Lake Mead, on the Arizona/Nevada border, is the largest man-made lake in the United States. Up to 8 million visitors travel yearly to this lake, which is about 30 miles east of Las Vegas. Lake Mead is located along the Colorado River and is 110 miles long. Three out of four desert ecosystems (the Great Basin, Mojave, and Sonoran Deserts) meet at Lake Mead. This region is home to thousands of plant and animal species, some of which aren't found anywhere else in the world! There are 550 miles of shoreline, but the water elevation continues to drop every year, so boaters must be cautious. Lake Mead is at its highest elevation in late Fall and early Spring.
Nearby Nevada cities include Boulder City, Henderson, and Las Vegas. In the summer, local temperatures can reach up to 110 degrees F. The temperature of the lake generally ranges from 45 degrees to 85 degrees F. Although there are campgrounds and desert hikes throughout the area, Lake Mead is primarily a water sports destination because of its extreme weather. Visitors enjoy swimming, water skiing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Center extends 1 ½ million acres. Raft trips and paddle boat rides to the Hoover Dam are available for visitors. Some tourists take guided tours of canyons where they can find various relics of ancient civilizations. Fishing is also a popular activity here. Common fish found in Lake Mead include Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, and Channel Catfish.
The Callville Bay Resort and Marina on Lake Mead is a full-service marina. It provides houseboat and over 650 boat slip rentals. This marina also has a snack bar, gift store, and the Fountain Site Lounge overlooking the bay. This marina comes complete with a boat repair shop, an RV Park and campground, a dry storage facility, and a wide launch ramp.
The Temple Bar Resort and Marina is also a full-service marina on Lake Mead. This resort has lakeside lodging and an RV Park with hook-ups. There is also a restaurant/lounge located here where travelers can relax. Rental houseboats, ski boats, fishing boats, patio boats, and personal watercraft are all available here. The marina also provides laundry facilities, a convenience store, a gift shop, and a launch ramp. The Temple Bar Resort and Marina is also a great fishing spot!
