The best camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Encompassing some 1.5 million acres, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers all sorts of opportunities for outdoor fun and camping throughout the year. The park is home to two lakes—Lake Mead and Lake Mohave—and with over 900 campsites across the massive park, it's a great place to linger for a while. Many of the most popular activities involve getting out on the waters, and the biggest draw for visitors is the chance to spend days swimming, boating, and fishing. There’s plenty to do on land, too, with miles of hiking and biking trails, plus regular ranger-guided hikes.

• Best for boaters: Temple Bar Campground offers easy access to a launch ramp, plus boat and equipment rentals.
• Best for anglers: Compact Echo Bay Campground is close to the lake's Overton Arm, ideal for striped and largemouth bass fishing.
• Best for privacy-seekers: The campsites at Boulder Beach Campground are surrounded by vegetation, creating a natural buffer between sites.

1. Campsites at Boulder Beach Campground, Las Vegas Bay Campground, Temple Bar Campground, and Echo Bay Campground are allocated on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis. 
2. The Callville Bay and Boulder Beach Group Campground can be reserved online or over the phone through the National Park Service.
3. Reservable sites are released at 7am Pacific (10am Eastern) six months in advance of your visitation day.
4. If you’re hoping to snag an FCFS site, try to arrive early in the day to see if anyone’s leaving. Arriving mid-week will increase your chances of getting something, especially during the busy summer months.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open throughout the year, and while it's at its most popular during summer vacation, it's important to be prepared for high temperatures from June through August. Mid-to-late September is a great time to visit, after kids have gone back to school for the year. Weather still tends to be hot but not unbearably so, and the waters are warmer than during the spring shoulder season.

• Water level levels can impact the usability of boat launch ramps. It's wise to check current conditions before packing up your boat.
• The lake is at risk of quagga mussel infestation. To help prevent the spread, make sure to clean and dry watercraft and watersports equipment before coming to the lake. 
• Fire restrictions are often put in place in the spring or summer months to prevent the spread of wildfires. Make sure to check for the most up-to-date regulations before burning anything.
• Wheelchair-accessible features in the park include designated parking, restrooms, campsites, and fishing piers. 

For desert enthusiasts, camping near Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area is a must. Experience camping like never before, with the vibrant hues of the Mojave Desert, unique wildlife encounters, and spectacular night skies that make Beaver Dam Wash a fantastic outdoor experience.