Entry fees to the park are separate from Lake Mead Mohave Adventures’ fees. For more information, please visit the National Park Service’s fees page.

red rocks at sunset

Fun Things to Do Outside in Nevada (That’s Not Las Vegas)  

When most people think of a Nevada vacation, they often set their sights on Las Vegas. While the clanging chimes and shimmering lights of The Strip are certainly enticing, there is so much more to this state than its most famous city.

Rather than opting for a traditional weekend of partying, playing and swimming in Las Vegas, you and your family should think about an outdoor adventure in Nevada. There are so many fun things to do outside, whether you are traveling with kids or by yourself. These are just a few of the activities and adventures you can enjoy in the deserts, lakes and canyons of Nevada.

Rent a Houseboat on Lake Mohave

Along the border of Nevada and Arizona is a lake so large that you may think you are seeing a mirage. Lake Mohave is a pristine body of water that glitters in the hot desert sun and is juxtaposed by inspiring red rock formations. It is a man-made lake that serves as a freshwater reservoir that feeds from the Colorado River. While its practical role is to provide the region with the drinking water it needs to survive, this lake also has become a premier vacation destination among travelers who are searching for a place to enjoy their favorite waterfront activities.

One of the most popular outdoor activities on Lake Mohave is houseboating. You and your family can rent a houseboat on Lake Mohave from Cottonwood Cove Resort Marina, which is conveniently located right on the shores of the lake. The marina has various houseboats available to rent, accommodating between 6 and 12 people. Renting a houseboat is a unique and memorable vacation opportunity that allows you to make the most of your time on Lake Mohave. In addition to enjoying the amenities of the boat itself, you can dock on shore to play on the beach, splash in the waves or go hiking in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Take a Red Rock Scooter Tour

If you are staying in or around Las Vegas but you want to experience the rugged terrain that surrounds the city, then you should consider a Red Rock Scooter Tour. These tours take travelers into the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area which is just outside the city limits of Las Vegas. Tourists are able to see the breathtaking beauty of these rock formations for themselves, while also checking out the wildlife that has been native to the area for thousands of years.

Compared to other tours that require you to sit on a bus and listen to a tour guide for hours on end, these tours allow you to try something new while experiencing the canyons for yourself. Riders are required to operate their own motorized scooters, which are a step up from a bicycle and a step below a motorcycle. You don’t have to have experience riding a scooter in order to take one of these tours, but the tour operators do recommend that you feel comfortable riding a bicycle before you begin. In order to drive the scooter, you must be at least 5’2″ tall. The tour itself takes place on a 13-mile closed loop, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident on your ride. You will even get a free riding lesson before you take off on your adventure.

Camp on the Shores of Lake Mead

For an all-inclusive Nevada experience, your best option is to go RV camping at Lake Mead. Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach is conveniently situated between Boulder City and Las Vegas, allowing you to easily access both of these popular tourist attractions while still enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. People who stay at this campground also often find themselves taking tours of the Hoover Dam or simply exploring the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

While there is plenty to do in the surrounding region and so many things to see in Nevada, you may find that you don’t want to leave Lake Mead once you are situated on your campsite. The Lake Mead RV Village boasts more than 115 spots for RV campers, and the campsite itself is located just a few steps away from the picturesque Boulder Beach. If you are searching for a relaxing getaway where you can throw your line in the lake and your kids can splash in the waters of Lake Mead, then this is the perfect destination. In addition, the campground also has several other amenities, including picnic areas, a Bocce ball court, a launch ramp and laundry facilities that are open 24 hours per day.

Experience a River Rafting Adventure

It doesn’t matter if you are traveling with kids or by yourself, you can experience the mighty rivers of Nevada in an exhilarating way. There are several tour companies that offer rafting tours on the Colorado River and other rivers in the state. These tours can take you and other adventurous travelers through canyons that have been part of the desert landscape for millions of years.

While the highlight of any tour is certainly riding the raft on the river and traveling through the hallowed walls of the canyon, you also will find that it’s an educational experience. Your qualified tour guide will provide you with valuable information about how the canyon was formed and will point out different layers of rock that tell the story of that particular canyon. In addition, you may catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife creatures who call the jagged rocks of the canyon home. Depending on the river rafting tour that you select, you could end up in Lake Mead where you can see the Hoover Dam from a unique and inspiring perspective. Generally speaking, these tours are family-friendly adventures that are considered to be one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Nevada.

Certainly, a Las Vegas vacation is a lively experience that will surely be memorable, but it’s important that you do not overlook the potential that can be discovered beyond the city’s limits. These fun things to do outside in Nevada will allow you to enjoy the dry desert air, the ample sunshine and the beautiful rock formations that define the skyline in the state. If you are traveling with kids, you and your family will surely make memories together that will last a lifetime. If you are traveling by yourself, you will surely find that the wide open skies and the majestic vistas help to heal your soul and revitalize your spirit.

For more information about the best things to do in Nevada outside of Las Vegas, contact Lake Mead Mohave Adventures today.

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