National Recreation Area · Arizona, Nevada
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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.
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Jet Skiing
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse 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
Weather & when to go
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.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits a private non-commercial vehicle for 1-7 days.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$20.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits a single individual walking/bicycling for 1-7 days.
$15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Admits vehicles at the per person rate for groups using vehicles for 12 or more people. The $15 cost is per person ages 16+, not to exceed the flat rate paid commercial tours for same type of vehicle.
$15.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
Admits education/academic groups as long as a fee waiver form is filled out and approved.
$0.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Admits a sedan of 1-6 people.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Admits a van of 7-16 persons.
$50.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Admits a mini-bus of 16-25 persons.
$60.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Admits a motor coach of 26+ persons.
$150.00
Operating hours
All Park 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.
Campgrounds
Boulder Beach Campground
Boulder Beach Group Campground
Lake Mead RV Village
Las Vegas Bay Campground
Callville Bay Campground
Callville Bay RV Park
Willow Beach Campground
Cottonwood Cove Campground
Temple Bar Campground
Echo Bay Campground
Echo Bay RV Park
Temple Bar RV Park
Cottonwood Cove RV Park
Willow Beach RV Park
Katherine Landing Campground
Katherine Landing RV Park
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
- Entrance to Lake Mead National Recreation Area costs $25.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $20.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
- 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 valu…
- Do I need a reservation for Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.