Lake Mead National Recreation Area
16 campgrounds in the park · 40 nearby · 8 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir
4 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureGovernment Wash and 8.0 Mile Road Seasonal Closure May 15 – September 30The Government Wash campground and 8.0 Mile Road will close on May 15th to vehicle access and overnight camping to assess and manage area improvements and protect visitors and staff from extreme heat risks. The campground is anticipated to reopen for overnight stays on October 1st. It will remain open this summer to non-motorized vehicle access for daytime, non-camping related activities.
- CautionHarmful Algae BloomA Harmful Algae Bloom has been confirmed in recent water samples taken from the Nelson's Landing and the Cottonwood Cove areas on Lake Mohave. To reduce health risks, the National Park Service recommends recreators limit body contact with these waters when algae is present. Please click here for pictures of this dangerous cyanobacteria and contact the Park at 702-293-8990 for updates on this advisory.
- CautionBacteria Levels at Arizona Hot SpringsFecal bacteria in water samples taken from Arizona Hot Springs frequently reach high levels, which can transmit human diseases. To reduce health risks, the National Park Service recommends recreators limit body contact in these waters, clean after use, and to never put your head under water at hot springs. Please contact the Park at 702-293-8990 for updates on this advisory.
- Park closureSeasonal Trail Closures Due to Extreme Heat May 15 – September 30Goldstrike Canyon, Arizona Hot Springs, Liberty Bell Arch, White Rock Canyon, and Lone Palm trails will be closed for visitor and first responder safety. Please check the park website, social media, and weather for updates before visiting. Arizona, Goldstrike, and Lone Palm hot springs remain open and accessible by water.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $25 per vehicle
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 16 campgrounds4 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 40 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 8 sitesWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $45Lake Mead only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 16
- National Park
Boulder Beach Campground
In the park · Boulder City, NV
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
Boulder Beach Group Campsites
In the park · Boulder City, NV
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 40
Free and dispersed nearby 8
See them on the map- Camp siteBoulder City, AZ16 mi
- Camp siteBoulder City, AZ21 mi
- Camp siteBoulder City, AZ21 mi
- Government Wash Dispersed Camping AreaHenderson, NV29 mi
- Camp siteMoapa Valley, NV40 mi
- Camp siteMoapa Valley, NV40 mi
Services nearby: 5 dump stations · 3 rest areas
About Lake Mead
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…
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.
Photos: NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Jet Skiing
- Boat Tour
Plan your visit
Getting there
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…
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…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$25
- Motorcycle, 7 days$20
- Per person$15
- Lake Mead annual pass$45
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.
Getting there
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.
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.
Camped at Lake Mead? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Boulder Beach Campground, Boulder Beach Group Campsites and Las Vegas Bay Campground.