Kayak and Paddleboard Rental at Camp Richardson

Put a boat on the clearest part of the South Shore

⏱ 1-4 hours (hourly rentals)👤 All ages$$

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 on the booking page, 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.