Secret Cove Beach Naturist Beach Guide

About Secret Cove Beach

Secret Cove is a small clothing-optional cove on the Nevada east shore of Lake Tahoe, below Highway 28 between Sand Harbor and Glenbrook, on US Forest Service land managed by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. It is the first of a string of coves reached from the Chimney Beach and Secret Harbor trailheads, with Boaters Beach and Creek Beach farther along. The setting is classic east-shore Tahoe: huge rounded granite boulders, pockets of coarse sand, Jeffrey pines on the slope above, and startlingly clear blue-green water that stays cold even in August. Nude use goes back decades; today the crowd mixes nude sunbathers with clothed hikers, paddleboarders and photographers, and the cove is unsigned. The amount of sand varies with the lake level: in high-water years the sandy nooks shrink and people sunbathe on the rocks. On warm summer weekends the cove can be crowded and parking is the main constraint.

Getting there

Drive Highway 28 along the east shore to the Chimney Beach or Secret Harbor trailhead lots (about 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor). Since 2026, parking at both is $12 per day (7am-7pm, no overnight), run by the Tahoe Transportation District under a Forest Service permit; Chimney Beach has about 130 spaces and Secret Harbor about 30. Highway shoulder parking is restricted and cited. From the trailhead, follow the dirt road and trail down toward the lake; Secret Cove is about a quarter mile, roughly 10-15 minutes, with a steep, sandy descent. Not wheelchair accessible.

What visitors say

Visitors rave about the water clarity, granite boulders and relaxed atmosphere, and many call it one of the most beautiful nude spots in the West. The cove fills quickly on summer weekends and holiday mornings, and parking is the main frustration. Reported problems include staring and photography despite posted rules, and friction because many visitors are clothed. Regulars suggest arriving before 8-9am, bringing a mat for the rocks, and exploring the surrounding boulders for privacy; the climb back up is tiring in the heat.

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

Amenities

Parking Restrooms Shade

Legal context

The cove is on national forest land with no designated nude area; nudity has been tolerated for decades and Nevada has no general ban on non-lewd nudity, but lewd conduct is prosecuted. Parking rules on Highway 28 are strictly enforced.

Naturism at Secret Cove 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. 39.1552, -119.9326

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

United States legal guide

Public nudity laws and regulations

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Frequently asked questions

Is Secret Cove clothing-optional?

By long tradition, yes, though there is no official designation. Many visitors are nude and some stay clothed.

Where do I park?

At the Chimney Beach or Secret Harbor trailhead lots off Highway 28; parking costs $12 per day since 2026.

How long is the walk?

About a quarter mile and 10-15 minutes downhill on dirt trail; the return is steeper work.

When is the water warm enough?

The lake stays cold; late July to early September is the warmest time.

Sources

Members’ reviews

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Secret Cove Beach