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National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

DangerJun 11, 2026

Harmful Algae Bloom

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CautionMay 22, 2026

Bacteria Levels at Arizona Hot Springs

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Park ClosureMay 14, 2026

Government Wash Campground Seasonal Heat Closure May 15 – September 30

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sun rising on Black Canyon

Visit Black Canyon Water Trail for rafting or kayaking

Photo: NPS Photo/Andrew Cattoir

About

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.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingRoad BikingBoatingMotorized BoatingSailingJet SkiingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group Camping
RV Camping
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Flying
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
Boat Tour
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Hunting and Gathering
Hunting
Paddling
Canoeing
Kayaking
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Junior Ranger Program
SCUBA Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming
Freshwater Swimming
Water Skiing
Wildlife Watching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

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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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.

News

Feb 5, 2026

National Park Service Removes Long-Term Encampments at Government Wash and Reopens Area Following Major Restoration Work

Lake Mead National Recreation Area will reopen Government Wash at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, after completing a significant operation to remove long-term encampments and restore safety, environmental stability, and public access to Lake Mead.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$15.00