Best Swimming and Fishing Lakes Near Me
Even though Nevada is a desert state, it has a surprising number of lakes. Among them are lakes located in alpine regions, lakes in gorgeous desert settings, and reservoirs. Nevada has many bodies of water that are easily accessible, and some of them are surrounded by developed towns with excellent accommodation options.
In Nevada, you’re almost guaranteed a sunny day when you make a trip to the beach! A sunny day in this state is irresistible, especially when paired with clear, warm waters. Today, we’ll share a list of our favorite swimming and fishing lakes in Nevada.
Lake Mead
All it takes is a short drive from Vegas to reach the gorgeous Lake Mead. In its wake, Hoover Dam dams the Colorado River, creating a lake stretching 112 miles upstream. It is the largest reservoir in the country, with over 290 square miles of navigable waterways. Depending on how much snow and rain falls in the mountains upstream, the lake’s level rises and falls, with its deepest point being 500 feet.
Its clear waters lapping against sandstone rocks make it one of the greatest scuba diving lakes in the country. Floating canyons lead to spectacular rock formations, such as arches, caves and buttes, miles inland from the main lake.
Swimming and fishing are popular activities here, but, of course, we would be remiss not to mention the popularity of pleasure boating. Each weekend, people tow their various watercraft to the lake or rent them from a local marina. Some of the most popular activities are waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing, as boats race around the open water in search of the calmest water (water skiers) or the largest boat wakes (tubers).
It’s not all about boating at the lake, though. A trip to the lake can also be filled with land-based activities. People love to sunbathe and swim along the shorelines of the lake. Lake Mead beaches are known for being wide open and large, with the shoreline being a tad rocky. Hence, it’s a good idea to bring along a pair of good swimming shoes. In addition, Boulder Beach is a popular camping spot for vacationers.
If hiking is something that interests you, vacationers can access impressive vantage points and walk through an abandoned tunnel via three hiking trails that wind along the rocks around the lake.
Lake Mead is an excellent place to fish; however, knowing where to go can make or break your trip. The Overton Arm is a favorite place for anglers who want to avoid busy areas.
There are multiple campgrounds within walking distance of the lake if you like to get out in nature and set up a tent or RV. It will be challenging to decide what to do as there are 900 sites spread out over 15 different areas. Various campgrounds have their own look and feel, with some of them being more about peace and quiet, while others are more about socializing and having a good time.
Lake Mohave
Near Laughlin, Lake Mohave is lesser-known than its big sister, Lake Mead. However, the sheer number of amazing things to do at this little-known lake makes it one of the best in the state. To get to some of the best areas, you’ll need to put in a little effort, but it’s well worth it. Although it’s 67 miles long, there are narrow canyons for 22 miles of its length. Nevada borders the lake on its western side and Arizona on its eastern side.
Davis Dam, which forms Lake Mohave, is a great place to relax on the beach. It’s ideal for swimming at the southern end of Lake Mohave, which is typically in the lower to mid-80s Fahrenheit during the summer months. The northern half of the lake experiences cold waters from Lake Mead’s depths, ranging from mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit to high 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The beach at Telephone Cove is one of the finest on the Nevada side of Lake Mohave. Lie out in the warm sun, set out all your beach gear and play a game of football on this large stretch of sand.
Bring an umbrella or shade structure if you don’t want to get sunburned, as there is no shade anywhere. Floating, wading and swimming in shallow water are enjoyable activities at Telephone Cove. Even though the gravel road can be rough and can get muddy, most passenger cars will have no issue making it to the lake.
With Lake Mead Mohave Adventures, you can visit a number of locations for your family trip. One great location is the Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina at Lake Mohave. It’s a premier destination spot for watercraft rentals, houseboat rentals and camping. Families can also check out Willow Beach Harbor, which is an excellent campground to have lots of fun on the water!
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is another popular Nevada lake that’s actually the second deepest in the U.S. A stunning alpine bowl surrounds this beautiful lake, which has shorelines in Nevada and California. It lies within a heavenly mountain range that reaches over 10,000 feet. You can choose to rent a boat or bring your own. Because the lake is relatively calm, it’s perfect for wakeboarding or water skiing. You can also swim in the cool water and take part in any other water sports like kayaking or canoeing.
Lake Powell
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly lake, look no further than Lake Powell. It’s a fantastic place to go swimming, kayak and camp. Your furry friends will love this beautiful outdoor space. The lake is over 180 miles long and features a hiking trail that’s three miles long — great for a dog to enjoy an outdoor walk!
We hope these ideas help you plan your upcoming summer break trips with your family! Don’t hesitate to call us at 1-855-918-5253 to ask any questions regarding Lake Mead Mohave Adventures (or simply fill out this form)!
