Park Information
This answer depends on whether you're asking about Lake Mead the lake or Lake Mead the park.
The lake is the largest reservoir in the United States. At full capacity, the surface area is 157,418 acres. It holds 9.3 trillion gallons of water with 759 miles of shoreline. The average depth is 182 feet and the maximum depth is 532 feet. By comparison, Lake Mohave's surface area is 28,084 acres. It holds 586 billion gallons of water with 309 miles of shoreline. The average depth is 85 feet and the maximum depth is 165 feet. Both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave are within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which is the largest National Recreation Area in America. The park is 1.5 million acres and is located in both Nevada and Arizona.
In 2019, Lake Mead National Recreation Area was ranked the sixth most visited national park unit in the country and more than 15 million people were within the park boundaries. For more detailed information on park visitation view the National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics Reports.
In 1936, after the construction of the Hoover Dam, the National Park Service entered into an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation to manage the newly established Boulder Dam National Recreation Area. In 1947, the name was officially changed to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. On October 8, 1964, Congress designated the recreation area as an official unit of the National Park Service, making it the first official national recreation area within the National Park Service.
Many National Park Service employees begin their careers as volunteers or as seasonal employees. Hiring is very competitive and is conducted through the Office of Personnel Management. Learn more about working with us.
One of the many aspects of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area that continually draws visitors is its good weather. Many people come just to relax in the land of the sun. Refugees from states hit hard by winter's icy clutch often flee to this area to spend a mild winter. Sunbathers and water skiers spend summers here to toast in the 110F (43C) degree plus temperatures. The area generally has less than five inches of annual rainfall. Water temperatures may range from 45F (7C) to 85F (29C) degrees during winter and summer respectively.
For real time information, visit The National Weather Service.
Yes. We love our volunteers. Lake Mead National Recreation Area has many opportunities for both short-term and long-term volunteer service, including single-day projects, full-time positions and long-term commitments that can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Positions include administration, cultural resources, boating, natural resources management, interpretation, maintenance and campground host among others.
Recreation
Both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave have an abundance of activities to choose from. Activities include hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, hunting, biking, boating, camping and much more. Enjoy a picnic at a shaded area or drive through breathtaking desert landscapes. Take a look into a more detailed list of Lake Mead's recreational activities throughout our website.
There are few established hiking trails but many places to hike. Find information about our official trails on our hiking webpage.
Motor vehicles are only permitted on approved roads and only when they are properly licensed for street use. The recreation area is not open to off-road travel of any kind. Visit our backcountry page for more information about where you can travel.
The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
The launching, landing or operating of an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Lake Mead National Recreation Area is prohibited. Since 1992, a historical establishment of the use of model aircrafts (aka Radio Controlled Model Aircrafts (RCMA)) was authorized at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Only the use of RCMA at the designated area will continue to be allowed.
Yes. There are a variety of tent and RV campgrounds in the park. Visit Lake Mead's camping page for complete camping info and where you can make reservations.
Several concessioners rent houseboats, as well as other types of watercraft. Visit our list of concessions contracts to see what amenities are available from different businesses around the park.
As the lakes levels change, so does the the availablity of the launch ramps and other lake-based infrastructure. Always check the Changing Lake Levels before you head to your launch ramp of choice.
Annually, over 35,000 boaters enjoy the bright blue waters of both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, with 3,500 slips docked at our six marinas.
Fees
Daily and annual passes can be purchased at the entrance stations around Lake Mead and Lake Mohave and online at recreation.gov. More information about fees can be located on our Fees & Passes page.
Lake use fees for one vessel for 1-7 days is $16. You can purchase the annual vessel pass at any open entrance station or online at pay.gov. Please visit our Fees & Passes page for more information.
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Last updated: August 20, 2026