Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
July to September
About Creek Beach
Creek Beach is a small cove on the Nevada east shore of Lake Tahoe, one of a string of beaches reached by a single trail system off State Route 28 south of Sand Harbor, alongside Chimney Beach, Secret Cove, Boaters Beach and Whale Beach. It lies at the south end of Boaters Beach, separated from it by a large granite outcrop, Like its neighbours it is a mix of coarse granite sand and big rounded boulders and very clear, cold water. Secret Cove, just north, is the best-known nude beach on the east shore; Creek Beach is also used clothing-optional and is listed as dog-friendly. Visitors grill, swim and play volleyball and paddleball. It gets busy on summer weekends. There is no lifeguard. In 2019 a confrontation between nude men and deputies prompted the Washoe County Sheriff's Office to sweep the east-shore beaches and tell nude visitors to dress.
Getting there
Park at the roadside lots on SR-28 roughly 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor (Chimney Beach / Secret Harbor trailhead); parking is limited and fills early, so arrive in the morning. From the lot a steep single-track drops downhill; keep left (the right fork goes to Chimney Beach). Pass Secret Cove after about three-quarters of a mile, continue past Boaters Beach, and Creek Beach is at its south end. The climb back is steep. No public transport stop at the trailhead. Not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Guides describe a relaxed clothing-optional scene with clear water and scenic boulders, with clothing-optional grilling, volleyball and paddleball. Common warnings are the steep hike, early-filling parking, stricter parking rules and the need to pack out trash. The 2019 sheriff crackdown followed lewd behaviour by a few visitors, and guides now stress discreet behaviour.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
No Nevada beach is legally sanctioned for nudity, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office (2019). After lewd conduct at Creek Beach in 2019 deputies swept the east-shore beaches and told nude visitors to cover up; officials said enforcement is not usually a priority but public nudity violates state and local law.
Naturism at Creek 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.
Location
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Approx. 39.1488, -119.9323
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
How do I find Creek Beach?
Take the trail from the SR-28 lots south of Sand Harbor, keep left, pass Secret Cove and Boaters Beach; Creek Beach is at the south end of Boaters Beach past a big rock outcrop.
Is nudity legal here?
No Nevada beach is legally designated nude. Nudity is tolerated but deputies have cracked down, notably in 2019.
Are there toilets?
There are small portable toilets uphill from the beach. Pack out all trash.
Are dogs allowed?
Listings describe it as dog-friendly.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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