Lake Mead National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area · NV, AZ
Danger · Temporary Trail Closures
The current and expected high temperatures from today, October 1st, 2026, through October 7th, 2026, exceed the identified safety threshold for the areas of Goldstrike Canyon, White Rock Canyon, Arizona Hot Springs, Liberty Bell Arch, Lone Palm, and Sugar Loaf. This emergency trail closure is necessary to prevent loss of life and/or serious bodily injury to the public. The triggering conditions also exceed NIOSH recommended exposure limits for heat injury and illness prevention.
More informationPark Closure · Government Wash and 8.0 Mile Road Seasonal Closure May 15 – October 15th
The Government Wash campground and 8.0 Mile Road will close on May 15th to vehicle access and overnight camping to assess and manage area improvements and protect visitors and staff from extreme heat risks. The campground is anticipated to reopen for overnight stays on October 15th. It will remain open this summer to non-motorized vehicle access for daytime, non-camping related activities.
More informationCaution · Bacteria Levels at Arizona Hot Springs
Fecal bacteria in water samples taken from Arizona Hot Springs frequently reach high levels, which can transmit human diseases. To reduce health risks, the National Park Service recommends recreators limit body contact in these waters, clean after use, and to never put your head under water at hot springs. Please contact the Park at 702-293-8990 for updates on this advisory.
Caution · Harmful Algae Bloom
A Harmful Algae Bloom has been confirmed in recent water samples taken from the Nelson's Landing and the Cottonwood Cove areas on Lake Mohave. To reduce health risks, the National Park Service recommends recreators limit body contact with these waters when algae is present. Please click here for pictures of this dangerous cyanobacteria and contact the Park at 702-293-8990 for updates on this advisory.
More information
Experience outdoor thrills, striking landscapes, and brilliant blue waters. This year-round recreation area spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast reservoirs. Visitors come here for scenic drives, biking, hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and much more.
- NPS site
- nps.gov/lake
- Location
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area (35.966, -114.347)
Track your visit to Lake Mead National Recreation Area
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
Passport stamp locations
- Lake Mead Headquarters Information Kiosk
- Lake Mead Visitor Center
Hours
All Park Hourstoday: All Day
- Sat Oct 3All Day
- Sun Oct 4All Day
- Mon Oct 5All Day
- Tue Oct 6All Day
- Wed Oct 7All Day
- Thu Oct 8All Day
- Fri Oct 9All Day
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that while the majority of the park is accessible at all hours, our Visitor Center operates on a specific schedule. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly, as the Visitor Center is open during designated hours to provide you with valuable information, maps, and assistance from our knowledgeable staff.
Hours are retrieved from the National Park Service and can change without notice — check the official site before you go.
Visitor centers
2
- Lake Mead Headquarters Information Kioskclosed todayDirections
- Lake Mead Visitor Centertoday: 9:00AM - 4:30PMDirections
Entrance fees
6
- Private Vehicle — $25.00
Admits a private non-commercial vehicle for 1-7 days.
- Motorcycle — $20.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- Per Person — $15.00
Admits a single individual walking/bicycling for 1-7 days.
- Non-commercial Groups — $15.00
Admits vehicles at the per person rate for groups using vehicles for 12 or more people. The $15 cost is per person ages 16+, not to exceed the flat rate paid commercial tours for same type of vehicle.
- Education/Academic Groups — Free
Admits education/academic groups as long as a fee waiver form is filled out and approved.
- Annual Entrance - Park — $45.00
This pass admits the passholder only into Lake Mead National Recreation Area AND NOT other federal lands. The interagency passes allow access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Admits passholder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle. In cases where per person fees are charged, pass is valid for the passholder + 3 adults.1 year from month of purchase. Good through 1 year from month of purchase.