Incline Village, NV January 14, 2025 – Nevada State Parks has announced that the day-use reservation system trialed at Sand Harbor State Park in 2024 will become a permanent feature during peak season, starting April 15, 2025. Sand Harbor, renowned for its pristine waters, sandy beaches, and stunning boulder formations, is one of the most visited state parks in Nevada. The new reservation system is designed to enhance the visitor experience while protecting the park’s natural beauty and resources. While easing traffic congestion and parking night mares along State Route 28 on the North East shore of Lake Tahoe.
Reservation Details: The system will be in place daily from April 15 through October 15, requiring reservations for vehicle entry from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. After this time, unclaimed spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are managed through a tiered release system:
- Tier One: 200 spots open 90 days in advance. Starts January 15th, 2025.
- Tier Two: 100 spots open 30 days in advance. Starts March 16th, 2025.
- Tier Three: 50 spots open 7 days in advance.
- Same-Day Reservations: Available until 10:29 a.m. and exempt from the $5 processing fee.
Reservations are non-transferable and can be made at www.reservenevada.com. Entrance fees for vehicles are $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state visitors, added during the reservation process.
Special Notes:
- Group Use Areas: Visitors with Group Use Area reservations do not need additional day-use reservations.
- Boat Launch: Operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Shakespeare Festival: Afternoon attendees are not affected, but morning arrivals will require a reservation.
Bob Mergell, Administrator of the Nevada Division of State Parks, expressed excitement about the system’s implementation, stating, “The day-use reservations have proven to be an effective way to enhance the visitor experience and manage capacity at one of our busiest State Parks.”
Mark your calendars: reservations for April 15 and beyond open on January 15, 2025. Plan early to secure your spot for this iconic summer destination.
Additional Reservation Details:
- Reservations: Must be made through www.reservenevada.com. Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be resold. The reservation holder must be present in the vehicle and able to present a valid ID matching the name on the reservation.
- Processing Fee: A $5.00 fee will be charged for all reservations. Same-Day reservations are exempt from this fee. Same-day reservations can be made until 10:29 a.m. on the day of arrival.
- Entrance Fees: The park entrance fee is $10 for vehicles registered in Nevada and $15 for vehicles registered out-of-state. This fee will be added to your reservation at checkout. Any additional park fees can be paid upon arriving at the park.
- Group Use Areas: Reservations for the Ramada/Group Use Area include 25 exclusive parking spots; therefore, Group Use Area visitors will not need to make a day-use reservation. Vehicles entering the park for group use must pay the vehicle entry fee upon arrival.
- Boat Launch: The boat launch will remain on a first come, first served basis.
- Shakespeare Festival Ticket Holders: Those arriving before 10:30 a.m. will need a valid day-use reservation. Since shows begin later in the day, this new system should not impact afternoon park entry.
Important Notes:
If reservation holders do not enter the park by 10:30 a.m., they forfeit their reservation, and their reserved spot opens on a first come, first served basis. Reservation holders will not be required to re-pay entrance fees if they can make entry after the deadline. Refunds are not granted to visitors who fail to utilize their reservation.
Sand Harbor is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and iconic boulder formations. By implementing the reservation system, Nevada State Parks aims to reduce congestion, improve parking availability, and preserve the visitor experience.
To make a reservation or learn more about the process, visit www.parks.nv.gov.
All images courtesy of Nevada State Parks
