Pope Beach
Pope Beach
4.5
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Wide sandy beach, popular with families.
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4.5
319 reviews
Excellent
184
Very good
104
Average
25
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Patty M
Colorado Springs, CO98 contributions
July 2020
Because the pine trees come right up to the beach, I found walking in the sand hard because of all the pine needles, etc. There were also a lot of ducks/geese there walking around and flocking to people whenever they thought they could get some food. Of course, this means there was poop in the sand too. So I didn't care for the beach because I felt the sand was not clean. But I will say there were a lot of families there enjoying barbecues and having a grand time, so my issue with the sand is probably just a personal thing. For me, Baldwin Beach is much nicer. Of course the water is CRYSTAL CLEAR anywhere you go on Lake Tahoe!
Written 25 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjprescott211
5 contributions
July 2020
We had a great t8me at this lovely beach. Both the beach and restrooms were clean. It was fun swimming with the geese that hang out. Mild waves from the boats and wind made it fun and safe for the kids.
There is shade from the tall pine trees and picnic tables for eating at. You. We’d to go early by 9am or late after 3pm to get a close parking spot.
There is shade from the tall pine trees and picnic tables for eating at. You. We’d to go early by 9am or late after 3pm to get a close parking spot.
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judi S
San Rafael, CA149 contributions
Aug 2020
We spent about 3 hours here. Beautiful space - a bit crowded for Covid times. Most people were wearing masks, but getting to the water safely didn't always work. Ok if you found a spot to just chill. Easy to walk (12 minutes to Camp Richardson ) for lunch if you didn't bring lunch (we didn't). Camp ranger was helpful and friendly. Grateful that we could be here.
Written 8 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zetril
Skiptvet Municipality, Norway90 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Pope Beach is a fantastic family-friendly destination! The shallow, sandy beach is perfect for little ones to play in. The water is crystal clear and calm, making it safe for swimming. The parking fee is reasonable at $10 per day (as of August 2024). We had a wonderful time and highly recommend this beach!
Written 12 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derek G
San Francisco, CA37 contributions
Oct 2020
When we visited Pope Beach in late October 2020, the parking lot was closed. We parked along the road nearby and took the 5-minute walk to the beach.
There were hardly any other people at the beach on that Sunday afternoon, probably because the direct road access was closed. The beach is beautiful. The lake is beautiful. The surrounding forest is beautiful.
Bring a camera and take pictures! Your visit may be brief, but it will be enjoyable. I think this would be a nice spot for a picnic on the beach.
There were hardly any other people at the beach on that Sunday afternoon, probably because the direct road access was closed. The beach is beautiful. The lake is beautiful. The surrounding forest is beautiful.
Bring a camera and take pictures! Your visit may be brief, but it will be enjoyable. I think this would be a nice spot for a picnic on the beach.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa E
Virginia Beach, VA134 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Don't bother coming to any areas around Lake Tahoe. They are either private beaches, beach access for boat launchers only or just parking on the side of the road and scaling down the mountain to a rocky shore. They really need to plan for busy summers and open some more public beaches with large parking lots.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCastello85
South Lake Tahoe, CA9 contributions
June 2020 • Couples
On my trip I visited quite a few beaches and this was by far my favorite.
I went on a Friday and it was moderately full but still room to set up towels and chairs.
Picnic tables were available and restrooms were clean.
I went on a Friday and it was moderately full but still room to set up towels and chairs.
Picnic tables were available and restrooms were clean.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Hummelstown, PA10,168 contributions
July 2021 • Couples
We spent a few hours on the beach. There is shade to be had if you are visitors like us without umbrellas! The sand gets really hot though so water shoes are definitely needed. Our friends ventured into the cold water, I stayed put reading! Lots of parking and space on the beach. We arrived about 2 pm in the afternoon.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hr163mp
Oakland, CA26 contributions
July 2018 • Family
My first time in South Lake Tahoe for a summer vacation. South Lake Tahoe usually means a winter get-away for us.
It was Friday, 7/27, on a very warm day. We arrived at 12:30 PM. The entrance to the parking lot was blocked. I was told it was full. I asked if I could at least drop off my disabled son, who uses a wheelchair. This man then yelled at me and said "NO. IT'S FULL. There is no drop off. It's 12:30 and we're closing at 2:30." He then went on to berate me about my expectations for arriving at 1230.
First off, I didn't ask to park but at least drop off my son who was in a wheelchair. I was not comfortable pushing him along the side of Hwy 89 after I find parking. Second, so what if they closed at 230. There was still enough time for the 4 kids to enjoy the water. And lastly, I didn't see him stopping anyone from walking into the beach.
Let me say this: I have a son in a wheelchair and experience has taught me to research before arriving anywhere for the first time. Beach does not close at 2:30 PM. Parking was limited and I think I read they only had one disabled parking. It was a very hot week and I expect there to be crowds, considering our late start of the day.
As far as I'm concerned, this place SUCKS for my family.
By the way, we ended up at Regan Beach, which does not have an accessible beach. Lots of disabled parking and a bit of paved walkway to push a chair. Everyone else got to go to the beach except for my son and I. We strolled the parking lot and the path around the grass area twice; and climbed back into the van.
It was Friday, 7/27, on a very warm day. We arrived at 12:30 PM. The entrance to the parking lot was blocked. I was told it was full. I asked if I could at least drop off my disabled son, who uses a wheelchair. This man then yelled at me and said "NO. IT'S FULL. There is no drop off. It's 12:30 and we're closing at 2:30." He then went on to berate me about my expectations for arriving at 1230.
First off, I didn't ask to park but at least drop off my son who was in a wheelchair. I was not comfortable pushing him along the side of Hwy 89 after I find parking. Second, so what if they closed at 230. There was still enough time for the 4 kids to enjoy the water. And lastly, I didn't see him stopping anyone from walking into the beach.
Let me say this: I have a son in a wheelchair and experience has taught me to research before arriving anywhere for the first time. Beach does not close at 2:30 PM. Parking was limited and I think I read they only had one disabled parking. It was a very hot week and I expect there to be crowds, considering our late start of the day.
As far as I'm concerned, this place SUCKS for my family.
By the way, we ended up at Regan Beach, which does not have an accessible beach. Lots of disabled parking and a bit of paved walkway to push a chair. Everyone else got to go to the beach except for my son and I. We strolled the parking lot and the path around the grass area twice; and climbed back into the van.
Written 30 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle C
Sacramento, CA20 contributions
June 2016 • Family
My daughter and I love coming here in the summer to escape the heat in the valley. It's an easy drive up the 50 and you don't have to pass through Stateline or any other major towns, just pass the Y (intersection of 50 and 89) and you're basically there. Parking is plenty and reasonable ($8), there is a mobile snack shop, and plenty of restrooms that are kept pretty clean (for a public area.) The beach itself has lots of shade from trees, picnic tables, and grills if that's what you're looking for but we just set up on the sand, close to the water. The view of the lake is incredible and the light breeze is so welcome. The slope into the water is perfect for young children - not too steep - and it is safe to swim. You can also rent kayaks. In general, I would say this is one of the best - if not the best - beach for families around the lake.
Written 30 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have a kayak on a trailer, can the parking lot accomodate a car with a boat trailer? The kayak can launch from the beach so I am not looking for a boat ramp, just parking.
Written 30 May 2022
Can someone recommend a nice RV park close enough to bike to the lake please ? we only have a day to visit on our way from SAn Francisco to Yosemite so looking to maximise our stay and time
Written 17 November 2018
Camp Richardson may still be open. Otherwise, there is a campground in town that may also be opened. Both are on the Lake
Written 18 November 2018
Do I need to pay parking even I don't want to swim or stay there for awhile, just take a few photos of beach?
Written 28 July 2018
Hi , the park opens at 8:00 am . Your able to pay for your day pass to the parking lot which is $8:00 to $10:00 Ibelieve. Enjoy!
Written 15 July 2018
Hi, does anyone know how much it costs to rent a double kayak at Pope beach, and if I have to rent online ahead of time? Or can I just arrive and rent when I'm there? Thanks!
Written 24 June 2018
Hey there, Pope does not rent any beach "toys"or boats. You would go to the next beach down,only 1/4 mile probably and rent at the marina at Camp Richardson. Or probably less to rent anything from places along the way to Pope. If you can transport of course. Maybe online search would give you a better idea of availability and cost maybe even transport opportunities. Just a thought. Good luck! Enjoy our town.
Written 24 June 2018
Last year due to fire danger no fires allowed of any kind and I witnessed the beach removing the ages old built in grills. To be sure I would contact Cal. Forest Service to be sure. Seriously doubt it. Sorry. We don't like it either. Good luck!
Written 24 June 2018
nancytiskiy
Rocklin, California
The parking fee is $8, do you have to pay with cash or do they take card as well?
Written 21 July 2017
I'm not sure we always pay with cash but one thing that is great is your parking receipt will get you in to Baldwin Beach, Nevada state Beach and a couple others, you can come in and out without having to pay again. I hope you enjoy the beach.
Written 21 July 2017
Can you see the South Lake Tahoe fireworks display from Pope Beach?
Written 19 March 2017
Have not been in the area on the 4th, but I assume any beach location would have a spectacular view....they are all very open with no obstructions....if you go, you'll have the best time ever !!!!
Written 19 March 2017
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