Hoover Dam impounds water from the Colorado River, and the water held back by the dam formed Lake Mead on the Arizona-Nevada border, an artificial lake. Because of Hoover Dam and the resulting Lake Mead National Recreation area, opportunities abound for outdoor activities that will keep you healthy and fit. Camping near the dam is available along the shores of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, about 1.5 million acres.
Campsites
Campsites at Lake Mead include bits of sandy beaches and marinas that provide easy access to water-based activities for your healthy lifestyle. Callville Bay, Echo Bay, Boulder Beach, Las Vegas Bay and Overton Beach are among the sites at the lake that are accessible from the west. From the east, Temple Bar offers patrons an RV site, and South Cove offers a boat launch site. At the north end of the lake Stewarts Point offers a flat and sandy camping area. There is a charge for sites for tents and RVs at all of the marinas.
Activities
Lake Mead’s visitors can partake in boating, fishing and swimming while camping in the area. Numerous businesses in the Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City areas are near entry points to the lake and provide boat sales or rentals if you wish to venture out on the water. Visitor centers at the Lake sell bait and tackle items. Swimming shoes are recommended, as the floors of the beaches tend to be interspersed with rocks.
Features
All of Lake Mead’s campsites are equipped with running water, restrooms and picnic areas of varying sizes, with tables and grills. All of the amenities are available on a first come, first serve basis. There are RV sites with electric, water and sewage hookups at the Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach, Callville Bay, Echo Bay, Cottonwood Cove, Temple Bar and Katherine Landing.
Details
There are no reservations, and checkout time is noon for single sites. The capacity of single sites is eight people, four tents and two vehicles. Group campsites for up to 30 people are available at the Boulder Campground, but reservations are required. The maximum stay at Lake Mead is 90 days. Between 10 p.m. and six a.m. Lake Mead observes quiet time. Backcountry camping is available in areas of the lake and is limited to 15 days per visit. After the 15 days campers are required to move to another area or leave Lake Mead.
Rules/Safety
All vehicles must stay on designated roads. Dishes and receptacles should be washed at campsites and not at the public water faucets. There are designated areas for disposal of contaminated water. Pets are required to be kept on a leash at all times. Lake Mead is home to a variety of wild animals, and a policy is in force that they should not be fed by human visitors. Nothing should be attached to any tree at Lake Mead, and digging isn’t allowed.
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