Lake Mead Boat Ramps: 8 Open Launch Spots

Boating is a popular activity at Lake Mead, with the lake's marinas offering sports boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, houseboats, personal watercraft, and paddlecraft for rent. As of May 2024, there are four launch ramps open at Lake Mead: Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, and Temple Bar. However, declining water levels due to climate change and drought have impacted the number of operable boat ramps, with some ramps closing and others accommodating shallow-hulled boats only.

Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, and South Cove are open for boat launching

Boating is a great way to explore parts of Lake Mead that are otherwise inaccessible by car. There are four launch ramps that boaters can use to access different parts of the lake. Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, and South Cove are open for boat launching, although there are some restrictions in place.

Hemenway Harbor offers direct access to Boulder Basin and the Hoover Dam areas. The launch ramp at Hemenway Harbor is operable, with two docks and four lanes on concrete. However, launching is limited to shallow-hulled boats not exceeding 24 feet in length. The ADA parking has been moved to a dirt parking lot, and no parking is allowed on the ramp. To accommodate changing water levels, docks and berms are moved weekly, and boaters should be prepared for partial closures.

Echo Bay provides direct access to the Overton Arm of the lake. The launch ramp at Echo Bay is functional, with two lanes on concrete.

Callville Bay is another option, with a launch ramp that is operable and equipped with a Mobi Mat. This mat is designed to facilitate the launch of watercraft and can accommodate light and medium vehicle traffic on unstable grounds like sand or gravel.

While Temple Bar is also equipped with a Mobi Mat, the South Cove launch ramp is currently inoperable due to low water levels.

It's important to note that all watercraft must be inspected for invasive species before launching, and boaters must comply with speed limits, no-wake zones, and other regulations to ensure a safe experience on the lake. Additionally, visitors can access the launch ramps with a park entrance pass, and there may be extended wait times due to ongoing maintenance and construction.

The Temple Bar launch ramp is inoperable

Boating is a great way to explore Lake Mead National Recreation Area, especially during the summer heat. However, the Temple Bar launch ramp, unfortunately, is currently inoperable due to low water levels. This means that boaters will not be able to access the lake from this particular point. The South Cove launch ramp, which is part of the Temple Bar area, is also inoperable for the same reason.

The Temple Bar launch ramp is not the only one affected by the declining water levels at Lake Mead. The Boulder Harbor boat ramp, for example, has been converted into a walking trail. This is a result of water levels dropping over 100 feet during the 2000s, which forced the Lake Mead Marina to move to Hemenway Harbor in 2008. The National Park Service has not indicated that Boulder Harbor will be reopened, even though water levels rose in 2023.

Despite these closures, boaters can still utilise other launch ramps around Lake Mead. Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, and Callville Bay are all currently operable. Hemenway Harbor provides direct access to Boulder Basin and the Hoover Dam areas, while Echo Bay offers direct access to the Overton Arm. Callville Bay provides direct access to the narrows and can also connect boaters to Hemenway Harbor or Echo Bay.

To access Lake Mead's launch ramps, visitors will need a park entrance pass. It is important to note that all watercraft must be inspected for invasive species before launching, and boaters must comply with speed limits, no-wake zones, and other regulations to ensure a safe experience on the water. Additionally, water levels are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, and ongoing maintenance and construction at ramps may result in temporary closures.

The Boulder Harbor ramp is closed and has been converted into a walking trail

Boating is a popular way to explore parts of Lake Mead that are inaccessible by car. The lake has four launch ramps that boaters can use to access different parts of the lake: Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, and Temple Bar. However, declining water levels and ongoing drought have impacted the availability of these ramps.

The Boulder Harbor ramp, once a popular access point for boaters, has been closed due to low water levels. In 2021, the National Park Service closed the harbor due to safety concerns, and it has since been converted into a walking trail. This closure is a significant change for boaters, as Lake Mead Marina was moved from Boulder Harbor to Hemenway Harbor in 2008 due to dropping water levels.

The former boat ramp now offers a new recreational opportunity for visitors to Lake Mead. The Boulder Harbor Walking Trail allows people to explore the area on foot and enjoy the natural surroundings from a different perspective. It is a safe alternative to driving in the area, as the rising water levels can be dangerous for vehicles.

While the closure of the Boulder Harbor ramp may be disappointing for boaters, it is essential to prioritize safety and adapt to the changing conditions of the lake. The conversion of the ramp into a walking trail showcases the efforts to provide alternative recreational options for visitors. It also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by declining water levels at Lake Mead, which have reshaped the park's shorelines and impacted boating access.

Despite the closure of Boulder Harbor, boaters can still access Lake Mead through the other available launch ramps. Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, and South Cove remain open for boat launching. However, it is important to note that these ramps may also be impacted by changing water levels and ongoing maintenance, leading to partial closures or temporary restrictions.

Launching at Hemenway Harbor is limited to shallow-hulled boats not exceeding 24 feet in length

Boaters can use four launch ramps to access different parts of Lake Mead. One of these ramps is located at Hemenway Harbor, which offers direct access to Boulder Basin and the Hoover Dam areas. However, launching at Hemenway Harbor is limited to shallow-hulled boats that do not exceed 24 feet in length. This restriction is due to the declining water levels at Lake Mead, which have reshaped the park's shorelines and made it more difficult and expensive to extend launch ramps.

The launch ramp at Hemenway Harbor is operable, with two docks and four lanes on concrete. To accommodate varying water levels, the docks and berms are moved weekly, and boaters should be prepared for partial closures. The ADA parking has been moved to a dirt parking lot, and no parking is allowed on the ramp itself.

Hemenway Harbor is not the only launch ramp at Lake Mead with restrictions. The Temple Bar launch ramp, for example, is currently inoperable due to low water levels. Boaters can still access the lake via the launch ramps at Echo Bay and Callville Bay, although they should be prepared for longer wait times due to ongoing maintenance and construction.

Lake Mead is a popular destination for boaters, offering access to areas that are otherwise inaccessible by car. The lake is located in both Nevada and Arizona, and boaters must comply with the laws of both states. In addition to launch ramps, Lake Mead also offers boat rentals, including sports boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, and houseboats.

The Lake Mead Marina store offers drinks, snacks, accessories, parts, clothing, and nautical knick-knacks

Boating is a popular way to see parts of Lake Mead National Recreation Area that are otherwise inaccessible by car. Boaters can use four launch ramps to access different parts of the lake: Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, and Temple Bar. The Temple Bar launch ramp is currently inoperable due to low water levels.

Lake Mead Marina, the oldest marina on the lake, offers a fully stocked store with drinks, snacks, accessories, parts, clothing, and nautical knick-knacks. The Gripentog Family purchased the marina, store, and restaurant in 2008, creating the largest inland marina facilities in the world. With just under 1500 slips and dry storage spaces, two marina stores, two restaurants, marine service and repair facilities, fuel, rentals, and storage, Lake Mead Marina is a popular destination for boaters.

The marina store is a one-stop shop for anything you might need for a day on the lake. Drinks and snacks are available for those who want to picnic or spend a day fishing on the lake. For those who enjoy watersports, the store offers accessories and parts for boats, as well as towables, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for rent. The store also stocks summer and winter clothing, ensuring that visitors are prepared for the elements. Nautical knick-knacks and boating supplies are available for those who want to show their love for the lake or need to restock essential items.

In addition to the marina store, Lake Mead Marina offers a floating bar and grill, The Boat House, with a spacious patio overlooking the marina and lake. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal, watch sporting events on the big screen, or simply take in the beautiful views. The marina also provides special event spaces for weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations, offering a delightful nautical atmosphere and picturesque backdrop for memorable occasions.

Whether you're looking for last-minute supplies, a quick bite to eat, or a unique gift, the Lake Mead Marina store has something for everyone. With its convenient location and wide range of offerings, it's no wonder that Lake Mead Marina is a favourite destination for boaters and visitors alike.

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