Lake Mead Arizona

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on April 29, 2026.

Lake Mead is one of the largest and most famous reservoirs in the American Southwest, stretching across the Arizona and Nevada border within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Created by Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Lake Mead attracts visitors for boating, fishing, camping, swimming, scenic drives, and desert recreation. With hundreds of miles of shoreline, marinas, and year-round sunshine, Lake Mead remains a premier water destination near Las Vegas and northwestern Arizona.

Lake Mead was created by the building of Hoover Dam which has a storied history of sacrifices made by the men, women and families that were involved with the dam's construction. Read more about Hoover Dam which at one time was called Boulder Dam is located on the northwest border of Arizona and southeast Nevada.

Why People Visit Lake Mead

People visit Lake Mead for its wide-open water recreation, dramatic desert scenery, and easy access from Las Vegas, Kingman, and surrounding Southwest destinations. Visitors enjoy boating, jet skiing, fishing, kayaking, houseboat vacations, beach coves, wildlife watching, and scenic desert road trips. Many travelers also combine a Lake Mead trip with visits to Hoover Dam, Lake Mohave, or Colorado River towns nearby.

Lake Mead is the second largest man-made reservoir lake in the United States behind Lake Powell on Arizona's northern border. Lake Mead extends over 110 miles from the dam to the western edges of the Grand Canyon. The lake stores over 28.5 million acre-feet of water fed by the Colorado River. The lake extends into both Arizona and Nevada and holds 9.2 trillion gallons of water which is the equivalent of two-years of flow through the Colorado River. The lake features over 550 miles of shoreline and varies in depth.

Things To Do at Lake Mead

• Launch a boat or rent watercraft from major marinas
• Fish for striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie
• Swim and relax at sandy coves and shoreline beaches
• Camp at lakeside campgrounds and RV parks
• Take a scenic drive on Northshore Road
• Visit Hoover Dam
• Kayak quiet coves and inlets
• Photograph desert mountains and blue-water views
• Watch for Desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife
• Explore nearby Lake Mohave

Fishing At Lake Mead

Anglers will find Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie and Catfish throughout the lake. Both Arizona and Nevada require a state fishing license for those 14 years or older when fishing portions of the lake located within each particular state. A "use stamp" issued in either state will permit fishing in either state's Lake Mead waters.

Lake Mead Recreation

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area also includes Lake Mohave, south of Lake Mead along the Colorado River. Combined, the area is larger than the state of Rhode Island. Lake Mead by itself is a massive water recreation playground that entices millions of annual visitors to its startling blue waters. The picturesque landscape is a mixture of desert outcroppings, lushly vegetated banks and high canyon walls that draws scenic photographers to its visual charm.

Lake Mead is a vast lake of major proportions with several marinas and campgrounds. It is a water-wonderland that caters to fisherman, house boaters, jet-skiers, water-skiers, power boaters, swimmers, sunbathers and those that love to see the sights. The lake features hiking trails of various levels of difficulty and it's a great place to observe native wildlife including Kit Fox, Bobcats, Ringtail Cats, Mule Deer, the rare Bighorn Sheep and a variety of typical desert creatures including Gila Monsters, Rattlesnakes and the mystifying Lizards.

Just taking scenic drives along the lake is quite a visual experience, particularly the drive along North Shore Road which is a 40-mile drive from Lake Mead Boulevard to Overton Beach. Along the way there are several scenic stops for photographic opportunity. A few miles past Overton is The Lost City Museum with a vast exhibit of prehistoric Anasazi Indian artifacts.

Several marinas offer rental boats, house boats and water vessels, Guided cruises and tours of Lake Mead are also available.

Best Times To Visit Lake Mead

• Spring (March to May): Excellent temperatures, ideal boating weather, wildflowers, and one of the best overall seasons.
• Summer (June to August): Peak water recreation season with hot temperatures perfect for swimming and boating. Start early for comfort.
• Fall (September to November): Warm water, lighter crowds, and excellent boating, fishing, and camping conditions.
• Winter (December to February): Mild desert weather, scenic sightseeing, hiking, fishing, and peaceful off-season visits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Mead

Is Lake Mead in Arizona or Nevada?

Lake Mead spans both Arizona and Nevada along the Colorado River. Much of the western shoreline is in Nevada, while large eastern and southern sections extend into Arizona within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Can You Swim in Lake Mead?

Yes, swimming is popular at Lake Mead in designated shoreline areas, coves, and beaches. Always use caution, watch children closely, and be aware of changing water levels, wind, currents, and underwater hazards.

Is Lake Mead Good for Fishing?

Lake Mead is well known as a great fishing lake which supports species such as striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Fishing quality can vary by season, water level, and location.

How Far Is Lake Mead From Las Vegas?

The closest portions of Lake Mead are about 30 miles from Las Vegas, depending on where you start and which marina or entrance you choose. Many visitors can reach the lake in under an hour.

Can You Rent Boats at Lake Mead?

Yes, several marinas offer boat rentals including fishing boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, and houseboats. Availability can vary by season, so advance reservations are often recommended.

Are There Campgrounds at Lake Mead?

Yes, Lake Mead offers campgrounds, RV areas, and lakeside camping options throughout the recreation area. Some campgrounds have developed amenities, while others are more primitive.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Lake Mead?

Spring and fall are often considered the best seasons because of warm daytime temperatures and comfortable nights. Summer is busiest for water recreation, while winter offers mild weather and fewer crowds.

Can You Visit Hoover Dam and Lake Mead in One Day?

Yes, many travelers combine Hoover Dam and Lake Mead in a single day trip. The dam is located at the lake’s southeastern end, making it easy to pair scenic viewpoints, lake stops, and recreation.

Main Basins of Lake Mead

The lake is comprised of four basins of which Boulder Basin on the Nevada side is the most active boating and watercraft recreation area. Boating east through Boulder Canyon reaches Virgin Basin. Southeast of Virgin Basin takes you to Temple Bar Basin and then continuing on to Gregg Basin. Continuing northeast will eventually reach the point where the Colorado River exits the Western edges of the Grand Canyon.

See the Map of Lake Mead.

Boulder Basin Marinas

All marinas at Boulder Basin offer boat rental, general store, restaurants, dry storage and slip rentals. Boats for rent include small craft to 16 foot fishing boats, runabouts for water skiing, 24 foot patio boats and house boats large enough to sleep 14 people.

Lake Mead Marina
(702) 293-3484

Callville Bay Resort & Marina
(800) 255-5561

Las Vegas Boat Harbor
702-293-1191

Overton Arm

All marinas at Overton Arm offer boat rental, general store, restaurants, dry storage and slip rentals. Boats for rent include small craft to 16 foot fishing boats, runabouts for water skiing, 24 foot patio boats and house boats large enough to sleep 14 people.

Echo Bay Marina & Resort
(702) 394-4000

Temple Bar Marina

The Temple Bar Marina offers boat rentals, general store, restaurant, dry storage and slip rentals. Boats for rent include personal watercraft, fishing boats, runabouts and 24 foot patio boats and up to 59 foot houseboats.

Temple Bar Marina
(800)255-5561

Directions To Lake Mead From Las Vegas. At its closest point, Las Vegas is about 30 miles from the nearest portion of the lake. There are three ways to get there depending upon where you are originating from. Take Lake Mead Boulevard through North Las Vegas; through Boulder City or Lake Mead Drive through Henderson.

Directions To Lake Mead From Kingman Arizona. From I-40 in Kingman, take US 93 north to Hoover Dam which is about an 80 mile drive. Cross the dam into Nevada and follow the signage to the lake before getting to Boulder City.

Directions To Temple Bar. From US 93 between Kingman and Hoover Dam and just past Mile marker 20 make a right at the Temple Bar exit. Temple Bar is located 28 miles from the Highway 93 turnoff.

Where Ancient Peoples Once Roamed

Ten thousand years before the dam was built in 1935, the area along the river was home to ancient Native American cultures whose artifacts, pottery and hunting implements continue to be discovered today. Evidence indicates prehistoric peoples hunted game and practiced farming. In a cave near the present day Lake Mead, archaeologists have discovered remains of ancient animals with notches on the bones giving evidence of preparation and consumption by humans thousands of years previous.

Lake Mead Maps

Lake Mead Recreation Area Map
Lake Mead Locator Map
Boulder Basin Campground Map
Callville Campground Map
Echo Canyon Campground Map
Las Vegas Bay Campground Map
Temple Bar Campground Map

More Information About Lake Mead

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
601 Nevada Highway
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
(702) 293-8907

Arizona Lakes