Where to stay is always the first consideration for DogTrekkers on overnight quests, and in South Shore there are options at every price point, from the luxe Fireside Lodge B&B to the basic but well located Motel 6. In between, we’re partial to Spruce Grove Cabins just off Ski Run Boulevard at the foot of Heavenly Mountain Resort; Holly’s Place, a cabin property on two securely fenced acres; and 3 Peaks Resort, a comfy, mountain-style hotel a few short blocks inland.
Holly’s Place deserves special mention for dog owners. The secure fencing means you can let your pup off leash on the property without worry, and the cabins have private decks where you can sit with your coffee while your dog soaks up the mountain air. It’s the kind of place where dogs outnumber people on most weekends, and nobody minds a bit.
If you’re staying longer than a night or two or have more than two humans in your party, a vacation rental can be your ticket to dog-friendly fun in South Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Keys Resort offers pet-friendly rentals in a private marina community bordered by conservation areas on the southwest side of the lake; it’s a great jumping-off place for summer activities of all kinds. Many rentals here come with a fenced yard or patio, which is a real bonus when you’re traveling with a dog who likes to wander.
Another DogTrekker favorite is Zephyr Cove Resort on South Shore’s Nevada side. It’s lakefront, dog-friendly and very busy in summer. Dogs aren’t allowed on the swimming beach here, but you can walk from your cabin to a rocky stretch of shoreline where pups under voice control can stretch their legs and go for a swim. Wear sturdy shoes; you’ll need them for negotiating boulders.
Whichever South Shore lodging you choose, keep in mind that summer weekends fill up fast — book well ahead if you’re planning a July or August visit. And always confirm the pet policy when reserving, since fees and weight limits can change from season to season. Most properties provide basic dog amenities like waste bags and water bowls, but it never hurts to bring your own just in case.
