $185/day, $1,110/week, $5,500 (under 28ft) or $6,000 (28ft+) seasonal
On-site at Round Hill Pines Beach, Zephyr Cove, NV · Opens 8am, closes between 5pm and 7pm depending on sunset
What regulars say
Visitor reports describe the beach as very crowded in peak season with some calling the parking lot chaotic ('crowded and dangerous parking'); water is consistently described as cold ('cold water, hot beach'); food quality gets mixed-to-negative marks ('very crowded and mediocre food'); some visitors note timeshare-affiliated guests get parking passes, suggesting a two-tier guest/non-guest experience. One local regular also mentioned that hiking up the road behind the resort to old abandoned cabins on Round Hill itself is a worthwhile short side activity, separate from the beach/swim visit.
Round Hill Pines Beach Resort: FAQ
Does Round Hill Pines Beach Resort charge a fee?
Day-use entry/parking fee charged to non-guests (roughly $12-15 per car depending on source and date), waived after 5pm; resort guests receive complimentary beach access.
Is Round Hill Pines Beach Resort kid friendly?
Sandy beach with gentle entry suits families, but there is no lifeguard on duty, the water is described as very cold, and sudden storms/unexpected waves are called out as hazards by the land manager; parking-lot congestion in peak season is also a safety consideration for kids near traffic.
Do I need to hike to reach Round Hill Pines Beach Resort?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Round Hill Pines Beach Resort?
Large, multi-tiered paved lot on-site; fills quickly in summer, arrive at/near 8am open for a spot. One visitor review flagged the lot as crowded and parking as chaotic during peak days.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Round Hill Pines Beach Resort?
The resort's own marina rents kayaks, SUP boards, pedal boats, boats, and jet skis, and also sells seasonal/daily/weekly mooring buoys ($5,500-$6,000/season, $185/day, $1,110/week) for private boats, implying personal watercraft use is accommodated. No explicit no-wake or electric-only restriction was found in available sources; standard Lake Tahoe boating rules would apply but weren't independently confirmed for this specific cove.
When is the best time to visit Round Hill Pines Beach Resort?
Open seasonally, roughly Memorial Day weekend through mid-October (one source says May through September); July and August are the busiest months.
What are the rules at Round Hill Pines Beach Resort?
Strict no-pets policy; park only in designated spaces; no charcoal or gas grills permitted on the beach; fenced zones protecting Tahoe yellow cress must be avoided.
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