Lake Mead National Recreation Area

The recreation area is open 24 hours daily. The Lake Mead Visitor Center is open 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Boulder Beach vehicle access is generally 6:00 a.m. to dusk, and individual marinas, roads and campgrounds vary.

Pay the cashless entrance fee at a station or online and park at the specific beach, marina, trailhead or overlook. The park is enormous; a general Lake Mead pin is not useful for arrival.

First-time visitors should use the Visitor Center or select Boulder Beach, Hemenway Harbor, Historic Railroad Trail or another named destination before leaving Boulder City.

Restrooms and water are available at the visitor center, developed campgrounds, marinas and selected beach areas. Shoreline facilities move as lake levels change, and remote coves have none.

A seven-day pass costs $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle or $15 per person entering without a vehicle. The park is cashless; camping, vessels and concessions cost separately.

The visitor center and developed overlooks are accessible. Changing lake levels can create long, uneven or muddy approaches at Boulder Beach even where movable accessible parking and toilets are provided.

Leashed pets are allowed in many developed and outdoor areas but not in every building or restricted shoreline. Desert heat and sharp surfaces can become fatal quickly.

Boulder Beach, visitor exhibits and the railroad-tunnel trail can work well for families, but there are no lifeguards. Children in or near water should wear life jackets and stay within arm's reach.

There is no practical transit network between the recreation area's dispersed destinations. A vehicle with adequate fuel, water and a clear endpoint is the normal way to visit.

There are no lifeguards, ordinary pool toys are prohibited, and swimming is forbidden at marinas and launch ramps. Several hot-spring-area trails close May 15-September 30 for extreme heat; check current lake, road and weather conditions.

Check current Southern Nevada weather and operator alerts. Extreme heat, UV, flash flooding, lightning, high wind, wildfire smoke and fire restrictions can close trails, roads, water access or outdoor facilities independently.