D. L. Bliss State Park
The Park is currently OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS IN SERVICES AND/OR FACILITIES.
Please check the hours of operation.Park Facilities
Trailer: 15 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 18 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 18 Feet
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
D.L. Bliss State Park is mostly CLOSED
Please read the following to understand the closures:
The park is NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM HWY 89 for both vehicles and pedestrians. Violations will be enforced by citations of CCR T14 4326(a).
All park roads are closed to the public - BOTH pedestrians and vehicles.
Almost all trails are also affected and closed. The Rubicon Trail and beaches can only be accessed through Emerald Bay State Park as an out and back hike
The closed areas are closed to all visitors until further notice for the protection and safety of both visitors and construction crews.
The park is NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM HWY 89 for both vehicles and pedestrians. Violations will be enforced by citations of CCR T14 4326(a).
All park roads are closed to the public - BOTH pedestrians and vehicles.
Almost all trails are also affected and closed. The Rubicon Trail and beaches can only be accessed through Emerald Bay State Park as an out and back hike
The closed areas are closed to all visitors until further notice for the protection and safety of both visitors and construction crews.
A large-scale water infrastructure construction project is currently affecting all operations.
- Press Release: D.L. Bliss State Park to Remain Closed into Summer 2025
- FAQs on D.L. Bliss Closure in 2025
D.L. Bliss Campground is closed for the 2025 season due to a large scale infrustucture project. Updates will be posted to this website.
Alternative campgrounds are Sugar Pine Point Campground (open) and Eagle Point Campground (opens June 6th) reservecalifornia.com
Dogs Not allowed at DL BLISS during Closure
DOGS ARE CURRENTLY NOT ALLOWED AT DL BLISS DUE TO THE PARK CLOSURE.
Dogs are NOT allowed on the beaches, trails, or off-trail (including the bouldering areas). Dogs are not allowed on the Rubicon Trail. Dogs on a 6' leash are allowed in the campgound and picnic areas, as well as on paved roads. Dogs may not be left unattended. Dog regulations are strictly enforced YEAR-ROUND. Please do not leave your dog in a vehicle and plan accordingly. Here are some boarding options if you are away from home.
Attention: Bear-Proof Cooler Owners 
BEAR-PROOF COOLERS (Yeti, Pelican, Yukon etc.) MUST be secured with locks per manufacturer instructions in order to meet Interagency Grizzly Bear 
Committee (IGBC) standards. Failure to do so may result in a Food Storage Citation and up to a $1000 Fine Title XIV CCR 4323(b). It is recommended that a cable lock is also used to attach the bear cooler to a non moveable item. Bears are known to take off with and/or toss coolers around to try to open them. More information available in our Black Bear Brochure.
BEAR-PROOF COOLERS (Yeti, Pelican, Yukon etc.) MUST be secured with locks per manufacturer instructions in order to meet Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) standards. Failure to do so may result in a Food Storage Citation and up to a $1000 Fine Title XIV CCR 4323(b). It is recommended that a cable lock is also used to attach the bear cooler to a non moveable item. Bears are known to take off with and/or toss coolers around to try to open them. More information available in our Black Bear Brochure.Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing
Summer temperatures range from about 75-80 degrees F during the day to the low 40s at night, and winter temperatures average from a high of 40 to lows in the teens and 20s; Winter temperatures may dip below 0 degrees F.
High Sierra weather is varied and can change abruptly. It is recommended to bring layered clothing and check weather updates. Weather forecast is available at NOAA.
Chains and/ or 4 wheel drive are frequently required during the winter season. For up to date road conditions, call the Caltrans road hotline at 1800-427-ROAD, or visit the Caltrans website.
D.L. Bliss State Park is located off of Highway 89.
Rubicon Trail (Pedestrian)
Imapcts to access points on the north end ( D.L. Bliss) of the Rubicon trail will be in affect during the 2025 season. North Trailhead Closed. Please obey all signage to allow crews to work.
The Rubicon Trail wraps around Emerald Bay, stretching from Emerald Bay State Park to D. L. Bliss State Park.
There are four main access points along the trail -
(1) at the north end in D. L. Bliss State Park is the Rubicon Trailhead starting at Calawee Cove - CLOSED
(2) 1.3 miles south is the Lighthouse Trailhead Parking Area (DL Bliss State Park) - CLOSED
(3) 5.7 miles south is Vikingsholm access, with a steep 1 mile hike to reach the Rubicon Trail from the Vikingsholm Parking Lot/Emerald Bay Overlook - OPEN
(4) the southern most trailhead of the Rubicon trail is 7.4 miles south at Eagle Point Campground (Emerald Bay State Park) OPEN (Recommended)
The 7.4 miles of trail range from moderate to strenuous hiking and offer beautiful views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe.
Emerald Bay and the Rubicon Trail are highly impacted in the summer.
Restrooms and water are available Memorial Day - Labor Day at Vikingsholm Area and Boat Camp.
No Dogs, No Fires, No Bicycles, No Camping - The parks are open from sunrise to sunset.
Cell Phones may not have reception - bring appropriate layered clothing, footwear and food and water. High Sierra weather varies and can change abrubptly. Check weather updates.
About the Park
Campers and day use visitors enjoy swimming or scuba diving in the crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe, picnicking, relaxing on the warm sand of Lester Beach or Calawee Cove, and hiking the Rubicon Trail, Lighthouse Trail, and Balancing Rock Trail. Lester Beach is a popular location to launch your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, but keep in mind that trailers are not allowed in the day use parking lots. Please check weather and wind conditions before venturing out on the lake.
The grandeur of the parks and their setting is a product of successive upheavals of the mountain-building processes that raised the Sierra Nevada. From promontories such as Rubicon Point in D.L. Bliss State Park you can see over one hundred feet into the depths of Lake Tahoe.
The park is named for a pioneering lumberman, railroad owner, and banker of the region. The D.L. Bliss family donated 744 acres to the State Park system in 1929.
