Arizona lakes for boating, fishing, and water recreation

Lake Mohave

Last updated on April 24, 2026.

Lake Mohave is a scenic Colorado River reservoir stretching along the Arizona–Nevada border between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam near Bullhead City and Laughlin. Known for clear blue water, desert canyon scenery, quiet coves and warm-weather recreation, Lake Mohave is one of Arizona’s most popular lakes for boating, fishing, swimming, camping and weekend getaways.

Lake Mohave was created with the building of Davis Dam on the Colorado River on the border between Arizona and Nevada. The lake is relatively "skinny" with its widest point being only about 4 miles wide but is 67 miles long with over 200 miles of shoreline. It is located just north of sister-cities of Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona. Most of its length is bordered by the steep canyon walls of Eldorado, Pyamid, and Black Canyons as you proceed north.

Lake Mohave near Bullhead City Arizona and Laughlin Nevada

Why People Visit Lake Mohave

People visit Lake Mohave for its wide-open water, rugged desert shoreline, excellent fishing and convenient access to marinas, beaches and nearby casino resorts in Laughlin. The lake offers a quieter alternative to busy Lake Mead while still providing plenty of room for powerboats, kayaks, personal watercraft, shoreline relaxation and scenic exploring.

At the northern-most end of Lake Mohave, boats can travel up the Colorado River near the base of Hoover Dam which creates one of largest man made lakes in the country, Lake Mead, which is located between Arizona and Nevada. This stretch of the river features stunning views of canyon walls.

Things To Do At Lake Mohave

Go boating, jet skiing and water skiing
Fish for striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and catfish
Swim and relax at sandy beaches and shoreline coves
Explore coves, canyons and desert shoreline by kayak or paddleboard
Camp at developed campgrounds or nearby recreation areas
Visit Katherine Landing near Bullhead City
Enjoy day trips to Laughlin, Nevada
Photograph desert mountains, blue water and Colorado River scenery
Watch for desert wildlife and birds along the shoreline

Lake Mohave is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is administered by the National Park Service. Vacationers will discover a world of water recreation and outdoor adventure on Lake Mohave including boating, house boating, jet-skiing water skiing, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking and a visual feast of sightseeing.

Casino Resort Gambling & Entertainment

Whether you spend a day, a weekend or a month, you'll discover that Lake Mohave is and ideal place that can combine water recreation with the excitement of casino resort gambling, Las Vegas style entertainment, great golf courses and world class restaurants just down the road at Laughlin. If your the type that doesn't enjoy camping, you'll find luxury hotels in Laughlin and very affordable hotels in Bullhead City just across the bridge from Laughlin.

Camping, RV Parks and Facilities

Lake lovers will discover hundreds of beaches along the lake shores that can only be accessed by boat. So choose your own beach as a base campsite. There are two primary public use facilities including Katherine Landing just 7 miles north of Laughlin and Bullhead City; and Cottonwood Cove on the Nevada side just east of Searchlight, Nevada. Both locations feature public campgrounds, RV Parks, boat launches, docking facilities, boat rentals, restaurants, fishing tackle and fishing licenses.

Fishing At Lake Mohave

Largemouth and Striped Bass are abundant at the southern end of the lake. Striped Bass action is best just above Davis Dam. Rainbow Trout are active at the lake's upper end particularly around the Willow Beach area on the Colorado River. Fishing licenses from either Arizona and Nevada are required.

Getting To Lake Mohave

Depending upon your destination within Lake Mohave or the Colorado River, there are several ways to desired locations at both Arizona and Nevada sides of the lake. See the Lake Mohave Maps below for specific directions.

Directional Map
Includes map directions to both Lake Mohave and Lake Mead from both the Nevada and Arizona sides.

From Phoenix. Take Grand Avenue West (US 60) to Wickenburg AZ. Then take US 93 north through Wickiup AZ to I-40 west through Kingman. Take the Bullhead City / Las Vegas exit and turn right at the signal at the end of the exit ramp. Continue west taking the Highway 68 ramp toward Bullhead City / Laughlin. Highway 68 merges into Arizona Highway 95. Follow signage to Laughlin, Bullhead City and Katherine Landing at Lake Mohave.

Approximately 225 miles from Phoenix, about a 4 hour drive.

From Las Vegas: Interstate 515, US 93/95 south through Las Vegas towards Boulder City. After passing through Henderson and the Railroad Pass, take ramp and turn right onto US 95 south toward Searchlight/Laughlin for 55 miles. Turn left onto NV 163. Head east for and follow signage to various points of interest.