Parks / Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area · AZ,NV
Experience outdoor thrills, striking landscapes, and brilliant blue waters. This year-round recreation area spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast reservoirs. Visitors come here for scenic drives, biking, hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and much more.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (4)
Government Wash and 8.0 Mile Road Seasonal Closure May 15 – September 30
The Government Wash campground and 8.0 Mile Road will close on May 15th to vehicle access and overnight camping to assess and manage area improvements and protect visitors and staff from extreme heat risks. The campground is anticipated to reopen for overnight stays on October 1st. It will remain open this summer to non-motorized vehicle access for daytime, non-camping related activities.
Harmful Algae Bloom
A Harmful Algae Bloom has been confirmed in recent water samples taken from the Nelson's Landing and the Cottonwood Cove areas on Lake Mohave. To reduce health risks, the National Park Service recommends recreators limit body contact with these waters when algae is present. Please click here for pictures of this dangerous cyanobacteria and contact the Park at 702-293-8990 for updates on this advisory.
Bacteria Levels at Arizona Hot Springs
Fecal bacteria in water samples taken from Arizona Hot Springs frequently reach high levels, which can transmit human diseases. To reduce health risks, the National Park Service recommends recreators limit body contact in these waters, clean after use, and to never put your head under water at hot springs. Please contact the Park at 702-293-8990 for updates on this advisory.
Seasonal Trail Closures Due to Extreme Heat May 15 – September 30
Goldstrike Canyon, Arizona Hot Springs, Liberty Bell Arch, White Rock Canyon, and Lone Palm trails will be closed for visitor and first responder safety. Please check the park website, social media, and weather for updates before visiting. Arizona, Goldstrike, and Lone Palm hot springs remain open and accessible by water.
Entrance Fees
Lake Mead National Recreation Area has entrance and lake use fees. The Lake Mead Annual Entrance Pass and Lake Mead Annual Vessel fees can be paid and purchased for online or at one of our entrance stations.
National parks that charge an entrance fee require visitors to purchase or obtain a standard pass, park-specific annual pass, or America the Beautiful pass. Visitors only need one of these.
Campgrounds (16)
Boulder Beach Campground
The Boulder Beach Campground is located just minutes from Las Vegas along the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead. It’s open year-round and features large paved sites that can accommodate tents or large RVs, along with tables, fire pits and/or grills. These sites are like an oasis, because of the lush vegetation that shades nearly every campsite. There is a mix of palm trees, oleanders, mature cottonwood trees and native vegetation that also helps provide privacy between sites.
Details →Boulder Beach Group Campground
When you stay at the Boulder Beach Group Campground, you’ll have access to many recreation opportunities. Boulder Beach, Special Events Beach, Canoe/Kayak Beach and PWC Beach are 1-2 miles away. At these locations you can swim, kayak and jet ski. If you prefer to explore the park on land, the River Mountains Loop Trail passes right by the campground. This paved trail is more than 30 miles long and leads to the Historic Railroad Trail.
Details →Callville Bay Campground
When you stay at Callville Bay Campground, you can enjoy the area on land or on water. A nearby shaded picnic area has cool grass, grills, restrooms and panels explaining the history of the area. Across the street, you’ll find the trailhead to the Callville Summit Trail. This 2.7-mile moderate hike requires a short climb, but yields a spectacular view of Lake Mead, Fortification Hill, the Hemenway Valley and the River Mountains.
Details →Callville Bay RV Park
More than 550 miles of pristine shoreline. Soaring red rock cliffs. Countless bays and beaches. Get off the grid for the vacation of a lifetime at Callville Bay Resort & Marina on Lake Mead. Conveniently located within an hour of Las Vegas, Nevada, Callville Bay offers an ideal getaway perfectly complemented by infinite opportunities for adventure and entertainment. Personal watercraft and ski boat rentals are available for a fun-filled day trip, along with multiple houseboat rental options.
Details →Cottonwood Cove Campground
Cottonwood Campground is located near Searchlight, Nevada, along Lake Mohave. It’s open year-round and features paved sites that can accommodate tents or RVs, along with tables, fire pits and/or grills. Restrooms and water spigots are located throughout the campsite.
Details →Cottonwood Cove RV Park
Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina at Lake Mohave is a premier destination for houseboat rentals, watercraft rentals, camping and includes a spacious rv park. We are conveniently located on the Colorado River and just a short drive from Laughlin, Nevada. Our resort and marina have lakeside accommodations, a full-service rv park, nearby campground facilities and a variety of boat rentals. Visit us at Lake Mohave and experience the getaway of a lifetime.
Details →Echo Bay Campground
Our Echo Bay Park is a fisherman’s and boater’s paradise. Located on the north end of Lake Mead, this secluded park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Close to the “must-see” wonder of the Valley of Fire State Park and the ruins of the historic town of St. Thomas, visitors have an array of hiking and sightseeing opportunities. The large RV sites provide room for your boat, and the free on-site launch ramp are ideal for boaters.
Details →Echo Bay RV Park
Echo Bay Park is a fisherman’s and boater’s paradise. Located on the north end of Lake Mead, this secluded park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Close to the “must-see” wonder of the Valley of Fire State Park and the ruins of the historic town of St. Thomas, visitors have an array of hiking and sightseeing opportunities. The large RV sites provide room for your boat, and the free on-site launch ramp are ideal for boaters.
Details →Katherine Landing Campground
With views of the lake and within walking distance of the marina, swim beach, dining and retail store, campsites at Katherine Landing feature a wide array of amenities including concrete picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grills, modern restrooms, showers, with laundry facilities close by. Wi-fi access through Access Parks is available. Campsites at Katherine Landing offer guests a scenic, affordable basecamp for adventures on and around beautiful Lake Mohave.
Details →Katherine Landing RV Park
The Katherine Landing RV campsites come complete with water, sewer and electrical hook-ups. All spaces have the option of household current, 30 amp, or 50 amp power. Laundry, restroom and shower facilities are available on site. All spaces are back-in with the largest space accommodating a 40′ RV. For a Lake Mohave camping adventure in the comfort of your own rig, the RV campsites at Katherine Landing offer all the connections you need!
Details →Lake Mead RV Village
Lake Mead's Boulder Beach area offers many things to see and do. Whether you’d rather go sightseeing, tour Hoover Dam, go shopping, visit historic Boulder City or try your luck in Las Vegas, Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach is conveniently located to a variety of attractions. There’s a lot going on around Lake Mead RV Village, so set up camp and discover this diverse and historically significant area, while enjoying your stay on the shores of Lake Mead.
Details →Las Vegas Bay Campground
Las Vegas Bay Campground is located just minutes from Las Vegas on the western edge of the park and has lush vegetation that shades nearly every campsite. There is a mix of palm trees, oleanders, mature cottonwood trees and native vegetation that also helps provide privacy between sites. Wildlife in the area includes many species of birds and lizards along with antelope squirrels and the occasional coyote.
Details →Temple Bar Campground
Enjoy the Temple Bar area by land or water. Hike through the desert along the Temple View Trail to observe the crystal blue waters of Lake Mead and the natural temple that changes colors throughout the day. Launch your own boat or rent one from the marina. You can also dine at the seasonal cafe, or grab a variety of snacks, drinks and charcoal from the store.
Details →Temple Bar RV Park
Just 75 miles away from Las Vegas, Temple Bar Marina is located in the Temple Basin on the Arizona side of eastern Lake Mead. It’s the closest marina for Arizonans who want to get away from the more populated Boulder Basin area of Lake Mead. The RV Park at Temple Bar Marina is a perfect location for enjoying the lake and all its recreational activities.
Details →Willow Beach Campground
Willow Beach Campground offers 9 tent campground sites and is located just 30 minutes from Boulder City and 45 minutes from the Las Vegas strip. With its unique location, the park offers scenic views of the Colorado River, Black Canyon, as well as the mountain and desert landscapes in the distance. Enjoy a variety of water activities on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, hike on the many trails in the recreation area, tour the Hoover Dam, or head to Las Vegas for some nightlife entertainment.
Details →Willow Beach RV Park
Willow Beach RV Park is your full-service RV Park and tent campground located just 30 minutes from Boulder City and 45 minutes from the Las Vegas strip. With its unique location, the park offers scenic views of the Colorado River, Black Canyon, as well as the mountain and desert landscapes in the distance. Enjoy a variety of water activities on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, hike on the many trails in the recreation area, tour the Hoover Dam, or head to Las Vegas for some nightlife entertainment.
Details →Things to Do
Bike the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail
The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail features incredible vistas of Lake Mead and Boulder Basin and five tunnels – each approximately 25 feet wide.
Bike the River Mountains Loop Trail
Bicyclists are welcome to ride at Lake Mead National Recreation Area on park roads and on routes designated for bicycle use. Approved backcountry roads are designated routes and are marked with a yellow arrow sign with a number on it.
Black Canyon National Water Trail
In 2014, the Secretary of Interior designated this portion of the Colorado River as a National Water Trail, making it the first in the Southwest and the first to flow through a desert. Paddlers and boaters alike come to the Black Canyon to enjoy serenity and the awe-inspiring geologic formations.
Drive along Northshore Road
If Lakeshore Road is Lake Mead’s “Main Street”, Northshore Road is its scenic route. Stretching for almost fifty miles, Northshore Road winds its way from modern times next to housing developments through historic geologic periods where the landscape changed from a flat, open plain on the edge of a continent to the rich geologic formations we see today. Northshore Road really is a trip through time.
Hike the Arizona Hot Springs Trail
Arizona Hot Spring trail is strenuous and can be combined to make a loop going down a 20-foot ladder to the White Rock Canyon trail. With a 750-foot elevation change and some steep scrambling, this hike is considered very strenuous.
Hike the Bluffs Trail
Bluffs Trail overlooks the Las Vegas Bay and Las Vegas Wash, where visitors can see a stark contrast in vegetation between wet and dry areas.
Hike the Callville Summit Trail
From the summit, take in stunning views looking over Callville Bay and beautiful blue Lake Mead.
Hike the Goldstrike Canyon Trail
This strenuous hike leads through a scenic canyon to natural hot springs and offers views of the Colorado River and Hoover Dam.
Hike the Historic Railroad Trail
The Historic Railroad Trail features incredible vistas of Lake Mead and Boulder Basin and five tunnels – each approximately 25 feet wide.
Hike the Lake View Trail
Lakeview hiking trail allows visitors to explore the beautiful mountainous landscape and the desert flora and fauna including creosote, brittle bush.
Hike the Liberty Bell Arch Trail
While there is no river access on this trail, hikers are rewarded throughout their adventure with geological highlights, remnants of a historic magnesium mine going back to the days of WWII, and a fantastic panoramic view overlooking the Colorado River from 1000 ft. up.
Hike the Lone Palm Trail
This strenuous hike leads through a scenic canyon to natural hot springs and offers views of the Colorado River at the end of the trail.
Hike the Northshore Summit Trail
A perfect place to take in the desert in all its vastness and striking colors.
Hike the Owl Canyon Trail
Owl Canyon Trail narrows and deepens into a slot canyon with 100-foot vertical walls in the most confined section.
Hike the Redstone Trail
The fiery eroded formations on this trail were once part of a vast desert landscape.
Hike the River Mountains Loop Trail
The River Mountains Loop Trail is a non-motorized, paved trail provides visitors with an extensive trail loop offering scenic views, plentiful wildlife, and the vast beauty only the Mojave Desert can offer.
Hike the St. Thomas Trail
Today, remnants of the town are now visible thanks to the lowering water levels of Lake Mead.
Hike the Wetlands Trail
The Wetlands Trail follows a dry dirt trail down to the flowing Las Vegas Wash, where water from the Las Vegas Valley dispenses into Lake Mead and shapes the landscape through erosion.
Hike the White Rock Canyon Trail
Follow this meandering canyon down as it compresses and loosens until it finally opens to reveal the mighty Colorado River.
Picnic at 33 Hole Overlook
Enjoy a picnic with panoramic views of the Las Vegas Bay and the Black Mesa. 33 Hole Overlook Picnic area features 9 picnic tables, 9 grills, and restrooms. This location does not have drinking water.
Picnic at Blue Point Spring
Blue Point Spring picnic area features 1 picnic table with mountainous landscape views. There are no restrooms, drinking water, or grills.
Picnic at Boulder Beach
Enjoy a picnic while looking out at Boulder Basin and Fortification Hill. Boulder Beach Picnic Area features 54 picnic tables, 18 grills, restrooms and drinking water.
Picnic at Callville Bay
Callville Bay picnic area features 8 picnic tables, 8 grills, restrooms, and drinking water.
Picnic at Cottonwood Cove
Cottonwood Cove picnic area features 14 picnic tables, 10 grills, restrooms, and drinking water.
Picnic at Echo Bay
Echo Bay picnic area features 2 picnic tables and restrooms. There are no grills or drinking water at this location.
Picnic at Katherine Landing
Katherine Landing picnic area features 10 picnic tables, 6 grills, and restrooms. This location does not have drinking water.
Picnic at Las Vegas Bay
Las Vegas Bay picnic area features 18 picnic tables, 8 grills, restrooms, and drinking water.
Picnic at Longview Overlook
Longview Picnic Area is a great spot to stop and have a picnic at along Lakeshore Road. This picnic area features 3 picnic tables, 3 grills, and restrooms. This location does not have drinking water.
Picnic at Princess Cove
Princess Cove picnic area features 6 picnic tables and 6 grills. This location does not have restrooms or drinking water.
Picnic at Redstone
Redstone Picnic Area is nestled in the Pinto Valley Wilderness, along Northshore Road. Redstone picnic area features 3 picnic tables, 3 grills, and restrooms. This location does not have drinking water.
Visitor Centers
- Lake Mead Headquarters Information Kiosk
- Lake Mead Visitor Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.