Lake Mead National Recreation Area

State: spans Clark County, Nevada and Mohave County, Arizona. Type: National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service. Established October 13, 1936 (originally as Boulder Dam Recreation Area; renamed in 1947). Spans about 1,495,806 acres. Formed around Lake Mead (created by Hoover Dam) and Lake Mohave (created by Davis Dam). Recorded 6,412,854 visitors in 2024.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans a vast stretch of desert, canyon and reservoir landscape across southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, centered on Lake Mead, formed by Hoover Dam, and Lake Mohave, formed by Davis Dam downstream. Established in 1936 as Boulder Dam Recreation Area and renamed in 1947, it became, with its 1964 expansion to include Lake Mohave, the first National Recreation Area ever designated by the U.S. Congress. The area sits at the meeting point of three of the four U.S. desert ecosystems, the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran deserts, and offers over 750 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking, plus more than 200 miles of hiking trails through canyons and mountains. In recent years, prolonged drought and heavy water use have significantly lowered Lake Mead's water level, exposing areas long submerged, including the historic townsite of St. Thomas, Nevada.

The recreation area spans Clark County, Nevada, and Mohave County, Arizona, in the southeastern corner of Nevada and northwestern Arizona. Its nearest cities are Boulder City and Las Vegas, Nevada; the administrative mailing address is 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005.

The recreation area sits at the convergence of the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran deserts, producing a hot desert climate with very high summer temperatures, especially around the lower-elevation lake areas, and milder winters. Given the desert setting, water and heat safety are significant considerations year-round outside of winter.

Spring and fall bring milder temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities, while summer remains popular for boating and swimming despite intense heat; winter offers cooler, quieter conditions with less crowding on the water.

Formation of Lake Mead began in 1935, even before Hoover Dam's completion, and the surrounding area was first protected as a bird refuge in 1933. The recreation area was established October 13, 1936, as Boulder Dam Recreation Area, and was renamed Lake Mead National Recreation Area in 1947. In 1964, the area was expanded to include Lake Mohave (formed by Davis Dam), and in doing so became the first National Recreation Area to be designated as such by the U.S. Congress. In recent years, sustained drought and heavy regional water demand have caused Lake Mead's water level to recede dramatically, exposing formerly submerged sites such as the historic town of St. Thomas, Nevada.

Popular activities include boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking across more than 200 miles of trails. The Black Canyon Water Trail offers a dedicated rafting and kayaking route below Hoover Dam. Scenic drives, biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing (including desert bighorn sheep), camping, and Hoover Dam tours (operated separately from the recreation area) round out the typical visitor experience.

Lake Mead itself, the largest reservoir in the U.S. by volume when full, and Lake Mohave downstream are the area's central features. Hoover Dam, adjacent to the recreation area, is a major draw, though tours of the dam are a separate attraction from NPS-managed recreation sites. The Black Canyon Water Trail and the exposed former townsite of St. Thomas, Nevada, revealed by falling water levels, are notable points of interest.

The recreation area is close to Boulder City and Las Vegas, Nevada, both a short drive from the main access points; Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is the nearest major airport. Multiple entrances and boat launch facilities are accessible from Nevada and Arizona highways, so a personal or rental vehicle is the standard way to reach the area.

The recreation area operates as a year-round destination; specific hours vary by facility (marinas, visitor centers, campgrounds), so check the individual site or the park's official page for current schedules.

A standard entrance pass for a private vehicle costs $25 for 1-7 days; a per-person pass (for those entering on foot or bicycle, ages 16+) costs $15 for 1-7 days; an annual park entrance pass is $45. Boating requires a separate vessel pass: $50 annual or $16 for a 7-day daily pass. Senior and Access Pass holders receive 50% discounts on vessel and camping fees. As of January 1, 2024, the park operates on a cashless (card-only) payment system. The America the Beautiful interagency annual pass ($80-$250 depending on type) also covers entry.

A day trip covers a scenic drive and a stop at one beach or overlook, but a multi-day visit is recommended for boating, hiking multiple trails, or combining a Lake Mead visit with Hoover Dam tours.

The recreation area itself offers over 900 camping and RV sites across its various campgrounds. The nearby town of Boulder City and the greater Las Vegas metro area, both a short drive away, provide a full range of hotel and motel options for visitors who prefer not to camp.

Dining within the recreation area is limited to concessions at marinas and similar facilities; the nearby towns of Boulder City and the wider Las Vegas area offer a much fuller range of restaurant options for visitors.

Hoover Dam sits adjacent to the recreation area and is a major nearby attraction with its own separate tours. Las Vegas, a short drive northwest, and the town of Boulder City provide additional attractions, dining and lodging. Valley of Fire State Park is also within reasonable driving distance for visitors combining multiple southern Nevada destinations.

Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is the nearest major airport. A personal or rental vehicle is the practical way to reach the recreation area's various entrances, marinas and trailheads, as public transit does not comprehensively serve the site.

Water-related incidents are a serious hazard here: NPS data cited 317 fatalities in the recreation area from 2007 to 2024, primarily water-related, so use caution swimming and boating, wear life jackets, and heed posted warnings. Extreme desert heat, especially in summer, calls for ample water and sun protection on any hike or outdoor activity. For any emergency, dial 911 (24-hour emergency line) or the park's dedicated emergency contact.

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), plenty of drinking water, and a life jacket for any water activity are essential. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the area's hiking trails, and a card/electronic payment method is required for entrance fees given the cashless payment system in effect since January 2024.

Because entrance fees are card-only as of 2024, bring a payment card rather than relying on cash. Book campsites or marina facilities in advance for peak season visits. Combine a Lake Mead visit with a Hoover Dam tour or a day trip to nearby Las Vegas or Valley of Fire State Park for a fuller southern Nevada itinerary. Given the serious water-safety statistics, always wear a life jacket when boating or engaging in water sports.

For emergencies, call 911 (24-hour line). For general visitor and recreation information, call 702-293-8990; for park business/administration, call 702-293-8906, per the official NPS site.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area (National Park Service) - https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.