When the park opens there is a mad rush for the good beach spots. Beach A or Lot A is less crowded - head there. It is further away from the concession stand. Another good option for Sand Harbor is to go in the afternoon for a late afternoon sundown type visit. Around 230 - 300 pm. the early birds start leaving. You can usually get a parking spot again after 3pm.
I heard that Tahoe is packed, I would suggest as early as possible, meaning 8am. I would set up to the left of the hut and boat ramp
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Opens at 8am lot fills up by 8:45. Depending on the mood of the highway patrolman you can start lining up at 7ish. But once that fills up you will be chased off by NHP or Rangers. And good luck finding shade bring your own.
We were waiting in a fairly long line by 7:45 on a Friday. We were told of you weren't there by 8:00, you probably wouldn't get into the park. I believe it. Great place and definitely worth it.
Be there before 8:30
They open at 8am, but a line along the road is already formed much earlier. We used to be there at about 7.40 and there was no room to get into the line, cops do not let in after some point. The second chance is at 8am when the line starts moving toward the gate and you can wedge in. Parking lots were full and closed before 9.30am in a weekdays. Also they open again after about 4 pm.
Morning! Feels up pretty fast, the parking area.
The best time to arrive is before 8.45 am , then you definitely will have a parking spot. Around 9 am they all already full! They are open at 8 am.
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