lake mead national recreation area signage

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a startling contrast of desert and water, mountains and canyons, primitive backcountry, and busy marinas. Dams that back up the Colorado River as it flows through one of the hottest, driest regions on earth created Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.

Established as America’s first national recreation area, it is a destination for millions of visitors who flock to the desert for boating, fishing, swimming and water-skiing. Attracted at first by the cool, refreshing water, visitors find other unexpected rewards. The quiet, stark beauty of the Mojave Desert with it’s dramatic exposed geology and the surprising abundance of specially adapted plant and animals offers a variety of experiences for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions


Visitors come for boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing, as well as to enjoy the quiet desert scenery and wildlife.

People are attracted by the cool water in one of the hottest, driest regions on earth and then discover the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert and its specially adapted plants and animals.

Yes, it offers a variety of experiences for everyone, from water activities on the lakes to exploring dramatic desert geology.