Nevada Lake Mead National Recreation Area map and highlights

Basic information for visitors to the  Lake Mead National Recreation Area Near Las Vegas in southern Nevada and  northwestern Arizona.     

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Near Las Vegas in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona.     

The 1.5-million-acre national recreation area, the nations  first, draws nearly 10 million visitors a year. Boating, fishing, and  swimming are available on the two huge lakes formed by the Hoover and  Davis dams. Three of Americas four desert ecosystems—the Mojave, Great  Basin, and Sonoran deserts—meet at Lake Mead. Bighorn sheep, mule deer,  coyotes, kit foxes, bobcats, ringtail cats, desert tortoise, numerous  lizards, and snakes all can be found in the recreation area. The area is  administered under agreements with the Bureau of Reclamation signed in  1936 and 1947. It was established as a national recreation area in 1964.     

WHAT TO SEE & DO     

Auto touring, boating (rentals), canoeing, diving, fishing,  hiking, kayaking, picnicking, sailing, sunbathing, swimming,  waterskiing. Facilities: Visitor center (4 mi northeast of Boulder City,  NV, on U.S. 93), 8 contact stations (Lake Mead: Callville Bay, Echo  Bay, Las Vegas Bay, and Overton Beach in NV; Temple Bar in AZ. Lake  Mohave: Cottonwood Cove in NV, Katherine and Willow Beach in AZ),  marinas, beaches, trails. Bookstore, fuel. Programs & Events:  Ranger-led programs and hikes, paddle-wheel tour boats to Hoover Dam,  rafting tours. Lecture series (Jan.-Apr.). Tips & Hints: Summer  temperatures reach 120°F in the shade. Go Oct-May for best hiking  weather. Busiest June and July, least crowded Nov. and Dec.     

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES     

Camping: 7 campgrounds ($10; flush toilets) in the park:  Boulder Beach (154 sites), Callville Bay (80 sites), Las Vegas Bay (89  sites), Cottonwood Cove (149 sites), Katherine Landing (173 sites), Echo  Bay (166 sites), Temple Bar (153 sites). Backcountry camping allowed.  E3 Hotels: In the park: Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina (tel. 702/  297-1464; 24 rooms; $108), Echo Bay Resort (tel. 702/394-4000; 52 rooms;  $90-$105), Lake Mead Lodge (tel. 702/293-2074; 33 rooms; $75), Lake  Mohave Resort (at Katherine Landing, tel. 928/754-3245; 49 rooms; $85),  Temple Bar Marina (tel. 928/767-3211; 18 rooms, 4 cabins; $55-$ 115). X  Restaurants: In the park: Snack bars or restaurants at all marinas.  & Groceries & Gear: Grocery and supply stores at all marinas.     

FEES & HOURS     

Entrance fee (good for 5 days): $3 per person or $5 per  vehicle; $10 per vessel for lake use. Recreation area open daily.  Visitor center open daily 8:30-4:30.     

HOW TO GET THERE     

The visitor center is 27 mi east of Las Vegas via U.S. 93.  Other lake access available via 1-15 north of Las Vegas, U.S. 95 south  of Las Vegas, and U.S. 93 in Arizona. Closest airports: Las Vegas,  Bullhead City, AZ.     

CONTACTS     

Lake Mead National Recreation Area (601 Nevada Hwy., Boulder  City, NV 89005, tel. 702/293-8907; 702/293-6180 paddle boat tours, fax  702/ 293-8936,).