Arizona lakes for boating fishing camping and water recreation

Lake Mohave

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 19, 2026

Lake Mohave is a scenic Colorado River reservoir stretching along the Arizona-Nevada border from Hoover Dam south to Davis Dam near Bullhead City and Laughlin. Surrounded by rugged desert mountains and dramatic canyon walls, the lake is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, camping and exploring quiet shoreline coves.

Created by Davis Dam on the Colorado River, Lake Mohave extends through approximately 67 miles of river and reservoir between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam. Much of the northern lake winds through steep Black Canyon terrain, while the broader southern portion near Katherine Landing provides extensive open water for boating and fishing. Lake Mohave is part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is managed by the National Park Service.

Things To Do
Boating & Lake Access
Fishing
Camping & Facilities
Best Time To Visit
Directions
Maps
FAQ

Lake Mohave and desert mountains near Bullhead City Arizona and Laughlin Nevada

Lake Mohave At A Glance

Location: Arizona and Nevada along the Colorado River
Created by: Davis Dam
Reservoir reach: Approximately 67 miles from Hoover Dam to Davis Dam
Recreation area: Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Major Arizona access: Katherine Landing and Willow Beach
Major Nevada access: Cottonwood Cove
Popular activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, camping and sightseeing
Nearby communities: Bullhead City, Arizona and Laughlin, Nevada

Why People Visit Lake Mohave

Lake Mohave combines clear Colorado River water with rugged Mojave Desert scenery, making it especially popular with boaters, anglers, paddlers and campers. Visitors can explore broad open-water areas in the southern lake, narrow canyon passages farther north, sandy shoreline areas and secluded coves that are accessible primarily from the water.

The lake also provides convenient access to Bullhead City and Laughlin at its southern end, while the northern reaches extend through Black Canyon toward Hoover Dam. This combination of water recreation, desert scenery and nearby visitor services makes Lake Mohave an excellent year-round Colorado River destination.

Things To Do At Lake Mohave

Boat, water ski or explore the lake by personal watercraft
Fish for striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and rainbow trout
Kayak or paddleboard through coves and narrow canyon areas
Swim along suitable shoreline and beach areas away from marinas and launch ramps
Camp near Katherine Landing, Cottonwood Cove or other recreation areas
Launch a boat from Katherine Landing, Cottonwood Cove or Willow Beach
Explore the Colorado River and Black Canyon scenery
Visit nearby Bullhead City and Laughlin
Watch for desert wildlife and birds along the shoreline
Photograph the lake, desert mountains and canyon scenery

Boating & Lake Access

Lake Mohave offers excellent boating opportunities ranging from power boating and water skiing to fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Katherine Landing on the Arizona side, Cottonwood Cove on the Nevada side and Willow Beach farther north provide the lake's primary developed access points. Available facilities differ by location, so visitors should check current conditions before traveling.

Katherine Landing is the primary access point near Bullhead City and Laughlin and offers boating services, launch access and other visitor facilities. Cottonwood Cove provides marina, camping and boating access from the Nevada side, while Willow Beach is especially convenient for exploring the narrower northern portion of Lake Mohave and Black Canyon.

Lake and launch conditions can change because of weather, maintenance or other operational issues. Boaters should verify current National Park Service launch-ramp conditions before towing a boat to Lake Mohave.

Nearby Bullhead City & Laughlin

Lake Mohave visitors can easily combine outdoor recreation with dining, lodging and entertainment in nearby Bullhead City, Arizona and Laughlin, Nevada. Laughlin offers casino resorts, restaurants and entertainment along the Colorado River, while Bullhead City provides hotels, restaurants, shopping and convenient access to Katherine Landing and Davis Dam.

Staying in either community can be a convenient alternative for travelers who want to enjoy Lake Mohave during the day without camping overnight.

Camping & Facilities At Lake Mohave

Camping is available at developed recreation areas around Lake Mohave, including locations near Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove. Options range from traditional campsites to RV accommodations, while more primitive camping opportunities are available in selected areas of Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove provide convenient bases for combining camping with boating, fishing and shoreline recreation. Facilities and concession services can change by season, so visitors should verify campground availability, reservations and current services before traveling.

Fishing At Lake Mohave

Lake Mohave offers year-round fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and other warm-water species. The cooler northern portion of the lake and Colorado River near Willow Beach also supports rainbow trout. Anglers fish from boats, shoreline areas and developed fishing access points throughout the recreation area.

Striped bass are one of Lake Mohave's signature sport fish, while largemouth and smallmouth bass attract anglers around rocky structure, coves and shoreline habitat. Fishing conditions and productive areas vary with water temperature, season and reservoir conditions.

Anglers must carry a valid Arizona or Nevada fishing license when fishing Lake Mohave. Because fishing regulations and limits can change, check current Arizona Game and Fish Department, Nevada Department of Wildlife and National Park Service regulations before fishing.

Best Times To Visit Lake Mohave

Spring: One of the best seasons for boating, fishing, camping, kayaking and sightseeing before extreme summer heat arrives.
Summer: Popular for boating and swimming, but desert temperatures can become dangerously hot. Plan carefully and carry abundant drinking water.
Fall: Warm water and gradually cooler air temperatures make fall excellent for boating, fishing, paddling and camping.
Winter: Cooler temperatures are comfortable for fishing, sightseeing and outdoor recreation, although mornings and nights can become cold.

Lake Mohave Visitor Tips

Check current launch-ramp, road, campground and weather conditions before leaving home.
Carry abundant drinking water and sun protection throughout the year, especially during summer.
Never swim at marinas or boat-launch areas.
Wear properly fitted life jackets when boating, kayaking or paddleboarding.
Watch for rapidly changing wind conditions when traveling on open water.
Clean, drain and dry boats and water equipment to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Allow extra travel time because Lake Mohave recreation areas are widely separated.

Getting To Lake Mohave

Lake Mohave has several access points on both the Arizona and Nevada sides, so the best route depends on whether you are visiting Katherine Landing, Willow Beach, Cottonwood Cove or another recreation area.

From Phoenix: Travelers heading to Katherine Landing generally travel northwest through Wickenburg and Kingman before continuing toward Bullhead City on Arizona Route 68 and Arizona Route 95. Follow current signs for Katherine Landing and Lake Mead National Recreation Area as you approach Bullhead City.

From Las Vegas: Travelers can reach Cottonwood Cove by heading south toward Searchlight, Nevada, or continue toward Laughlin and Bullhead City for access to Katherine Landing. Willow Beach is reached from US 93 between Boulder City and Kingman.

Road construction, weather and park conditions can affect travel routes. Check current highway and National Park Service information before departing, especially when towing a boat or RV.

More Information About Lake Mohave

For current park alerts, campground information, boating conditions, launch-ramp status, fees and regulations, visit the official Lake Mead National Recreation Area website before traveling to Lake Mohave.

Lake Mohave Maps

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Mohave

Where Is Lake Mohave?

Lake Mohave stretches along the Colorado River between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam on the Arizona-Nevada border. Bullhead City, Arizona and Laughlin, Nevada are near the southern end of the lake.

Is Lake Mohave Good For Boating?

Yes. Lake Mohave is popular for power boating, fishing boats, water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding and personal watercraft. Major developed access points include Katherine Landing, Cottonwood Cove and Willow Beach.

Is Lake Mohave Good For Fishing?

Yes. Lake Mohave offers year-round fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and other species. Rainbow trout are also found in the cooler northern portion of the lake near Willow Beach.

Can You Swim In Lake Mohave?

Yes, swimming is popular at suitable Lake Mohave shoreline and beach areas. Swimming is prohibited at marinas and boat-launch areas, and visitors should use caution around boat traffic, wind, changing water conditions and underwater hazards.

Where Can You Launch A Boat At Lake Mohave?

Major developed boat-launch locations include Katherine Landing in Arizona, Cottonwood Cove in Nevada and Willow Beach in Arizona. Launch conditions can change, so boaters should check current National Park Service conditions before traveling.

Can You Camp At Lake Mohave?

Yes. Developed camping and RV accommodations are available at several recreation areas around Lake Mohave, including Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove. Primitive camping is also available in selected areas.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Lake Mohave?

Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable weather for boating, fishing, camping and sightseeing. Summer is popular for water recreation but can be extremely hot, while winter provides cooler conditions for fishing and outdoor activities.

How Far Is Lake Mohave From Laughlin?

Katherine Landing is only a short drive from Laughlin and Bullhead City, making the southern end of Lake Mohave convenient for visitors staying in either community.

Do You Need A Fishing License At Lake Mohave?

Yes. Anglers must carry a valid Arizona or Nevada fishing license when fishing Lake Mohave. Always check current fishing regulations before your trip.

Is Lake Mohave Part Of Lake Mead?

Lake Mohave and Lake Mead are separate Colorado River reservoirs, but both are located within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Lake Mead is formed by Hoover Dam, while Lake Mohave extends downstream from Hoover Dam to Davis Dam.

Arizona Lakes