West Ridge Campground

Biking

There is mountain biking on designated dirt roads, paved roads and trails. Bikers can cruise around the park or down to the water, although some of the trails are hiking-only. There are, however, many bike trails and pathways around the lake, a comprehensive list of which can be found here .

Boating

Ready to get out on that gorgeous turquoise water? Boating is one of THE things to do on Lake Tahoe, and the best way to see the glacial lake, which in some places has visibility down to 60 feet. While the park does not have any official launching facilities, there is access all along the lake, which you can find here .

Fishing

Anglers are welcome to try their luck at catching one of the several species of fish successfully introduced into the lake, including Rainbow, Brown and Mackinaw trout, and Kokanee salmon. Rubicon Point is where visitors can find fair to good fishing, as well as Emerald Point, located in sister-park Emerald Bay State Park. Click here, and scroll all the way to the bottom of the map for exact locations. And be sure to grab your license !

Hiking

DL Bliss is home to some of the best hiking in Lake Tahoe, and is known for its gorgeous vistas and beautifully built trails with a variety of length and difficulty. Starting at Rubicon Point, shorter trails lead to Rubicon Point Light, the highest elevation lighthouse in the US, and the Balancing Rock, a natural rock formation with a large granite boulder carefully balanced on a slender base. A 4.25 mile hike takes you to Vikingsholm, a 38 room mansion built in 1928 and one of the best examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. The trail also leads to two beaches along some of the lake’s warmest waters. More adventurous hikers can take the well-known and loved Rubicon Trail along the southwest shore to nearby Emerald Bay, a 13.2 mile round-trip jaunt that features some of the best views of the lake and a wide variety of terrain that wanders through pines, streams, and secluded coves. The trail can also be done with two cars (or a kayak!) at either end to cut the distance in half, and allow time for swimming or more exploration. For a map of the trail and noted vistas, click here and scroll all the way down .

Paddling

Every kayaker (and canoer!) worth their paddle knows that where there is water, there is an opportunity to explore, and Lake Tahoe is no exception. Lester Beach is a popular launch spot, but far from the only one along the park’s coastline. Head north to explore the intricate waterways created by boulders, go south for sweeping coastline vistas and some of the clearest water in the lake, or point your vessel to the center, and see how far you can peer down into the crystal waters before getting the shivers (we’ve heard 60 feet!). For some more specific trip ideas and details, click here .

Climbing

Ready to get off the beaten path? DL Bliss offers here several opportunities for rock climbers, with gritty granite right by the road beckoning the daring to try their hand at getting a new perspective on the park.

Swimming

One of the best ways to experience Lake Tahoe is to take a swim in its cool, clear waters. At DL Bliss, two beaches, Lester Beach and Calawee Cove, stretch sparkling white sands up the coastline and provide ample opportunities to take a dip. For exact locations and proximity to campsites, click here .

Wildlife watching

The Lake Tahoe basin, with it is home to 290 animal species and more than 1,000 plants, including including ospreys, bald eagles, and woodpeckers. Common mergansers, pied-billed grebes and mallards can also be found along the Rubicon Trail, while coyotes, martens and bats sometimes appear at dusk. Bears can be found throughout the park (bringing with them lots of safety precautions for campers!) and deer, bob cats, and mountain lions can all be found in the surrounding area and mountains. Learn more about Lake Tahoe wildlife here.