Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Top 6 Lakes in Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Best lakes in Lake Mead National Recreation Area are found within the first and largest national recreation area in the United States. This area, straddling Nevada and Arizona, features two prominent reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, formed by the Hoover Dam and Davis Dam. The landscape offers a contrast of blue waters against arid desert terrain, characterized by tan and red cliffs, coves, and sandy beaches. These vast bodies of water provide diverse natural settings for exploration.
Best lakes…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Lake Mead Overlook
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View of Lake Mead
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Davis Dam
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View of Hoover Dam and Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
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Temple Bar, Arizona
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Popular around Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Other adventures in Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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You can get a nice, panoramic overlook of Lake Mead from here. While sitting here you're on the Nevada side of the state line, but the east coast of the lake is technically in Arizona.
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Temple Bar sits on the shores of Lake Mead with excellent views of the dramatic rock formation that gave the area its name. Along with the stunning views you'll also find camping, a restaurant & bar, as well as cabins and a motel. If you do decide to stay a while all manner of watercraft are available to rent, ranging from small fishing boats to ski boats, plus kayaks, canoes, wakeboards and more.
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The Davis Dam is a hydro-electric dam that produces between 1-2 terawatt of electricity each year. Behind the dam you'll find Lake Mohave, on which you'll find a number of resorts, watercraft rental shops, restaurants, and marinas. Due to its desert location the lake is a popular year round destination.
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This area offers many different vantage points to take in the wonderful views, both natural and man-made.
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The Lakeview Overlook is just a short distance from the Hoover Dam and offers panoramic views of the Boulder Basin from a higher elevation from the dam itself. To the northwest you can see Hemenway Harbor, the tunnels of the Hoover Historic Railroad, and power lines that extend out and up from Hoover Dam. To the northeast, you can see Rock, Boulder and Saddle Islands and the Muddy and Black Mountains.
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At this point we are already in the state of Arizona.
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It is worth driving over the dam, after crossing you have to drive slightly uphill to the parking lot with a beautiful view of the bay and the highway viaduct
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Perfect place with a view
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is home to two prominent reservoirs: Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Lake Mead, formed by the Hoover Dam, is the largest by water capacity in the US. Lake Mohave, formed by the Davis Dam, is located downstream and is known for its clear waters and secluded coves.
What types of activities can I do on Lake Mead?
Lake Mead offers a wide range of water sports including boating, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and water skiing. Beyond the water, you can enjoy hiking trails like the Historic Railroad Trail, wildlife observation, and scenic drives. Camping facilities and houseboat rentals are also available for longer stays.
What makes Lake Mohave a popular destination?
Lake Mohave is often called a 'water sports paradise' due to its clear waters, extensive shoreline, and numerous sandy beaches. It's excellent for boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, and scuba diving. Fishing for bass species is also popular. Katherine Landing provides full services including rentals, lodging, and dining.
Are there good viewpoints to see the lakes and surrounding area?
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The Lake Mead Overlook offers panoramic views of the Boulder Basin, including Hemenway Harbor and the Hoover Historic Railroad tunnels. Another must-see is the View of Hoover Dam and Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, providing impressive perspectives of these engineering marvels and the lake.
What historical or man-made landmarks are associated with these lakes?
The most significant landmarks are the Hoover Dam, which created Lake Mead, and the Davis Dam, which formed Lake Mohave. Both are impressive feats of engineering. The Hoover Dam is a major attraction, and the Davis Dam is a hydro-electric dam that also serves to regulate water for Mexico.
Are there family-friendly options for visiting the lakes?
Many areas within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area are family-friendly. Viewpoints like Lake Mead Overlook and the View of Hoover Dam and Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge are easily accessible. Locations like Temple Bar, Arizona, and Willow Beach offer facilities, camping, and watercraft rentals suitable for families.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The arid desert landscape surrounding Lake Mead and Lake Mohave is home to various wildlife. Visitors often spot desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and golden eagles. The diverse ecosystem provides opportunities for wildlife observation, especially along hiking trails and scenic drives.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available near the lakes?
The area around the lakes offers numerous outdoor activities. For hiking, popular trails include the easy White Owl Canyon Trail and the moderate Railroad Tunnel Trail. Cyclists can enjoy routes like the Historic Railroad Trail or the Davis Dam to Princess Cove loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking in Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Cycling in Lake Mead National Recreation Area guides.
Where can I go for mountain biking near the lakes?
Mountain biking enthusiasts have several options. Trails like Boulder Beach via River Mountain Trail and the Caldera Loop in Bootleg Canyon offer varying difficulties. For more information on routes and difficulty, refer to the MTB Trails in Lake Mead National Recreation Area guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning contrast between the deep blue waters of the lakes and the rugged, arid desert landscape with its tan and red cliffs. The vast array of recreational opportunities, from water sports to hiking and scenic drives, along with the impressive engineering of the Hoover and Davis Dams, are also highly valued.
Are there facilities and amenities available at the lakes?
Yes, several locations offer facilities. Katherine Landing on Lake Mohave is a full-service marina with boat and water sports rentals, lodging, camping, and dining. Temple Bar, Arizona, provides camping, a restaurant, cabins, and watercraft rentals. Willow Beach also features a marina and campground.
Which lake is better for kayaking, Lake Mead or Lake Mohave?
Both lakes offer excellent kayaking opportunities. Lake Mead provides vast open waters and numerous coves to explore. Lake Mohave is particularly known for its clear waters and secluded beach coves, making it a popular choice for kayakers seeking a more intimate experience with stunning desert scenery.
Most popular routes in Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Most popular attractions in Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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