Lake Mead National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area · Arizona, Nevada
NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir
U.S. protected area in Nevada and Arizona
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a U.S. national recreation area in Southeastern Nevada and Northwestern Arizona. Operated by the National Park Service, Lake Mead NRA follows the Colorado River corridor from the westernmost boundary of Grand Canyon National Park to just north of the cities of Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona. It includes all of the eponymous Lake Mead as well as the smaller Lake Mohave – reservoirs on the river created by Hoover Dam and Davis Dam, respectively – and the surrounding desert terrain and wilderness.
About Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
All Park Hours
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25.00. Admits a private non-commercial vehicle for 1-7 days. Entrance - Motorcycle: $20.00. Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Entrance - Per Person: $15.00. Admits a single individual walking/bicycling for 1-7 days. Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: $15.00. 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. Entrance - Education/Academic Groups: $0.00. Admits education/academic groups as long as a fee waiver form is filled out and approved. Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25.00. Admits a sedan of 1-6 people. Commercial Entrance - Van: $50.00. Admits a van of 7-16 persons. Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $60.00. Admits a mini-bus of 16-25 persons. Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $150.00. Admits a motor coach of 26+ persons.
What are the best activities at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
Popular activities at Lake Mead National Recreation Area include: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Road Biking, Boating, Motorized Boating, Sailing, Jet Skiing.
What is the weather like at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
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.
How do I get to Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
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.
Entrance Fees
Admits a private non-commercial vehicle for 1-7 days.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Admits a single individual walking/bicycling for 1-7 days.
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.
Admits education/academic groups as long as a fee waiver form is filled out and approved.
Admits a sedan of 1-6 people.
Admits a van of 7-16 persons.
Admits a mini-bus of 16-25 persons.
Admits a motor coach of 26+ persons.
Weather
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.
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.
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Official Resources
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