Everything you need to know about Lake Mead from a Las Vegas local

Lake Mead

Lake Mead is America's first national recreation area.

Lake Mead is a man-made lake that lies on the Colorado River, about 24 mi (39 km) from the Las Vegas Strip, southeast of the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, in the states of Nevada and Arizona. It is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity. Formed by the Hoover Dam on September 30, 1935, the reservoir serves water to the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada, as well as some of Mexico, providing sustenance to nearly 20 million people and large areas of farmland.

Things to do at Lake Mead:

  • Boating
  • Backcountry
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Kayaking
  • Diving
  • Biking
  • Exploring
  • Horseback Riding
  • Photography
  • Scenic Driving