William Kent Campground
Campground
4.4 (234)
1995 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Low-key 80-site campground near Lake Tahoe offering space for tents & RVs, plus yurts & fire rings.
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Mountain Creek And Alpine LakeCA
Truckee-Tahoe Sierra Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Shirley Canyon and Shirley Lake: Tahoe Hiking and Swimming. Plan the correct destination, current access and site-specific services before visiting.
Swimming restriction
Strenuous canyon hiking and operator-described Shirley Lake swimming; lower waterfall pools and slides are not inspected swimming entrances. Check current snow, trail and tram conditions; a summer calendar does not certify safe creek or lake water.
Water type
Mountain Creek And Alpine Lake
Access
Informal
Fee
Check current resort parking and lift terms. No universal free access or included tram ride is promised.
Best season
Check current snow, trail and tram conditions
Nearby towns
Truckee, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley
Water body
Shirley Creek And Shirley Lake
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Truckee, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley
Access location not verified
SQUAW VALLEY, CA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
A mountain lake reached through Shirley Canyon
The historical seven-place label supplies one Shirley Canyon route in Olympic Valley. Treat this as a strenuous hiking destination with a separate lake-swimming opportunity, not seven roadside pools or natural granite slides.
Start from the current Palisades approach
Palisades directs hikers to its main parking lot and the trailhead at the end of Shirley Canyon Road. Use current resort parking arrangements rather than private condominium spaces. The canyon climbs through forest and steep granite; this is not a beginner stroll. Operator mileage differs by endpoint and publication, so use its current map to plan your return.
Shirley Lake is not the waterfall creek
The operator's July 3, 2026 hiking article describes swimming at Shirley Lake. That does not inspect every lower creek pool or authorize waterfall jumping and sliding. Cold water and snowmelt remain important considerations; stay away from swift flow, wet rock edges and waterfall drops.
Plan a self-sufficient outing and return
Carry drinking water, sturdy footwear and sun protection. The operator allows leashed dogs on its hiking trails. If you intend to continue to High Camp and ride the tram down, check its actual operating schedule before leaving; neither an old last-ride time nor a lift pass guarantees a return ride. Trail-side toilets, staffed swimming supervision and campsite services at the lake are not established by these sources.
Plan with the destination manager
Getting There
Use the current Palisades main lot and marked Shirley Canyon trailhead at the end of Shirley Canyon Road. Follow the operator's hiking map; do not use private condominium parking.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use the current Palisades main lot and marked Shirley Canyon trailhead at the end of Shirley Canyon Road. Follow the operator's hiking map; do not use private condominium parking.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Strenuous canyon hiking and operator-described Shirley Lake swimming; lower waterfall pools and slides are not inspected swimming entrances. Check current snow, trail and tram conditions; a summer calendar does not certify safe creek or lake water. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
64 Acres Tahoe Rim Trail Trailhead
Hiking area
4.8 (155)
Tahoe Rim Trail, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Start point for a c. 170-mi. hiking, biking & horseback-riding loop through pine forest & meadows.
North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center in Tahoe City
Visitor center
4.8 (213)
100 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Restroom
Parking for Commons Beach
Parking lot
4.7 (26)
094-070-013-000, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Restroom
Tahoe State Recreation Area
State park
4.6 (312)
Highway 28, Tahoe State Park, N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Woodsy camp grounds features a lake with a fishing pier, picnic areas with benches & a bike path.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Burton Creek State Park
State park
4.6 (108)
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Green space with 2,000 acres of undeveloped land plus trails for hiking & cross-country skiing.
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.7 (590)
Visitor Center Road, CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Restroom
Tahoe East Shore Trail
Hiking area
4.8 (617)
1924 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451
Frequently Asked Questions About Truckee-Tahoe Sierra Swimming Spots
Does this listing identify seven current swimming places?
No. Its archived directions identify Shirley Canyon; other regional stops are not established by that record.
Is there a supported swimming destination here?
Palisades describes swimming at Shirley Lake in its July 2026 hiking article. This is separate from the lower creek and waterfall pools.
Where should I park for the hike?
The operator directs visitors to its main parking lot and the trailhead at the end of Shirley Canyon Road. Check current parking terms and avoid private condominium spaces.
Is Shirley Canyon an easy family walk?
The operator describes a strenuous hike with steep granite sections. Choose an appropriate turnaround and do not treat the full lake route as a beginner outing.
Can I bring my dog?
Palisades allows dogs on leash on its hiking trails. Bring water and respect other hikers; this does not establish rules for other Tahoe beaches.
Can I rely on a tram ride back?
Only after checking the actual operating schedule. A historical closing time or lake visit does not guarantee the tram will be running when you arrive.
Highlights
Start from the current Palisades approach
Shirley Lake is not the waterfall creek
Plan a self-sufficient outing and return
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from currently lawful viewpoints. A landscape image is not proof of a current bathing entrance or today's water conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current snow, trail and tram conditions; a summer calendar does not certify safe creek or lake water.
Difficulty Level
Strenuous canyon hike with steep granite; plan the chosen endpoint and turnaround.
Fee
Check current resort parking and lift terms. No universal free access or included tram ride is promised.
Facilities
Bring drinking water and hiking equipment. No lake-side toilets, lifeguards or developed camping services are established here.
Activities
Strenuous canyon hiking and operator-described Shirley Lake swimming; lower waterfall pools and slides are not inspected swimming entrances.
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No overnight camping permission is established for the Shirley Canyon route by these operator sources.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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