America's First National Recreation Area

Swim, boat, hike, cycle, camp and fish at America’s first and largest national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park's nine wilderness areas.

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There is one national park just minutes from Las Vegas that has Joshua trees, slot canyons and night skies illuminated by the Milky Way. One national park where the rocks are as red as fire and the mountains are purple majesties. Take a look.

View of a lake with camping vehicle in front of it.
Lake Mead

With more than 750 miles of shoreline, you can enjoy a day at the beach, take a boat out and disappear for hours or nestle into a cove.

Sunset over a marina at a lake.
Lake Mohave

Lake Mohave is known for its abundance of sandy coves and mix of the peaceful Black Canyon and high-octane open waters.

family boating on Lake Mead
Boating

Discover the many marinas and coves at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Fishing information
Fishing

With more than 290 square miles of water surface, you can be sure to find a favorite spot to catch the big one.

people on beach and in water
Swimming

There are many places to swim in the bright blue waters of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.

Hiking
Hiking

Perhaps the best way to explore the Mojave ecosystem is on foot, traveling across open expanses of rock formations.

Campground with tent.
Campgrounds

Looking for campgrounds? With over 900 camping and RV sites, there is a variety of desert and lakeside views.

The Surface Project
The Surface Project

The Surface Project is an exciting online resource that brings the stories and science within these lakes to the surface.

artifact photo lake mead virtual museum
Virtual Museum

This virtual museum includes collections of historic photographs, artifacts, flora and fauna. COMING SOON: Fossils

A hunter in camouflage in the desert.
Hunting

The park preserves the recreational potential of the area, which includes the traditions of hunting, fishing and trapping.

Person on a bike travelling near a lake.
Biking

Bicyclists are welcome to ride at Lake Mead National Recreation Area on park roads, on routes designated for bicycle use.

Park Store
Park Store

Visit our park store at the Lake Mead Visitor Center or online.

Last updated: March 5, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, NV 89005

Phone:

702 293-8990
Call 911 For All Emergencies (24 hours). Call 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24 Hours). Call 702-293-8990 for Visitor and Recreation Information (Visitor Center open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day and New Year's Day). Call 702-293-8906 for Park Business and Administration (Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday, excluding Christmas Day and New Year's Day).

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