Lake Mead

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Climate/Maps | Description | Things To Do | Nearby/Resources

Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) offers a wealth of things to do and places to go year-round. With 1.5 million acres, it is twice the size of Rhode Island. Its huge lakes cater to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife photographers, and roadside sightseers. Three of America's four desert ecosystems--the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Sonoran Deserts--meet in Lake Mead NRA. As a result, this seemingly barren area contains a surprising variety of plants and animals, some of which may be found nowhere else in the world. For current lake and river information click here.

Lake Mead Current Conditions - October 2026

Lake Mead remains open for recreation, but low water continues to affect shorelines, launch ramps and boating access. The Bureau of Reclamation reported the lake at about 1,038 feet above sea level in late September 2026. Water levels change regularly, so boaters should check current conditions before traveling.

Current boating access:

• Hemenway Harbor: Available for launching; conditions can change as the lake level changes.
• Callville Bay: Open using a portable Mobi-Mat launch system.
• Temple Bar: Open using a portable Mobi-Mat launch system.
• Boulder Harbor: Closed to launching and retrieving vessels because of low water.
• South Cove: Main launch ramp closed indefinitely because of low water; primitive launching may be available nearby at the boater's own risk.

Low water has exposed rocks, islands, sandbars and shoreline that were submerged when Lake Mead was higher. Boaters should use extra caution, particularly away from established channels and in unfamiliar coves.

Water outlook: The Bureau of Reclamation updates Lake Mead projections monthly through its Colorado River 24-Month Study. Forecasts can change substantially with Colorado River inflows, releases from Lake Powell and basin water use. DesertUSA recommends using the current measured lake level rather than relying on an older long-range projection.

Check National Park Service Lake Mead alerts and current conditions

Boating Supplies - Water Filters - Water Straws to purify drinking water

Seasons & Hours

• Open year-round, 24 hours, 7 days a week with peak use in the summer.
• Visitor Center: Open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
  

Lake Mead Water Level

Visitor Center

Lake Mead Visitor Center
The Lake Mead Visitor Center is located at 10 Lakeshore Road near Boulder City, Nevada, a few miles north of Hoover Dam. Rangers and volunteers can help visitors plan their trip, and the center offers maps, exhibits, a park film and a store operated by Western National Parks. The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. For visitor information call 702-293-8990.

Programs
Programs include a winter lecture series, ranger-led programs and hikes, paddle- wheel tour boat ride to Hoover Dam, Black Canyon raft trip.

Climate/Maps | Description | Things To Do | Nearby/Resources

• Read the Scott family's story about their houseboating vacation.
  

• DesertUSA rented a houseboat to explore the western part of Lake Mead.
  

• Watch a video on DesertUSA's houseboating trip
  

Maps

Maps and weather information

Activities

Boating, Wildflowers, Hiking, Walking and Driving Tours

River and lake reports

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