{"id":"nps-lake","slug":"lake-mead-national-recreation-area","name":"Lake Mead National Recreation Area","designation":"National Recreation Area","category":"national-recreation-area","categoryLabel":"National Recreation Area","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"LAKE","designation":"National Recreation Area","sourceId":"nps-lake"}],"states":["AZ","NV"],"stateNames":["Arizona","Nevada"],"location":{"lat":35.96622528,"lon":-114.3469067},"bbox":[-114.9233,35.1715,-113.136,36.5914],"acres":{"value":1495505,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=36.5914&b_tl_lng=-114.9233&b_br_lat=35.1715&b_br_lng=-113.136","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Lake%20Mead%20National%20Recreation%20Area","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C79D292-1DD8-B71B-0B9A850B0D5AAAFC.jpg","title":"Black Canyon at Lake Mead NRA","alt":"sun rising on Black Canyon","caption":"Visit Black Canyon Water Trail for rafting or kayaking","credit":"NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C79D3DE-1DD8-B71B-0B0E3FD563EACFB5.jpg","title":"Redstone Picnic Area Lake Mead NRA","alt":"picnic area at Redstone","caption":"There are many picnic areas at Lake Mead NRA","credit":"NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C79D527-1DD8-B71B-0BFDE5F1DB86714E.jpg","title":"Boating at lakes Mead and Mohave","alt":"power boaters on Lake Mead","caption":"Boating is a popular activity at lakes Mead and Mohave","credit":"NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C79D698-1DD8-B71B-0BB120A5375B45E6.jpg","title":"Tour Operators Guide You through the Park","alt":"people on a tour operated craft exploring the lake.","caption":"There are many tour operators to provide you with an excellent visit to Lake Mead NRA.","credit":"NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C79D824-1DD8-B71B-0BF17A042C954AA2.jpg","title":"Bighorn Sheep Enjoying the View at Lake Mead NRA","alt":"A group of bighorn sheep overlooking Lake Mead.","caption":"With wilderness comes wildlife. Bighorn sheep can be spotted at most areas of the park.","credit":"NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Auto and ATV","Scenic Driving","Biking","Road Biking","Boating","Motorized Boating","Sailing","Jet Skiing","Boat Tour","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","RV Camping","Fishing","Freshwater Fishing","Food","Dining","Picnicking","Flying","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Walking","Self-Guided Tours - Auto","Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour","Boat Tour","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Paddling","Canoeing","Kayaking","Stand Up Paddleboarding","Junior Ranger Program","SCUBA Diving","Snorkeling","Swimming","Freshwater Swimming","Water Skiing","Wildlife Watching","Park Film","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store","Gift Shop and Souvenirs"],"topics":["Archeology","Ruins","Aviation","Dams","Industry","Mining","Native American Heritage","Schools and Education","Science, Technology and Innovation","Transportation","Roads, Routes and Highways","Westward Expansion","Animals","Birds","Cats (wild)","Fish","Tortoises and Turtles","Canyons and Canyonlands","Geology","Groundwater","Aquifers","Freshwater Springs","Geothermal","Hot Springs","Lakes","Mountains","Natural Sounds","Night Sky","River and Riparian","Rock Landscapes and Features","Scenic Views","Trails","Water Trails","Unique Species","Rare","Endangered","Watersheds","Wilderness"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"25.00","description":"Admits a private non-commercial vehicle for 1-7 days."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"20.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"Admits a single individual walking/bicycling for 1-7 days."},{"title":"Entrance - Non-commercial Groups","cost":"15.00","description":"Admits vehicles at the per person rate for groups using vehicles for 12 or more people. The $15 cost is per person ages 16+, not to exceed the flat rate paid commercial tours for same type of vehicle."},{"title":"Entrance - Education/Academic Groups","cost":"0.00","description":"Admits education/academic groups as long as a fee waiver form is filled out and approved."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Sedan","cost":"25.00","description":"Admits a sedan of 1-6 people."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Van","cost":"50.00","description":"Admits a van of 7-16 persons."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus","cost":"60.00","description":"Admits a mini-bus of 16-25 persons."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach","cost":"150.00","description":"Admits a motor coach of 26+ persons."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"45.00","description":"This pass admits the passholder only into Lake Mead National Recreation Area AND NOT other federal lands. The interagency passes allow access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.\n\nAdmits passholder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle. In cases where per person fees are charged, pass is valid for the passholder + 3 adults.1 year from month of purchase. Good through 1 year from month of purchase."}],"hours":[{"name":"All Park Hours","description":"Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that while the majority of the park is accessible at all hours, our Visitor Center operates on a specific schedule. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly, as the Visitor Center is open during designated hours to provide you with valuable information, maps, and assistance from our knowledgeable staff.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"By car you can drive to one of the park's many entrances. The six main entrances to Lake Mead are as follows: Northshore, Lake Mead Boulevard, Lake Mead Parkway, and Boulder, Temple Bar, and Meadview. For the southern sections of the park, near Lake Mohave, there are entrance stations at Willow Beach, Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove.","weatherInfo":"Spring (April, May and June): Daytime highs 80 °F to 98 °F. Nighttime lows 50 °F to 66 °F Summer* (July, August and September): Daytime highs 89 °F to 103 °F (It can get up to 117 °F.) Fall (October, November and December): Daytime highs 59 °F to 83 °F. Nighttime lows 32 °F to 50 °F. Winter (January, February and March) Daytime highs 57 °F to 69 °F. Nighttime lows 30 °F to 40 °F. *Summer can be a dangerous time due to excessive heat. Some trails are closed for public safety.","contacts":{"phone":"7022938990","email":"LAKE_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Lake Mead Visitor Center","description":"Before you start your adventure, stop by the Lake Mead Visitor Center. Whether you have one hour or one week, rangers and volunteers will help you plan an unforgettable trip. In addition to grabbing maps and brochures, you can get your National Park passport stamp or become a junior ranger. The Western National Parks Association operates the park store from within the center. It's stocked with books about the park and the region, Native American arts, jewelry and crafts, posters, outerwear and more.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":36.0100506879,"lon":-114.796778762},{"name":"Lake Mead Headquarters Information Kiosk","description":"An information kiosk is located inside Lake Mead's Headquarters building.","url":"","lat":35.9763519883,"lon":-114.83846099}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Boulder Beach Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10075120","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10075120","sites":135},{"name":"Boulder Beach Group Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10048964","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10048964?tab=info","sites":5},{"name":"Lake Mead RV Village","description":"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.","url":"https://lakemeadmohaveadventures.com/lake-mead-rv-village/","reservationUrl":"https://lakemeadmohaveadventures.com/lake-mead-rv-village/","sites":115},{"name":"Las Vegas Bay Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10082283","reservationUrl":null,"sites":85},{"name":"Callville Bay Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10068459","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10068459","sites":52},{"name":"Callville Bay RV Park","description":"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.","url":"https://callvillebay.com/lodging-rv-camp/","reservationUrl":null,"sites":5},{"name":"Willow Beach Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://willowbeachharbor.com/willow-beach-campground-and-rv-park/","reservationUrl":null,"sites":9},{"name":"Cottonwood Cove Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://cottonwoodcoveresort.com/lower-campground/","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10068512","sites":45},{"name":"Temple Bar Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10085626","reservationUrl":null,"sites":71},{"name":"Echo Bay Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/poi/10108391","reservationUrl":null,"sites":52},{"name":"Echo Bay RV Park","description":"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.","url":"https://lakemeadmohaveadventures.com/echo-bay-rv-village/","reservationUrl":null,"sites":55},{"name":"Temple Bar RV Park","description":"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.","url":"https://templebarlakemead.com/rv-park-campground/","reservationUrl":null,"sites":10},{"name":"Cottonwood Cove RV Park","description":"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.","url":"https://cottonwoodcoveresort.com/explore/lodging-rv-camp/","reservationUrl":null,"sites":72},{"name":"Willow Beach RV Park","description":"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.","url":"https://willowbeachharbor.com/willow-beach-campground-and-rv-park/","reservationUrl":null,"sites":28},{"name":"Katherine Landing Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://katherinelanding.com/amenities/#camping","reservationUrl":null,"sites":173},{"name":"Katherine Landing RV Park","description":"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!","url":"https://katherinelanding.com/amenities/#rv-camping","reservationUrl":null,"sites":24}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"gold-butte-national-monument","km":50},{"slug":"sloan-canyon-national-conservation-area","km":65},{"slug":"grand-canyon-parashant-national-monument","km":79},{"slug":"avi-kwa-ame-national-monument","km":79},{"slug":"moapa-valley-national-wildlife-refuge","km":89},{"slug":"tule-springs-fossil-beds-national-monument","km":99}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=lake"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.617Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Rocks and Sand on Park Roads from Recent Storms","text":"While all park roads are currently open, Lake Mead crews continue to clean debris off roadways around the park. Expect small rocks in the roadway and sand at wash crossings. Many of the rocks are sharp and can puncture a tire. Motorcyclists take special care to avoid these hazards, especially areas of soft sand on pavement.","url":null,"updated":"2026-11-02 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-2C2990E8-3DD9-47E7-BD45-0D4A390A501A"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Harmful Algae Bloom","text":"Harmful Algae Blooms may be seen throughout 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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/harmful-blue-green-algae-blooms-habs.htm","updated":"2026-11-02 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-A6CF2144-967D-4183-A5CA-A36FD98D16CA"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"River Mountains Loop Trail Covered by Flood Debris in Multiple Areas","text":"Cyclists and hikers be aware that the trail is covered by sharp rocks and mud in many places. The trail is impassable at the north end along Lake Mead Parkway from mile marker 9 to 11 and has been closed. This closed portion is outside the park and managed by the City of Henderson. It is unknown when this section of trail will be cleared. Some sections have also been undercut so avoid standing near dropoffs that could give way.","url":"https://www.cityofhenderson.com/government/departments/parks-and-recreation","updated":"2026-11-02 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-90E0A0E9-9E8B-4F60-AF40-8B74AFEF15C4"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Government Wash and 8.0 Mile Road Anticipated Reopening","text":"The Government Wash campground and 8.0 Mile Road are anticipated to reopen in late November to vehicle access and overnight camping. This alert will be updated once the reopening date has been set.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/lake/government-wash-area-information.htm","updated":"2026-10-15 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-2EBBE614-8E16-4CD6-AC64-09C16D151509"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/lake-mead-national-recreation-area/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/lake-mead-national-recreation-area.geojson"}