Camp Richardson sits on the South Shore's long, pine-fringed beach, a few miles west of Stateline, and its rental concession is the easy way onto the lake: hourly or half-day kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a life jacket, and a launch from the sand. The shoreline here is shallow, clear and sheltered by morning, with views of Mount Tallac and the Taylor Creek wetlands. Rentals run in the warm season, roughly late spring through early fall, weather permitting. Wind builds in the afternoon, so go early.
Of all the places to put a boat in Tahoe, Camp Richardson is the one that asks for the least. The resort has been welcoming holiday guests since the 1920s, and its rental shed on the beach hands you a kayak or paddleboard, a paddle and a life jacket and points you at the water. There is no permit hassle, no shuttle and no drive to a launch ramp, and the beach itself is a pleasant place to spend the rest of the day, with a pier, a bike rental, an ice cream shop and a lakeside bar and grill within a few steps.
What you get on the water is a gently shelving, startlingly clear shoreline. Within a few strokes the bottom drops from sand to boulders, and on calm mornings you can see every rock and the occasional trout. Most paddlers head west along the shore toward Kiva Beach and the Tallac Historic Site, or east toward the Pope Beach side; the cluster of old estates along the way gives the paddle a sense of history.
A sit-on-top kayak is the stable choice for beginners and families, and stand-up boards suit anyone who wants a core workout and a better view. First-timers should stay within a few hundred yards of shore and treat the lake as the cold, deep water it is.
Timing matters more than skill. Tahoe's winds usually rise by early afternoon, turning a flat morning paddle into a choppy slog, so book the first slot you can. The water stays cold through the summer, so wear quick-dry clothes and expect splashes. Rentals operate in the warm season only; check the days and hours when you book, as the fleet can close early for wind or cool weather.
Carry sunscreen and a hat, since the alpine sun is relentless at 6,200 feet, and leave valuables ashore. Combine the paddle with a beach lunch and a stroll to Tallac for a full South Shore day.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental from a South Shore beach, with a life jacket included. Warm-season operation only.
Best time
Mornings in July through early September, when the lake is glassiest and the beach is quiet. Wind makes afternoons choppy.
How long
One to four hours depending on the rental you choose.
Tips
Book the earliest slot, wear quick-dry clothes, and keep close to shore. The water is cold even in August. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a dry bag for your phone.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Casual paddlers who want a first lake outing without a guide or a long drive.
- Families
- Sit-on-top kayaks are stable and forgiving; teens usually prefer the paddleboards.
- Couples
- A tandem kayak on a calm morning, then a lakeside lunch on the beach.
- Pair with
- The Tallac Historic Site and Taylor Creek Visitor Center a short walk or bike ride away.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Do I need experience?+
No. Kayaks and boards suit beginners on calm mornings, and staff give a brief orientation. Stay close to shore and wear the life jacket provided.
When does rental run?+
Warm season only, generally from late spring to early fall depending on weather and water conditions. Check the operator for current days and hours.
Is the water really cold?+
Yes. Even at the end of summer the surface is in the 60s, and cold-water shock is a real risk if you fall in, so keep the life jacket on.
What is the best time of day?+
Early morning, before the afternoon wind. By midday the lake can turn choppy and the beach fills.
Where is Camp Richardson?+
On the South Shore's Emerald Bay Road (Highway 89), a few miles from the Stateline casinos and next to the Tallac Historic Site.
