Where is Lake Mead National Recreation Area,Boulder City, Nevada?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

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

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 NameLake Mead National Recreation Area
LocationBoulder City, Clark County / Mohave County, Nevada & Arizona, USA
Latitude & Longitude36.0156° N, 114.7378° W (approx.)
Total Area~1.5 million acres (6,070 km²)
EstablishedOctober 8, 1936
FounderPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt (as National Recreation Area)
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionSouthern Nevada / Arizona Desert / Colorado River Basin
Address601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Zip Code89005
Area Code702
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptDesert 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 AttractionsHoover Dam - Lake Mead Marina - Boulder Basin - Historic Railroad Trails - River Rafting - Scenic Overlooks
Annual VisitorsApprox. 8–9 million
Entry Fee TypePaid Vehicle / Boat Entry
Ticket Price RangeVehicle Pass: ~$25 per vehicle for 7 days; Annual Pass: ~$45
Ticket OptionsVehicle Day Pass - Annual Pass - Boat Launch Fees - Guided Tours
Best Time to VisitOctober–April (milder weather; summer very hot)
Nearby AirportMcCarran International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas – ~30 miles (48 km)
TransportationCar access via US-93 / NV-167 - Boat Launches & Marinas - Hiking Trails - Shuttle / Tour Services
Official Websitehttps://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)