Boating on Lake Mead - Arizona

An easy 35 mile drive from Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake in the U.S. with more than 157,000 acres of pure blue surface – that's twice the size of Rhode Island. Lake Mead was created when the Hoover Dam staunched the Colorado River. Boating is the thing to do around Lake Mead; there's plenty of fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and water-skiing to keep the whole family happily entertained. The water is calm and the spectacular scenery to explore makes this a boater's paradise. With 550 miles of shoreline, it's always possible for you and your boat to find a nice secluded spot. For the best views stay on the Nevada side and stare across the 110-mile-long lake towards Arizona.

Boats are available for rent at various points around the lake. Lake Mead Marina, Las Vegas Bay and Callville Bay, all in Nevada, are the closest boat launching facilities to Las Vegas. Overton Beach and Echo Bay are further north off I-15. In Arizona, closer to the Grand Canyon, Temple Bar offers boat launching and rentals. Boaters will find every craft available from kayaks, canoes, and rafts for exploring the hidden canyons, to fishing boats and runabouts for skiing and, of course, the ever-popular houseboats. Houseboats, which sleep up to 14, are stocked with everything including the kitchen sink, glide slowly around the lake and offer a great base for swimming, fishing and jet skiing (usually comes with the boat). Even inexperienced skippers can master the art of beaching the boat and "dropping anchor" for the night. The hardest part is actually getting the boat –it's recommended that you make reservations at least 6 months in advance.

As the state line runs right through Lake Mead, boaters are expected to familiarize themselves with the regulations of both Arizona and Nevada.