Lake Mead has more than 500 miles of shoreline and the water elevation is 1,138 vertical feet. The current water temperature is 61 degrees. Lake Mohave has 250 miles of shoreline and the water elevation is 644 vertical feet. There are a wide range of recreational activities available to visitors on both lakes. Personal watercraft are allowed on 95 percent of Lakes Mead and Mohave.

All nine marinas in the park are open and have a variety of services to offer visitors. Additional information on services like boat rentals, boat tours, and river rafting trips can be found on our website: www.nps/gov/lame and also on: www.funonthelake.com.

According to the March 2006 Bureau of Reclamation 24-month forecast for reservoir levels, all ramps on Lake Mead will remain operational throughout the summer 2006 season. The Bureau updates the 24-month forecast once a month. You can access their site at: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/lcrivops.html

Launch Ramp Update

Lake Mead

Hemenway Harbor
Hemenway Harbor has at least four launch lanes open. Boaters are reminded not to obstruct traffic on the ramp when parking their vehicles and trailers.

Boulder Harbor Launch Ramp (next to Lake Mead Marina)
At least five-six lanes are open and the ramp is suitable for deepwater launching. Parking is available on the upper lot and the marina parking lot provides overflow parking.

Callville Bay
At least five-six launch lanes are available for most vessels. The concessioner offers a shuttle from the parking lot to the launch ramps.

Echo Bay
At least four launch lanes on the south side are open for all size boats.

Overton Beach
There are at least four launch lanes open and the ramp is suitable for deep water launching.

South Cove
There are at least two lanes open on the south side of the ramp. The National Park Service will monitor the access area at South Cove on a regular basis, to determine if lowering lake levels could force park staff to once again remove the courtesy dock to allow adequate space for boat launching. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact, NPS District Ranger Marc Burt at 928.767.3401.

Temple Bar
At least three deep water lanes are available on the west side of the ramp. About four-five shallow launch lanes are available. There is typically no waiting line for launching and there is abundant parking. The concessioner offers free shuttle service for those parking in more remote locations. Please note: all vessels 35 feet or more than five tons need to coordinate launching with the District Ranger at 928.767.3401. Please call to schedule at least 30 days before the proposed launch date

Las Vegas Bay Launch Ramp was closed December 15, 2003 and the courtesy dock was removed.
The campground, fish cleaner, and picnic area remain open and available to serve visitors. The area is also open for shoreline fishing. The closure was necessary due to lowering water levels and the rapid movement of an expansive delta front generated from erosion in the Las Vegas Wash. In October 2002, lowering water levels and the growing delta caused the Las Vegas Bay Marina to relocate to the Horsepower Cove area of Hemenway Harbor. The marina operation is now known as the Las Vegas Boat Harbor.

Government Wash and Pearce Ferry launch ramps remain closed.

Lake Mohave
Lake Mohave launch ramps are open and available for use.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park Service.