Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada/NPS

This report informs the public and partners of Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada of safety concerns, scheduled maintenance, trail closures, concessioner information, and events that may impact the use of park resources over the next two weeks. 

Notes for Visitors    

• Please take some time to consider some recommended hiking safety tips. Pack more water and snacks than you think you will need. Hike with a friend or tell someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return. You may also want to consider bringing a wag bag, an emergency blanket, and a headlamp. Better safe than sorry.
• Helicopters and drilling crews continue to work on behalf of the Southern Nevada Water Authority around the Lower Las Vegas Wash. Their engineering and construction teams must perform geotechnical investigations around proposed new erosion control structures (weirs) planned in the lower wash. The helicopter and drill work occurs in remote locations but can be visible from the campground and other areas near the Las Vegas Bay area.
• Everyone in the community is invited to join park staff for their next 1-hour online community meeting on Thursday, April 25, at 3 p.m. JOIN THE MEETING HERE The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the work the staff does and increase community understanding and support of their operations, challenges, upcoming projects, and initiatives. The lineup for the next meeting includes a wrap-up of Lake Mead National Recreation Area Sustainable Low Water Access Plan, an overview of the park's Commercial Services program, discussions on safe boating, prescribed fires, cultural resources around the park, and a look at park entry from an employee's perspective. Staff will also field questions provided by attendees.

Marinas/Ramps/Harbors/Beaches 

Dates and times are approximate and may be adjusted due to inclement weather, staff, or mechanical issues.  For the most current launch ramp status, check https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. 

• Hemenway Harbor  currently has two docks and four lanes open. The ADA parking has moved to the dirt parking lot, and no parking is allowed on the ramp. Docks and berms are moved weekly to accommodate water level changes. Be prepared for partial closures. Launch at your own risk.     

• Echo Bay is open with two lanes of cement. Launch at your own risk.    

• South Cove  launching is available off the dirt road south of the launch ramp. Four-wheel-drive recommended.  Launch at your own risk.  

• Katherine Landing  Fishing Pier is closed until further notice.  

Trail Closures – None 

 Concessioners  are listed alphabetically      

Callville Bay Marina — With elevated water levels, the concrete boat ramp is currently open and managed by the marina. The ramp has been widened to include a dirt turn-around area, and a new courtesy dock has been installed at the bottom.  

• The Snack Bar on the water is closed for the season. Grab-and-go items are available at the store. The land store and lounge are closed. 

Cottonwood Cove — The Cottonwood Cove Cafe is open Thursday -Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3  p.m. 

• The retail store, boat rentals, and fuel dock are open daily from 9 a.m. to 3  p.m. 

Desert Princess and Hemenway Harbor – Lake Mead Cruises and the Desert Princess are open for the season.  

• Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday, 12 noon, Hoover Dam Sightseeing Cruise.

 Echo Bay — Hours of operation for the RV Park Office: Daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

• Hours of operation for the store: Daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

• Land Fuel is available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pay first before trying to pump gas. 

Katherine Landing — Off-season operating hours. 

• The retail store, fuel dock, and pump-out station are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5  p.m. 

• The No Bad Days Bar and Grill is open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  and Thursday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.   

Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Marina Restaurants — The marina will have only one restaurant open during regular business hours. Contact the marinas for a schedule.  Las Vegas Boat Harbor: 702-293-1191; Lake Mead Marina: 702-293-3484.    

Temple Bar Marina  — Temple Bar has installed a portable Mobi-Mat for boat launching managed by the marina. They currently recommend launching boats smaller than 40  feet. Please contact 928-767-3211 with any questions.   

• Regular hours for the fuel dock are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

• The store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• The motel is open, but the restaurant is closed for the season. 

Willow Beach Marina & Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures — The store and marina are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.  

• Black Canyon Grill is open from Friday - Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures operates Wednesdays through Sundays

Lake Mead's March 25, 2024, 7 a.m. water elevation was 1,075.53 feet.

Current water levels can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation website (usbr.gov) 

The Bureau of Reclamation's most probable 24-month projection for the end of 2024 is 1055.45 feet, based on the December 2023 Operation Plan for Colorado River System Reservoirs. BOR has not yet finalized the 2024 Operation Plan.