Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, USA. It lies between Hoover Dam and the surrounding desert, situated near Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert region, and is famous for Lake Mead, boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area Location Map,Boulder City, Nevada

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Top Attractions Inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Lake Mead – Large reservoir offering boating, fishing, swimming, and scenic water views.
- Hoover Dam – Iconic engineering marvel with tours and observation points nearby.
- Boulder Beach – Popular sandy beach with picnic areas and lake access for swimming.
- Historic Railroad Trail – Hiking and biking trail through historic railroad tunnels with views of the lake.
- Red Rock Canyon Overlooks – Scenic viewpoints showcasing colorful desert cliffs and formations.
- Camping & RV Sites – Numerous campgrounds and facilities for overnight stays by the lake.
- Wildlife Viewing – Spot bighorn sheep, birds, and desert wildlife throughout the area.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area Facts
| Official Name | Lake Mead National Recreation Area |
| Location | Boulder City, Clark County / Mohave County, Nevada & Arizona, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.0156° N, 114.7378° W (approx.) |
| Total Area | 1.5 million acres (6,070 km²) |
| Established | October 8, 1936 |
| Founder | President Franklin D. Roosevelt (as National Recreation Area) |
| Managed By | U.S. National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Southern Nevada / Arizona Desert / Colorado River Basin |
| Address | 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA |
| Zip Code | 89005 |
| Area Code | 702 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Desert Recreation, Water Sports, Colorado River, Hiking, Boating, Scenic Views |
| Sections (Areas) | Lake Mead - Lake Mohave - Hoover Dam Area - Boulder Basin - Eldorado Canyon - Overton Arm |
| Famous Attractions | Hoover Dam - Lake Mead Marina - Boulder Basin - Historic Railroad Trails - River Rafting - Scenic Overlooks |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 8–9 million |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Vehicle / Boat Entry |
| Ticket Price Range | Vehicle Pass: $25 per vehicle for 7 days; Annual Pass: $45 |
| Ticket Options | Vehicle Day Pass - Annual Pass - Boat Launch Fees - Guided Tours |
| Best Time to Visit | October–April (milder weather; summer very hot) |
| Nearby Airport | McCarran International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas – 30 miles (48 km) |
| Transportation | Car access via US-93 / NV-167 - Boat Launches & Marinas - Hiking Trails - Shuttle / Tour Services |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/lake |
Distances from Lake Mead National Recreation Area to Nearby Landmarks
- Hoover Dam – 8 km (5 mi)
- Lake Mead Visitor Center – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Boulder Beach – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Hemenway Harbor – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Callville Bay – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Willow Beach – 50 km (31 mi)
- Historic Railroad Trail – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Lake Mead Marina – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Las Vegas, NV – 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Overton Beach – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Echo Bay – 60 km (37.3 mi)
- Lake Mead Dam Overlook – 8 km (5 mi)
- Sand Harbor – 90 km (55.9 mi)
- Black Canyon – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge – 9 km (5.6 mi)
- Lake Mead RV Village – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Arizona Hot Springs – 18 km (11.2 mi)
- Grapevine Canyon – 70 km (43.5 mi)
- Lake Mohave – 65 km (40.4 mi)
- Las Vegas Strip – 45 km (28 mi)
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