Boaters Beach

Park at the Chimney Beach trailhead on SR 28, roughly 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor; the lot fills early on summer weekends and roadside parking is restricted. Follow the old fire road down towards the lake; Secret Cove comes first, after about three-quarters of a mile, and Boaters Beach follows shortly after. At the fork signposted for a private residence (left) and the beaches (right), keep right and pick up the Forest Service path, or cross from Secret Cove through the woods with some rock-hopping. The return climb is steep and unshaded; not wheelchair accessible. Kayakers can land from the water.

Accounts agree that Boaters Beach is a mixed, mostly clothed cove, with naturists outnumbered on busy afternoons and more nude sunbathers once the boaters and families leave. Visitors who want a reliably nude atmosphere usually go back to Secret Cove a few minutes north. People praise the clear water and granite scenery but warn about the steep walk out, tight parking and the cold water. Some note that nude walkers use the trails above even when families are on the sand, which is a common source of friction.

Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.

There is no designated clothing-optional beach on the Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe; nude use of these national forest coves is tolerated by custom rather than authorised by any rule we found. Because Boaters Beach is mostly used by clothed visitors and families, nudity here is more likely to draw complaints than at Secret Cove; keep it to quiet times and cover up when asked.

Naturism at Boaters Beach sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.

Full country law: United States public nudity guide.

Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.