The Government Wash area of Lake Mead National Recreation Area/NPS

Overuse of the Government Wash Area of Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada by visitors who have been staying indefinitely, and resulting damage to cultural resources, crime, and illegal road creation has prompted the National Park Service to close the area to vehicles and overnight campers.

The closure takes effect August 1.

In a release, park staff said the Government Wash Road and 8.0 Mile Road—access roads into Government Wash from North Shore Road—will be blocked, and motor vehicle access into the area will be prohibited. Hiking, biking, and shoreline access by boat for recreation within 100 feet of the shoreline will remain available.

For more than a decade, Government Wash has become increasingly popular with long-term visitors, particularly during the fall, winter, and spring, the agency said. "As water levels declined, residential-type visitors have moved in, and the area does not have sufficient infrastructure, facilities, or services available to support their use. This use has resulted in natural and cultural resource damage, high rates of serious criminal activity, illegal and unauthorized road creation, and an overall declining visitor experience and negative reputation for the area," it added.

“In the past five years, there have been 1,365 incidents in that area alone, requiring park law enforcement or firefighting personnel response,” said Trouper Snow, the NRA's chief ranger. “We have seen unacceptable levels of resource damage and crime, which is a drain on our park staffing as it draws resources from traditional high use areas. The myriad of illegal roads and long-term encampments have created an unwelcoming environment for those who recreate throughout the Government Wash area.”

Park officials are targeting vehicle access and overnight camping because these uses are the primary sources of damage to park resources and violations.

Lake Mead NRA leadership is committed to working with the local tribes, community and recreation groups to develop a transparent, long-term solution that makes Government Wash an enjoyable, safe, and family-friendly visitor destination. This solution includes designated roads, camping infrastructure, and resources the park needs to protect the area’s natural beauty while preserving cultural artifacts.

The closure will continue as Park Service staff assess damage to cultural and natural resources, survey illegal and unapproved roads in the area, and work with the community to plan future area use options. It is a first step to address a range of challenges presented by increased unregulated visitor use in the Government Wash area.

Community meetings are being planned for the fall. In the meantime, community feedback and ideas on the Government Wash area are welcome any time prior to the meetings at e-mail us.