Less than an hour outside Las Vegas is Lake Mead, a natural area where you can get a break from the activity of the Strip. If you start to long for some time in nature and away from the crowds, a visit to a Lake Mead beach could be precisely what you need! It’s one of the best things to do in Nevada.
The Lake Mead National Recreational Region covers nearly 1.5 million acres of shorelines, piers, wilderness areas, and hiking trails. It also encompasses the entirety of Lake Mead, the reservoir created by the Hoover Dam.
Exploring Lake Mead and its surrounding recreationalarea ranks as one of the best activities close to Las Vegas, sotake into account renting a vehicle in Vegas and dedicating a day here.
This guide features the top attractions at Lake Mead including the best hiking trails, activities one can indulge in and nearby places to visit such as Boulder City and Hoover Dam. I will also share the best campgrounds at Lake Mead for those wanting to stay here longer.
Table of Contents
1. Visitor’s Center, the first thing you should do at Lake Mead
The primary activity to undertake at Lake Mead is to go to the Lake Mead Visitor’s Center. Here, you can find complimentary maps, brochures, and a relief exhibit of the recreation area. The display involves knowledge about the local wildlife, and you can also observe a brief film about the desert species in the vicinity.
Guides and workers at the center can offer you further info and recommendations for your trip, and you can browse souvenirs, like Native American art and jewelry. Outside the center, there is a short path you can take to become familiar with the surroundings.
The Visitor Centre is conveniently located right off US Highway 93 and welcomes guests daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
2. Boating, something fun to do at Lake Mead
One of the most popular activities on Lake Mead involves boating, as nearly 300 square miles of open water, coves, and waterways can be explored here.
Throughout Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you can find piers and marinas with boat rentals. You may opt for a calm Lake Mead cruise or satisfy your need for quickness on a sport boat. Other Lake Mead boat rentals include fishing boats, paddle boats, and pontoon boats.
If wanting to rent a water vessel on Lake Mead, it can be done at Calville Bay, Cottonwood Cove, Hemenway Harbor, Katherine Landing, PWC Beach, Temple Bar, and Willow Beach.
3. Camp at one of the lovely Lake Mead campgrounds
For an overnight adventure, hire an RV in Las Vegas and camp at a Lake Mead campsite. You can find tent and RV camping by Lake Mead‘s 15 different locations.
Spending the night in nature with a vista of the lake brings a truly unique experience unlike resting in a bustling urban area. Roughly half the campsites have showers, and most are near superb paths for hiking.
If you’re uncertain of where to stay in Lake Mead, some popular areas include Boulder Beach Campground,Calville Bay Campground, and Echo Bay Campground. Campground fees are $20 per site, and several allow access on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We offer comprehensive guidance on where folks can pitch a tent nearby Las Vegas in this write-up, although if camping at Lake Mead isn`t your style, you can remain at the Hoover Dam Lodge,Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort, or Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa.
4. Take a hike, another nice thing to do around Lake Mead, NV
Another recommended activity at Lake Mead is to go hiking. Most of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses the Mojave Desert, so there are lots of excellent Lake Mead hiking trails to explore.
While the Blue Lagoon is one of the most frequented attractions by travelers going to Reykjavík and recommended activities from the capital, its true location is not within Reykjavík city boundaries. Still, given its proximity, a trip to the Blue Lagoon is among the most popular day trips starting from Reykjavík.
Some other prominent hikes around Lake Mead include the Owl Canyon route, the St. Thomas trail, and the walk along the Goldstrike Canyon.
5. Go kayaking, a popular thing to do on Lake Mead
If floating on water isn’t quite your preference, you may enjoy paddling a kayak on Lake Mead. You can explore the park from a novel perspective as you travel along the Colorado River, past mountains, and into concealed caves.
You can bring your personal kayak or rent one and, along with Lake Mead kayak rentals, you may also choose from a range of canoes and paddleboards. Another choice is this 3-hour kayaking tour in a transparent-bottomed kayak. You’ll explore the Black Canyon National Water Trail, a 30-mile stretch of the Colorado River.
Black Canyon is a lovely natural place full of coves, hot springs, and tranquil scenery. You may even see bighorn sheep and other creatures on the surrounding cliffs.
6. Do some water sports, a typical thing to do at Lake Mead
A fun activity to do at Lake Mead, particularly with family or friends, is to do some watersports. You can discover jet ski rentals at Lake Mead, along with paddleboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing rentals.
Another distinctive experience involves scuba diving at Lake Mead. Both Lake Mead and the neighboring Lake Mohave are favored spots among divers. Two popular scuba diving locations are the Black Canyon and Scuba Beach at North Boulder Beach.
And if motor activities on the water are too extreme for your tastes, Lake Mead’s swimming shores are among the best beaches in Las Vegas.Boulder Shore and Willow Shore, specifically, are quite popular.
7. Hit the biking trails, a great way to see Lake Mead
After returning to land, cycling is another favorite Lake Mead activity popular with visitors. The Lake Mead area includes several routes and paths through less traveled areas for exploration using two wheels.
For instance, you can cycle along the River Mountains Loop, which circles the River Mountains and passes Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Boulder City. The Historic Railroad Trail, one of the top hikes in Vegas, is also bikeable and boasts panoramic views of the lake.
- LisboaLove Walk.Another excellent Lisbon stroll tour discovering hidden locales and destinations off the beaten track is this alternative guided walk in the city with passionate local Humberto .
8. Go fishing, another thing to do in Lake Mead
An additional outdoor exercise possible at Lake Mead is fishing. The freshwater lake is home to various fish species, including catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and sunfish. Most notably, the striped bass can achieve over 40 lbs.
You can go fish at Lake Mead at Willow Beach,Katherine Landing, and Hemenway Fishing Pier.
9. Northshore Road, Lake Mead’s scenic drive
Leisurely exploring the length of Northshore Road is a pleasant activity at Lake Mead, whether solo or with companions. Stretching nearly 50 miles, Northshore Road can serve as an enjoyable self-guided tour of Lake Mead.
The road passes historical landmarks and a variety of landscapes ranging from flat plains to rocky boulders. As you travel along the scenic drive, you can stop at the panoramic Lake Mead overlooks and take a short hike from one of the trailheads.
Another route visitors frequently utilize during their excursion to Lake Mead is Lakeshore Road. It serves as the primary route and winds past the Visitor’s Center, Las Vegas Bay, and several scenic overlooks, marinas, and campgrounds.
10. Visit Boulder City & Hoover Dam, something to do near Lake Mead
While there are numerous things to do at Lake Mead, the area is also close to Boulder City, another place worth exploring. This historic city is home to museums, attractions, restaurants, and parks, so you could easily spend a day here.
What is more, Boulder City lies right beside the Hoover Dam, which merits a visit. After all, without the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead would not exist. One of the best tours of the dam is this half-day excursion, although several other excellent Hoover Dam tours leave from Las Vegas.
FAQs – Things to do at Lake Mead
Now you know the best activities at Lake Mead. If you still have any concerns, here are answers to some frequent questions.
Where within the map is Lake Mead situated?
Lake Mead sits along the Colorado River near the Hoover Dam.
Calculating the distance from Las Vegas, Nevada to Lake Mead
Lake Mead is about 20 miles east of Las Vegas, so it takes approximately 30 minutes to get there.
How was Lake Mead created?
Lake Mead was the consequence of the Hoover Dam’s development, which hindered the stream of the Colorado River.
Is Lake Mead in Arizona?
Lake Mead National Recreation Area covers nearly 1.5 million acres in Arizona and Nevada.
Will Lake Mead go dry?
At present, Lake Mead is filled to only 36% of its maximum capacity, and experts anticipate that water levels will continue dropping, potentially leaving the lake empty altogether.
Lake Mead map
Finally, here is a map of Lake Mead with all the activities and spots I mentioned. Feel free to download it and keep it handy on your phone.
I hope this article helps in planning your visit and fun activities at Lake Mead! Please share any questions via comment. Enjoy a safe trip.
