Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
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 two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park's nine wilderness areas. Approximately 30 miles from Las Vegas. Entrance fees charged.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
755 reviews
Excellent
413
Very good
244
Average
70
Poor
22
Terrible
6
dapetrick
Palm Desert, CA6 contributions
Jul 2020
Please know before you take your children to this park that people are allowed to throw huge parties on the "beaches." This past weekend I traveled over four hours to take my ten year old nephew and my seven year old niece to this park just to have to explain to them why people were allowed to get naked, drunk, and play their music so loud that we could not hear each other talk. The idea was to take them out into nature and help them get away from all the craziness in this world right now. Well, that backfired big time. No one seems to patrol this park to keep any of these parties from happening. It is a beautiful place that the people of this country "own." Not a select rich few who just think they do. Mr. Giant Red Boat owes my family an apology and quite frankly, so does the national park system. I cannot image people getting to walk around hammered and naked at Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, etc...Lake Mead needs to remind itself of its national park title or have said title taken away.
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven P
Pueblo, CO3,848 contributions
Feb 2020
I am sure Hoover Dam and the waters of Lake Mead are much bigger tourist draws but I prefer the long drives with one vista after another opening up as you drive. Two nice alternative ways into the recreation are taking Lake Mead Blvd east through Sunshine Mountain and going in from Henderson past Lake Las Vegas. Both the drives are scenic ways to enter.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrumpyandtheOldLady
New York City, NY629 contributions
May 2021
I was at Lake Mead approximately 10 years ago and am shocked by the current water level. Back then, I saw evidence how low the water was and by comparison, the level now is just so low it leaves you speechless. I drove to several areas of the lake and found large crowds of boaters, swimmers, etc. It did not have the feel of a protected, national area and the stark whiteness of the once underwater islands kept it from looking pretty.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nyormirror
Bay City, MI2,072 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Stopped at the overlook during a Go City pass NPS Hoover Dam highlights bus tour. Nice views. Car and large vehicle parking.
The area has hiking, kayaking, boating and many other things to do.
If you don’t have a National parks pass you might want to take the NPS tour bus because it’s included in the price.
The area has hiking, kayaking, boating and many other things to do.
If you don’t have a National parks pass you might want to take the NPS tour bus because it’s included in the price.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TlmeForAdventure
United Kingdom349 contributions
Sep 2020
We stopped by Lake Mead while visiting the Hoover Dam on our way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in 2019. The views around here are stunning. We didn't get chance to explore the area much as it was a whistle stop visit but would love to in the future. The place is so picturesque and relaxing. Such a shame about the decreasing water levels.
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim T
Kenai, AK1,157 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Lake Mead National Recreation Area has so much to offer. Despite the water levels dropping daily people still flock to the lake for boating, swimming and fishing. Lake Mead suffers from a decades long drought in the southwest. Who knows if it will ever return to it higher water levels.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,512 contributions
Mar 2022
I come here often. I live nearby so it's sort of my neighborhood park. Lots to see and do here, including the lake at Boulder Beach, Hoover Dam, Northshore Road, the 36-mile River Mountains loop hike/bike trail, and several marinas. If you're looking for a more dispersed, nomadic type winter/early spring camping experience try Echo Bay or Stewart's Point up by Overton. This is the area where the Virgin begins it's flow into the Colorado as they join up and head on down toward Yuma and Mexico. But if you camp in this area, come self-contained. Although Overton does have a small supermarket, you'll need to be staying near Boulder City or Henderson for full services. Right now, boat access is probably better at Echo Bay than at Stewart's Point.
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joan S
Phenix City, AL25 contributions
Sep 2020
Beautiful drive through the recreation area. The lake is a pretty blue color against the color of the surrounding hills. The only downsize to the area was that we could not see the Hoover Dam as it was closed to everyone, even the scenic overlooks were closed.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LMA
Orlando, FL41 contributions
Apr 2022
We took a ride out to the Lake Mead Recreational Area as we are National Park Passholders and wanted to see what it was like. What a beautiful area! We walked around the marina a little bit then drove over to Boulder Beach and walked around.
It was later in the afternoon and traffic was minimal. As we drove along, we pulled over and checked out many of the overlooks. Most of the time, we were the only ones there and it was amazing how quiet it was.
We could see campers and other vehicles on the other side of the park, but didn't have time to get over there. It was a nice way to spend a few hours and I'm sure the views of the mountains when the sun starts to set are gorgeous.
It was later in the afternoon and traffic was minimal. As we drove along, we pulled over and checked out many of the overlooks. Most of the time, we were the only ones there and it was amazing how quiet it was.
We could see campers and other vehicles on the other side of the park, but didn't have time to get over there. It was a nice way to spend a few hours and I'm sure the views of the mountains when the sun starts to set are gorgeous.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sydney
Saint Louis, MO210 contributions
Jan 2023
My friend and I used the National Park annual pass to get in free, but beware they're otherwise charging $25 for a daily pass. I understand supporting the NPS and all that, but there's not a whole lot to do in January. The visitor center is nice, but it is quite small, and we spent more time trying to find it than we spent inside. We got our NPS Passport stamps and then left.
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be visiting Lake Mead in May and bringing my motor boat. My boat is registered in New Mexico, do I need to register it in Arizona as well?
Written April 10, 2024
I am sorry I do not have an answer for you. I am do not live in Nevada. I would think you should contact your local boat association to check state requirements
Written April 14, 2024
We'll be visiting at the early June. Looking to paddle board & Kayak, looking towards northern Lake Mead around Echo Bay/Overton area. Is it open?
Never been to the northern part of Lake Mead, but it looks like there are 2 marinas overton and echo bay]. Is there access to the lake in that area? are they open? If we stay in overton whats the closest point we could have beach access?
traveling with dog, so we need a house or cabin or small resort that accepts pets.
Any help would be appreciated.
Written May 19, 2020
Echo Bay will reopen beginning Memorial Day but service hours will be limited. Overton Beach has been and still is closed. The entire recreation area is mostly open to visitors but services are severely limited. So bring what you need. Kayak rentals are available at Willow Beach on the Arizona side heading south on Highway 93. Overton has a couple of trailer parks and a motel. Mesquite, Henderson and Boulder City are other options for losging.
Written May 23, 2020
My hasband and I are planning a weekend at Hoover Dam lodge and want to know what type of activities are available from there. We like hiking, biking and rafting. We would prefer not having to drive anywhere once we arrive. Looking for ideas.
Written February 5, 2019
check the local chamber of commerce or municipal office.
Written April 1, 2019
It varies depending on which side of Lake Meade you are looking to go. It’s about an hour from Vegas if you stay on the Nevada side. If you drive another 30 mins or so you will pass over the Colorado River and through the Hoover Dam into Arizona and that part of the Lake Meade Rec Area. Your choice, can’t go wrong either way but I do recommend checking out the Hoover Dam if you are that close!
Written September 30, 2018
Does anyone know what the entrance hours are for the fee station into the lake mead marina area?
Written August 25, 2018
I believe it’s fro 7 AM til 5:30 PM
Written August 26, 2018
susiesapp
Newport, Arkansas
Has anyone gone from the strip to Lake Mead on to Hoover Dam and then on to West Grand Canyon? I am wanting to go to West Grand Canyon from Las Vegas and have heard on the same road I can see Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.
Written June 7, 2018
You certainly can see both on the way to the Grand Canyon but you will have to cross over the bridge and not the dam as this is no longer a through thoroughfare. Park up at the Bridge plaza and do the walk over it. The view is quite amazing. Enjoy
Written June 7, 2018
I'd like to know which hot springs are ok to swim in and where they are.
Written April 2, 2018
howdy. sorry cant answer that. most of what we do is camping at the boulder beach camp ground before we go hiking. its also my overnight destination before going to Las Vegas or one of the parks in Utah. 20 dollars a 24 hour period instead of 150 a night at the casinos. its a middle point from Anaheim California.
Written April 5, 2018
yup. lots. there is a designated area for RV with hook ups and such. close to where we stay at when we camp at boulder beach camp ground in the park itself. at the campground where we go is only 20 dollars with bathrooms for 24 hours. dont know how much at the RV area.
Written April 5, 2018
Is there is a place to rent a wave runner there on the lake?
I'm not from Nevada and I won't have a SUV rental neither to be able to hook one up and bring to the lake. Is there any options?
Written June 25, 2017
Yes I think we rented from the Las Vegas Lake Marina. About $90 an hour and it holds two people. Discounts the longer you take it.
They have new blue units but they have limited cargo space and are harder to handle then the white units which have plenty of room. Bring tons of water, snacks and a waterproof container for keys and phones. Something that floats.
You can dock the runners on tons of beaches and hang out, climb, swim, etc..
My kids loved it.
Written June 25, 2017
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