Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead
Swim, boat, hike, cycle, camp, and fish at America’s first and largest national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys, and the vast Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. See Hoover Dam or find solitude among nine wilderness areas.

10 Lakeshore Road
Boulder City, NV 89005
United States

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702-293-8990

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Lake Mead
Lake Mead
Lake Mead
Lake Mead
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Discover Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead photo

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is an oasis of adventure in the desert, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Spanning Nevada and Arizona, this vast area includes Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, both formed by the mighty Colorado River. Visitors can boat, kayak, fish, and swim in the sparkling blue waters, or hike through colorful canyons and rugged desert terrain. With breathtaking scenery, rich history, and year-round activities, Lake Mead is the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Southwest.

Bring the parks home

From mugs to ornaments, our keepsakes make perfect gifts for all ages. Every purchase supports the parks!

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Lake Mead National Recreation Area Pin - Bighorn Sheep

$5.99

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Pepin Mug

$27.99

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Book

$4.99

Lake Mead National Recreation Area T-Shirt - Retro Stripe

$30.99

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Magnet - Signpost

$5.99
Bookstore with travel guides and souvenirs displayed on shelves.

Visit the WNP park store

The park store is inside the Lake Mead Visitor Center and offers books, posters, apparel, collectibles, toys, and arts and jewelry by Indigenous artisans. 

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Explore Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Experience the glittering waterways and red rock desert scenery of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located within an hour's drive from Las Vegas.  Many Indigenous communities hold these landscapes sacred and maintain active ties to the cultural sites preserved here. Boat, hike, camp, and enjoy miles of scenic drives at this year-round park, which protects a beautiful stretch of the Colorado River corridor on the border of Nevada and Arizona. 

Two bighorn sheep grazing on grass near Lake Mead.
Desert landscape with a lake and a sunset sky.

3 days in Lake Mead National Recreation Area & Boulder City

Experience unparalleled outdoor adventures on the blue waters of Lake Mead National Recreation Area and delve into the history of the nearby Hoover Dam.

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Visit smart

Stay hydrated and sun-protected

The desert heat can be intense, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing.

Explore by boat or kayak

Rent a boat or paddle through the serene waters to discover hidden coves and dramatic cliffs.

Hike the historic railroad trail

This easy trail follows an old railway route with tunnels and panoramic views of Lake Mead.

Visit Hoover Dam

Just outside the recreation area, this engineering marvel offers fascinating tours and spectacular views.

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Upcoming events

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National Public Lands Day

Sep 27 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Celebrate National Public Lands Day by volunteering to clean up the Nelson’s Landing area. Volunteers are needed to remove trash from the beaches and surrounding area. Volunteers participating in this event will receive a coupon voucher to visit a...

Cottonwood Cove Litter Cleanup

Oct 9 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Join us for a special litter cleanup at Cottonwood Cove. Volunteers will team up with NPS staff and Marina staff to help with removing trash and other debris from the surrounding desert and shoreline areas.

Willow Beach Litter Cleanup

Oct 10 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Come out and join NPS and Willow Beach Marina staff to help clean up this popular area. Willow Beach sees heavy visitation in the summertime, so volunteers are needed to help remove trash from beaches and the surrounding desert area

Six Mile Cove Litter Cleanup

Oct 11 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Volunteers are needed to help clean up a popular area of the park near Lake Mohave by removing trash and other debris from the desert area. Travel to this destination requires driving on a gravel road for approximately 7 miles. 4WD is not required.

Visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Our contribution

Over $162 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $162 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

See how we help

Why stop at just one?

If you love Lake Mead, check out these other amazing parks.

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