Top Lake Mead RV Camping Locations and Tips
Looking for the best Lake Mead RV camping with hookups and destination planning tips? Here’s everything you need to know.
Embrace the call of the wild and plan an RV adventure to Lake Mead—a stunning oasis nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert. As America's largest reservoir, this shimmering expanse of fresh water offers an array of thrilling activities guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping.
Lake Mead is only 45 minutes from Las Vegas, so you can enjoy nature, adventure, and enjoy the city attractions when you pick up your RV rental in Las Vegas!
History and Natural Beauty of Lake Mead
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, started filling upon the completion of the Hoover Dam in 1935. Named after Elwood Mead, the commissioner of reclamation from 1924 to 1936, Lake Mead has grown to supply about 25 million people with drinking water.
The lake is nestled within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which was established in 1964 as the first national recreation area. It boasts more than 700 miles of shoreline around its 200,000-acre surface. Today, the LMNRA hosts more than 1.2 million visitors annually. This expansive area is a testament to the natural beauty of the region, offering stunning landscapes shaped by the mighty Colorado River.
Outdoor Recreational Activities
From boating, watersports, and fishing to hiking and wildlife viewing, Lake Mead is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is a hub for watersports, including kayaking, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding.
But the fun doesn’t stop in the water—the surrounding area has more than 900 miles of scenic hiking trails that provide access to the region's diverse flora and fauna.
Best Times to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Mead can vary depending on your favorite outdoor activities.
If you’re interested in watersports, the summer months (June to August) offer hot, sunny, long days that are perfect for splashing in the water. Summer is the busiest season on the lake so expect to share the recreation area with many other visitors and get on the water early to avoid crowds.
For hiking, wildlife viewing, and solitude, the milder temperatures of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal.
Camping Information and Reservations
Lake Mead RV camping options are diverse and plentiful. There are 15 campgrounds in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and each has its own perks and scenery to enjoy. Some of the campgrounds are privately operated and others are managed by the National Park Service. Most offer reservations, but Echo Bay and Katherine Landing campgrounds are first come, first served. It’s always a good idea to make reservations in advance—especially if you’re planning to visit in the summertime.
Since camping options in Lake Mead National Recreation Area are plentiful—more than 900 campsites at 15 different locations—it’s important to be aware of all the Lake Mead RV camping rules and regulations. Lake Mohave is adjacent to Lake Mead and is part of national recreation area and is included in this informational camping guide.
The campgrounds in Lake Mead are spread across a variety of desert and lakeside landscapes, providing a diverse range of experiences for RV campers.
Whether you seek peace and tranquility, thrilling water sports, or historical explorations, Lake Mead has it all. You can review campground reviews on AdventureGenie.com or Campendium.com before you choose a site.
Grab your adventurous spirit and discover the wonders of Lake Mead!
Campgrounds in Lake Mead National Recreation Area
The 15 campgrounds in Lake Mead National Recreation Area are sprinkled across its major areas:
Boulder Basin,
Las Vegas Bay,
Temple Bar,
Callville Bay,
Meadview, Cottonwood Cove,
Virgin Basin,
Katherine Landing, and
Black Canyon/Willow Beach.
Boulder Basin Camping
Boulder Basin is in the western part of Lake Mead. It’s the most developed and commonly visited with attractions like the Alan Bible Visitor Center, the Hoover Dam, and the Historic Railroad Trail. The area also includes Boulder Beach, which has a campground, picnic area, and swimming beach.
The basin stretches across the boundaries of Clark County, Nevada, and Mohave, Arizona. Boulder Basin offers a panoramic view with its vast expanse of water surrounded by rugged mountains. Plus, it’s just minutes away from Las Vegas. Here’s where you can camp while visiting:
Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach: This centrally-located campground is just 30 miles from Las Vegas and near the iconic Hoover Dam. As the largest big rig park on Lake Mead (with 115 sites), it offers quiet, scenic lake views. The campground is open year-round and features large paved sites that can accommodate tents or large RVs.
The RV Village offers full hookups at all sites, including cable and Wi-Fi. Both back-in and pull-through sites are available, with some sites offering breathtaking lakeside views. While these lakeside sites are more expensive, many campers have reported that the premium rate is worth it for the views.
The campground welcomes pets and provides a range of amenities such as restrooms, showers, outdoor games, laundry facilities, propane for purchase, and a convenience store. Call (702) 293-25407 to make reservations.
Boulder Beach Campground: A more rustic option, Boulder Beach Campground offers basic amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and dump stations. The sunrise views over the lake are truly breathtaking. The campground offers 148 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and firepit.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis at $20 per night. While the sites can accommodate large RVs, it's important to note that there are no hookups available at the sites.
One of the highlights of camping here is the proximity to the mile-long Boulder Beach—a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are several family-friendly trails in the area, and the Hoover Dam is also just a short drive away.
Las Vegas Bay Camping
Less than an hour from the heart of Las Vegas on the western edge of Lake Mead, Las Vegas Bay offers a unique blend of city life and serene nature—striking the perfect balance of front country and backcountry. Water lovers will find boating, swimming, and fishing.
For those who want to stay on land, the area offers plenty of hiking trails. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, with the chance to spot a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Here’s where you can camp while visiting:
Las Vegas RV Resort: Outside of Lake Mead in Whitney, Nevada, this resort is a great choice for those who want to combine outdoor adventures with the conveniences of town. It's a bit farther from the lake compared to Boulder, but the dazzling lights of Las Vegas are just a short drive away.
Las Vegas Bay Campground: With easy access to Las Vegas amenities, the Las Vegas Bay Campground feels quiet and close to nature.
The campground has 84 sites, each equipped with a picnic table, grill, fire pit, parking space, tent pad, and access to Wi-Fi—there are no hookups aT sites. The fee is $20 per night, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis all year round.
This campground is about 20 minutes from the boat launch, marina, and waterfront activities. Closer to the campground, there's great birdwatching and hiking along the 3.9 mile Bluffs Trail.
Temple Bar Camping
Tucked away at the far eastern end of Lake Mead, this remote area is known for its otherworldly rock formations and the Temple Bar Marina—the only Lake Mead marina in Arizona.
About 2 hours from Las Vegas, Temple Bar is a haven for those who enjoy fishing. If you don’t have fishing gear or a boat, you can rent both at the marina. For non-anglers, there’s still plenty to do. There are plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints to take in the desert landscape.
Here’s where you can camp while visiting:
Temple Bar Campground: The Temple Bar Campground is a serene oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. This campground, operated by the National Park Service, offers 71 sites with no hookups available—but there is a dump station on site for RVs. Each site at the Temple Bar Campground has a picnic table and grill. Other amenities include restrooms, sinks, and drinking water taps. Numerous trees provide shade and privacy between sites.
The campground is located near the Temple Bar Marina, which offers boat rentals and launch facilities. The marina also features a restaurant, bar, and convenience shop. Although the campground is not situated directly on the lake, its remote setting offers wide-open views and excellent stargazing opportunities. The fee for camping is $20 per night, and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis all year round.
Callville Bay Camping
Callville Bay is on the northwestern side of Lake Mead in Nevada—about 45 minutes from Las Vegas. It provides a serene escape from the bustling city life.
The Callville Bay Full Service Marina is a premier destination for water enthusiasts and offers houseboat and watercraft rentals, which makes it easy for visitors to explore the lake at their own pace.
Here, you can go boating, fishing, or simply enjoy a day of swimming in the clear waters of Lake Mead. Plus, the area offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The trails around Callville Bay offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding desert landscapes.
Here’s where you can camp while visiting:
RV Park at Callville Bay Resort & Marina: Located near Lake Mead, this campground is an excellent basecamp for adventure. It’s close to Las Vegas along the northern edge of the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead.
In addition to the year-round RV park and campground, this resort has markets and other amenities within a short drive. The resort's facilities are conveniently located near the lounge, convenience store, and snack bar.
Callville Bay Campground: Operated and maintained by the National Park Service, this campground has 80 sites—52 are RV campsites with full hookups. There are amenities like restrooms, running water, dump stations, and grills. Plus, it’s less than a mile from Lake Mead.
Meadview–South Cove Camping
The Grand Canyon meets Lake Mead n Mohave County, Arizona. Known as the Meadowview area, the scenic location is well-known for its natural beauty. At an elevation of 3,400 feet, it sees relatively pleasant summers.
The region also features one of the thickest Joshua Tree forests in the entire area and some of the largest Joshua Trees on earth.
Meadview offers an array of outdoor recreational opportunities. The proximity to Lake Mead allows for boating, fishing, and swimming. The area is also perfect for hiking and camping—particularly at the South Cove.
The town of Meadview, about 10 miles from South Cove, has dining, RV parking, lodging, and a few stores. For nature lovers and photographers, the Lake Mead Overlook in Meadview offers stunning views (especially during sunset and sunrise).
Here’s where you can camp while visiting:
Meadview RV Park: Located in Meadview, Arizona, and in proximity to Lake Mead, Meadowview RV Park, is the perfect place for RV travelers in the area to stay. It offers full hookups and scenic vistas.
Cottonwood Cove Camping
Cottonwood Cove is a popular recreational area located on Lake Mohave near Searchlight, Nevada and within Lake Mead. The resort and marina here offer houseboat and watercraft rentals, making it a premier destination for boating and other water sports. The Cottonwood Cove area isn’t all about the water though—its location in the desert provides access to hiking and flora and fauna viewing.
Here’s where you can camp while visiting:
Cottonwood Cove Campground: This sizable desert campground is one of three campgrounds located on Lake Mohave. Cottonwood Cove Campground is approximately 14 miles east of U.S. Highway 95, near Searchlight, Nevada—an easy getaway destination for those in Las Vegas.
The campground is open all year and features paved sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. Guests can easily access a range of outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing.
Virgin Basin Camping
The Virgin Basin, located on the northwestern part of Lake Mead, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Accessible from the north via Overton or from the south through the Las Vegas Valley, this area is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Echo Bay—part of the Virgin Basin—is particularly appealing to fishermen and boaters due to its secluded location. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing.
Travelers can also explore the remnants of the region's rich history. Salt mines near Echo Bay—now submerged under Lake Mead's waters—were once mined by Native peoples using stone tools. In its heyday, Echo Bay supported a hotel, a large marina, and a convenience store. While some of these facilities are no longer operational due to changing water levels, the area remains a fascinating place to visit.
Echo Bay is close to Valley of Fire State Park and the historic town of St. Thomas—both are must-see attractions.
Echo Bay RV Village: The Echo Bay RV Village is a favorite of fishermen, boaters, and RVers alike. Located on the north end of Lake Mead, this campground is surrounded by natural beauty. With provides full hookup campsites, which are big rig friendly, it’s an ideal spot for RV camping.
Guests have easy access to Lake Mead since the campground is only 1 mile from the lake's shore. Despite being described as a "plain Jane" campground in terms of amenities, the surrounding area offers plenty to see and do.
Echo Bay Campground: The Echo Bay Campground is a haven for boaters and fishermen. Located on the northwestern section of Lake Mead along Northshore Road, it’s a secluded paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground is open year-round and has paved sites to accommodate both tents and RVs. Each site is equipped with tables, fire pits, and/or grills.
Katherine Landing Camping
Katherine Landing is a popular destination located at the southern end of Lake Mohave—just north of Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona. This full-service destination offers a variety of camping options and amenities including a full-service marina with boat rentals, a swim beach, restaurants, and retail stores.
Here’s where you can camp while visiting:
Katherine Landing Campground: This campground has 173 campsites suitable for both tents and RVs—with full RV hookups available at every site. Each campsite includes a concrete picnic table and a fire ring. Plus, the campground offers a variety of facilities including a marina, camp store, restaurant, picnic area, and boat/equipment rentals. For added convenience, there are also laundry facilities, a dump station, and flush toilets on-site.
Despite its popularity, the large number of campsites means there's usually room to stay (even on busy weekends). The sites are spacious, with trees in between for privacy. Additional services such as showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi are also available.
Katherine Landing RV Park: Katherine Landing RV Park, is known for its well-equipped campsites that cater to RVs. The park offers full hookups that include water, sewer, and electrical connections (both 30 amp, or 50 amp service) as well as a dump station and laundry facilities. The park also has a marina, camp store, restaurant, and picnic area.
If you want to get on the water, boat and equipment rentals are available at Katherine Landing RV Park. The park has large sites with trees in between for added privacy. However, it's worth noting that some reviews suggest that the RV Park could use some upgrades.
Black Canyon/Willow Beach Camping
Below the Hoover Dam in Nevada and Arizona, this region features the Black Canyon National Water Trail, which is a 30-mile stretch of the Colorado River. Willow Beach is located on the Arizona side of the water trail, about 14 miles south of Hoover Dam. Kayaking or canoeing down the river is one of the most popular activities and allows you to explore the unique scenery and wildlife. The water trail also has several hot springs, hidden canyons, and ancient petroglyphs.
The Willow Beach Harbor has a boat ramp and is a great spot to begin a fishing trip. Overall, the Black Canyon/Willow Beach area promises a mix of adventure and relaxation, with its diverse landscape and wealth of outdoor activities.
Here’s where you can camp while visiting:
Willow Beach Campground & RV Park: Just 30 minutes from Boulder City and 45 minutes from the Las Vegas strip, the Willow Beach Campground & RV Park overlooks the Colorado River—providing scenic views. It has 28 full-service RV sites with water, sewer, and electric hookups, as well as nine tent sites. All sites come equipped with fire rings and picnic tables.
Reserve Your RV in Las Vegas
It’s never too early to start planning your Lake Mead RV camping trip. If you love being on the water, gazing over stunning desert landscapes, and connecting with nature, Lake Mead National Recreation Area has everything you’re looking for.
And the best part? You can enjoy lake life in total comfort.
When you travel in a brand new, luxury Blacksford RV, you’ll experience all the excitement of Lake Mead, while unwinding in your RV. Think how great it would be: your own bathroom, climate control, and a comfortable bed—everything you need to reset for another day of fun.
Questions? Contact us to learn more about our high-end RV rentals.
