Established in 1964, Lake Mead became the first official National Recreation Area in the United States. The vast reservoir, and the recreation opportunities it created, exist simply because of Hoover Dam. The dam was built in the 1930s to tame the Colorado River and generate power for Nevada, Arizona, and California, which it still does today. Lake Mead and the surrounding area offer a dramatic contrast of desert and water, mountains and canyons, solitude and fun to-do’s.
Lake Mead Recreation Area
Here, you’ll find the country’s largest manmade lake, with no less than 750 miles of shoreline. However, both Lakes Mead and Mohave comprise the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which in total covers about 1.5 million acres. That’s bigger than Rhode Island.
What makes this area extra special is the plethora of activities it offers. Due to its unique mix of desert and water, you can go from the arid Mojave to lush coves and beaches in minutes. It’s a haven for hikes, swimming, boating facilities and diving. It’s also perfect for fishing, with species like striped bass, catfish, and crappie commonly caught in the lakes.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll spot many interesting species here. Lake Mead is home to big horn sheep, desert tortoises, mountain lions, and bald eagles.
Once you arrive, the place may look familiar, even if it’s your first visit. Perhaps you’ve seen The Gauntlet (by Clint Eastwood) or Into the Wild? They were both filmed around Lake Mead!
Underwater magic
Fish are not the only thing you’ll find under water. How about sunken boats, planes, and a whole ghost town? When it filled, the reservoir swallowed several communities. At times, you can still see the remains of St. Thomas, which was a Mormon settlement founded in 1865. At its peak, it had about 500 residents, with farms, a school, a church, a post office, and even an ice cream parlor. By 1938, the town was completely underwater. Its last resident famously rowed away after setting his house on fire. Legend says, he didn’t want it to rot under water.
The 9th most visited recreation area
Each year, millions of people flock to Lake Mead to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing in the middle of the desert. In 2024, the park welcomed over 6,4 million visitors, making it the 9th most visited site in the entire National Park System. With this paradise being just half an hour away from Vegas…we’re hoping you’re already scheduling your next visit!