National park · United States
Emerald Bay State Park
Pay $10 vehicle fee + $5 day-use fee, then hike Rubicon Trail (2 km (1.2 mi), easy) or visit Vikingsholm (moderate) in summer; avoid weekends July–Aug.Pay $10 vehicle fee + $5 day-use fee, then hike Rubicon Trail (1.2 mi (2 km), easy) or visit Vikingsholm (moderate) in summer; avoid weekends July–Aug.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²)
approximate
Established
1970
Best months
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Lake Tahoe ↗In winter, Caltrans chain control can require chains or 4WD with snow tires on I-80, US-50 and the passes; carry chains November to April.
- Lake Tahoe ↗South Lake Tahoe airport has no scheduled commercial flights; fly into Reno-Tahoe (RNO) or Sacramento (SMF).
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²)
- Park covers roughly 2.5 km² of shoreline, forest and the bay itself (approximate).
- Established
- 1970
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- South Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay State Park protects a dramatic glacial‑carved bay on Lake Tahoe, featuring the historic Vikingsholm mansion, the island tea house, and shoreline trails with lake views.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1970.
Size and age
3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²) · national park since 1970
Park covers roughly 2.5 km² of shoreline, forest and the bay itself (approximate).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: South Lake Tahoe.
Why go
- Scenic bay with historic Vikingsholm mansion.
- Rubicon Trail offers shoreline views and access to Eagle Falls.
- Fannette Island tea house provides a viewpoint.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold, fewer visitors
- FebCold, quiet
- MarSnow melt, early hikers
- AprMild, wildflowers
- MayWarm, clear trails
- JunPeak weather, before crowds
- JulCrowds, heat
- AugCrowds, heat
- SepCool, fewer crowds
- OctFall colors
- NovCold, quiet
- DecCold, quiet
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bearsAll year · Common; store food in bear‑proof lockers. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Bald eaglesMar–Oct | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From South Lake Tahoe
Take Highway 89 north 5 km (3.1 mi) to park entrance; follow signs to Vikingsholm parking.Take Highway 89 north 3.1 mi (5 km) to park entrance; follow signs to Vikingsholm parking.
15 min
Open the page →
From Tahoe City
Drive south on Highway 89 about 12 km (7.5 mi); turn left at Emerald Bay Road.Drive south on Highway 89 about 7.5 mi (12 km); turn left at Emerald Bay Road.
20 min
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Vikingsholm area | Historic mansion, trailhead to Rubicon and Eagle Falls. | Open with fee; short steep walk from parking. |
| Eagle Point Campground | Large campground with water, showers, and trail access. | Reserve online; fee per night. |
| Boat Camp | Boat‑only campground on north shore, pit toilets only. | Boat access only; fee per night. |
Sketch map
- 1Emerald Bay viewpoint · Viewpoint≈38.955, -119.942Panoramic view of the bay and Fannette Island.Map ↗
- 2Vikingsholm mansion · Headquarters≈38.954, -119.941Historic Scandinavian‑style house at the head of the bay.Map ↗
- 3Fannette Island Tea House · Viewpoint≈38.951, -119.945Stone tea house on the island, reachable only by private boat.Map ↗
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates based on park entrance and main features; approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle entry fee | US$10 | vehicle | Check latest rate on CA Parks site |
| Day-use fee (pedestrians) | US$5 | person | Check latest rate |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$10
- US$5
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on California State Parks – Emerald Bay before you go.
Park rules
- Bear canisters
- All food and scented items must be stored in approved bear‑proof containers.
- Dogs
- Must be on leash at all times; not allowed on trails during bear season.
- Swimming
- Swimming from mainland shore is prohibited.
- Boat speed
- Maximum 5 mph within the bay; stay between buoys.
Where to stay
Near the park
Eagle Point Campground
Tent sites with water, showers, and bear lockers.
Near the park
South Lake Tahoe hotels
Range of motels, inns, and B&Bs 5 km (3.1 mi) from park gate.Range of motels, inns, and B&Bs 3.1 mi (5 km) from park gate.
Safety
Bears medium
Boat hazards low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Parking area and short trail to Vikingsholm are wheelchair‑compatible with a steep ramp.
- Longer trails (Rubicon, Eagle Falls) are not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all trash; use provided recycling bins.
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Emerald Bay State Park?
Vehicle entry is $10 and a $5 day‑use fee for pedestrians; fees are paid at the gate or with a California State Parks pass.
What are the best hikes in Emerald Bay State Park?
Rubicon Trail (easy, 2 km shoreline) and Eagle Falls trail (moderate, steep to waterfall) both start at Vikingsholm.
When is the best time to visit Emerald Bay State Park?
May‑June and September‑October offer mild weather and fewer crowds; July‑August are busy and hot.
Do I need a permit to camp at Eagle Point?
No special permit, but you must reserve a campsite and pay the nightly fee.
Can I swim at Emerald Bay?
Swimming from the mainland shore is prohibited; swimming is allowed only from private boats at Fannette Island.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Emerald Bay State Park
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