D. L. Bliss State Park

UPDATES

Day Use

OFF-SEASON - During the off-season D.L. Bliss State Park closes to vehicular traffic for the season. When the park gate is closed, pedestrians may park at the Visitor Center (closed) parking lot near highway 89 and access the park from sunrise-sunset.  It is an approximately 1 mile hike from the Vistor Center to the closest Rubicon Trailhead, and a steep mountainous 2 mile hike to the beaches.  All park regulations apply during the off-season. No restrooms or water available. Closest food and beverage are in South Lake Tahoe - 10 miles south. Closest restrooms are at Sugar Pine Day Use Area - 7 miles north. In the spring 2023, the park will not open due to a large scale infrastructure project.  .  

Winter - Day Use is closed to vehicles for the winter.  Day use hours are sunrise to sunset.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach or trails.

 

Dogs at D.L. Bliss

Dogs are NOT allowed on the beaches, trails, or off-trail (including the bouldering areas).  Dogs are not allowed on the Rubicon Trail. Dogs on a 6' leash are allowed in the campgound and picnic areas, as well as on paved roads. Dogs may not be left unattended.   Dog regulations are strictly enforced YEAR-ROUND. Please do not leave your dog in a vehicle and plan accordingly. Here are some boarding options if you are away from home.

Campground Closed - 2023 Season

D.L. Bliss Campground is closed for the 2023 season due to a large scale infrustucture project.  Updates will be posted to this website.

The campsite fee ($45 for Beach Camp and $35 for all others) includes one vehicle.  The max trailer length is 15'.  The max motorhome length is 18'. This is a historic campground with small roads, small campsites and small parking pads. This campground does not have hook-ups, however, there is a dump station available for registered campers
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination and reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, go to reservecalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275 - Reservations may be made 6 months in advance of your arrival date.

Check In     - 2 pm                                                                   Check Out   - Noon
Generator Hours   10am - 8pm                                            Quiet Hours           10pm - 6am       
2 Vehicles allowed per campsite                                          Children must have helmets for bicycles/scooters/skateboards
8 people allowed per campsite                                            Dogs must be leashed and never unattended
Vehicles must be parked on pavement                               Amplified music is only allowed with a permit
Food must be stored DAY and NIGHT                                  All CA vehicle regulations apply - no passengers in truckbed

IMPORTANT AND REQUIRED - Food Storage Locker Information 

All food, beverages, and toiletries are required by law to be stored in provided food lockers except when food is being prepared or eaten. Black bears are currently very active at D.L. Bliss!  Metal bear-resistant food lockers are provided in each campsite.  Ice chests may NOT be stored in vehicles and shall be stored in food storage lockers. The inside dimensions of the food lockers 36" deep, 43" wide, and 22" high.  Violations will be cited. Food, beverages, ice chests, and trash must be stored in food lockers during NIGHT and DAY hours.

 

 

Location - Directions

D.L Bliss SP is located 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, and approximately 2 miles north of the Vikingsholm Parking Lot at Emerald Bay.

Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing

Summer temperatures range from about 75-80 degrees F during the day to the low 40s at night, and winter temperatures average from a high of 40 to lows in the teens and 20s; Winter temperatures may dip below 0 degrees F.
High Sierra weather is varied and can change abruptly. It is recommended to bring layered clothing and check weather updates. Weather forecast is available at NOAA.
Chains and/ or 4 wheel drive are frequently required during the winter season.  For up to date road conditions, call the Caltrans road hotline at 1800-427-ROAD, or visit the Caltrans website. 
D.L. Bliss State Park is located off of Highway 89.

Balancing Rock Nature Trail

The Balancing Rock, "tons of granite resting precariously on a slender stone base", has long been a natural attraction on Lake Tahoe's western shore. Visitors to the Lake Tahoe area in the late 1800's and early 1900's enjoyed being photographed next to this geological marvel.

Today, the Balancing Rock is the feature attraction of a short, half mile self-guided nature trail in the northwest section of D.L. Bliss State Park. The granite of this large rock began weathering more rapidly at the joint plane, an extensive horizontal crack that is easily seen at its "waist".

The overlying rock weighs around 130 tons and is now balanced on the rock below. This precarious remnant of granite rock will eventually fall when enough material has eroded away to break the equilibrium between the two pedestals.

About the Park

Campers and day use visitors enjoy swimming or scuba diving in the crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe, picnicking, relaxing on the warm sand of Lester Beach or Calawee Cove, and hiking the Rubicon Trail, Lighthouse Trail, and Balancing Rock Trail. Lester Beach is a popular location to launch your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, but keep in mind that trailers are not allowed in the day use parking lots. Please check weather and wind conditions before venturing out on the lake.

The grandeur of the parks and their setting is a product of successive upheavals of the mountain-building processes that raised the Sierra Nevada. From promontories such as Rubicon Point in D.L. Bliss State Park you can see over one hundred feet into the depths of Lake Tahoe.

The park is named for a pioneering lumberman, railroad owner, and banker of the region. The D.L. Bliss family donated 744 acres to the State Park system in 1929.

D. L. Bliss Information Video