Lake Mead Boat Ramps: Open Launch Sites

As of May 2023, boat launch ramps at Lake Mead are open to the public. There are four launch ramps at Lake Mead: Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, and Temple Bar. The Temple Bar launch ramp is currently inoperable due to low water levels. The launch ramps provide access for boating and water activities on the lake and the Colorado River. The Lake Mead Mohave Adventures team has installed a Mobi-mat at the Callville Bay and Temple Bar Marinas, which serves as an adaptive way for boaters to launch their watercraft.

Hemenway Harbor, Boulder Basin and Hoover Dam

Boating is a great way to explore Lake Mead and access areas that are otherwise inaccessible by car. There are four launch ramps that provide access to different parts of the lake: Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, and Temple Bar.

Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp

The Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp is located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and offers direct access to Boulder Basin and the Hoover Dam areas. The ramp is designed for ease of use, with a smooth transition from land to water, accommodating various types of watercraft. The launch ramp includes a dock, pier, parking for cars and boat trailers, restrooms, and trash receptacles. As of April 4, 2024, the Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp is operable, but it is always recommended to check the Alerts & Conditions webpage for the most up-to-date information before your trip. Boats can be rented from the concessionaire at the marina next to the launch ramp. Life jackets are mandatory for each person on board a personal watercraft or anyone being towed behind a vessel. Children under 13 years old must wear a life jacket unless they are in a fully enclosed area.

Boulder Basin

Boulder Basin is accessible via the Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp. It is a popular area for boating and water activities on Lake Mead. The basin offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding desert landscape.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is also accessible from the Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp. Boating near the Hoover Dam provides a unique perspective of this engineering marvel. It is important to note that there are specific boating regulations and speed limits near the Hoover Dam that boaters must follow. Additionally, all watercraft must be inspected for invasive species prior to launching.

Lake Mead's launch ramps are subject to ongoing maintenance and construction, which may result in temporary closures. Visitors are encouraged to stay informed by checking current conditions and alerts before their visit. Additionally, water levels in Lake Mead are declining due to climate change and drought, making it increasingly challenging to extend the launch ramps.

Echo Bay, Overton Arm

The Echo Bay launch ramp is open and operable with two lanes on concrete. This launch ramp provides direct access to the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. Smaller boats are recommended to launch from Echo Bay, with a pipe mat launch ramp suitable for boats under 24 feet in length.

Lake Mead is a great place to visit during the summer heat, and boating is a popular way to see areas of the park that are otherwise inaccessible by car. Boaters must be aware of speed limits, no-wake zones, and other regulations to ensure a safe experience on the water. All watercraft must be inspected for invasive species prior to launching.

Water levels at Lake Mead have been dropping due to climate change and a 20-year drought, reshaping the park's shorelines. As the lake continues to recede, extending launch ramps becomes more challenging and costly. However, higher water levels have brought more life to the lake, with more visitors and businesses benefiting from the increase in boat traffic.

Callville Bay, The Narrows

Callville Bay is one of the four launch ramps that provide access to Lake Mead for boating and water activities. The boat launch ramp at Callville Bay is open, with a Mobi Mat in place to assist boaters in launching their watercraft. The Mobi Mat is a roll-out polyester beach access mat that aids in launching boats and accommodating light to medium vehicle traffic on unstable grounds. It is recommended for boats under 40 feet in length.

Callville Bay offers direct access to The Narrows, a section of Lake Mead that leads to Hemenway Harbor and Echo Bay. Hemenway Harbor provides access to the Boulder Basin and Hoover Dam areas, while Echo Bay offers access to the Overton Arm.

When visiting Lake Mead, it is important to note that all watercraft must be inspected for invasive species prior to launching. Boaters should also be aware of speed limits, no-wake zones, and other regulations to ensure a safe experience on the water. Additionally, life jacket requirements must be met, with at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket required for each person on board or being towed.

The water levels at Lake Mead are currently lower than usual due to climate change and ongoing drought, which has reshaped the park's shorelines. As a result, extending launch ramps has become more challenging and costly. However, the boat launch ramps at Callville Bay remain open and accessible for boaters.

Temple Bar, South Cove

The Temple Bar launch ramp at Lake Mead is open to the public, with a Mobi-Mat in place. It is recommended for boats under 40 feet in length. The Mobi-Mat is a patented, roll-out polyester beach access mat, designed for creating boat launches and accommodating light and medium vehicle traffic on supporting but unstable grounds. It is free to use.

The South Cove launch ramp, however, is currently inoperable due to low water levels.

Lake Mead has been experiencing declining water levels caused by climate change and a 20-year drought, which has reshaped the park's shorelines. As the lake continues to recede, extending launch ramps becomes more challenging and costly.

Boating is a popular way to explore portions of the park that are inaccessible by car. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir on the Colorado River.

Lake Mead water levels

Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the US in terms of water capacity, has experienced fluctuating water levels over the years, with a recent rise in February 2025, marking the highest levels in three years. This rise was attributed to an atmospheric river weather event, known as a "Pineapple Express," which brought heavy winds, rain, and snow to California in January 2025. The water levels were measured at 1,076.52 feet at the end of February, surpassing the previous month's measurements of 1,072.67 feet.

However, despite this positive development, Lake Mead has faced significant water level challenges in recent years. The lake, which spans Nevada and Arizona, has experienced record lows due to chronic overuse and a prolonged 20-year drought. The National Park Service, which operates a recreation area on the lake, has noted that the launch ramp at Lake Mead remains closed due to the drought's impact on the park's shorelines.

The ongoing drought and climate change have reshaped the park's shorelines, making it increasingly challenging and costly to extend launch ramps as the lake continues to recede. Water levels are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, and according to their 24-month operation plan, water levels are projected to steadily drop over the remainder of 2024, ending 17 feet lower by December. By 2025, water levels are estimated to reach their lowest point since the lake was filled in the 1930s.

The declining water levels in Lake Mead have had a significant impact on boating and water activities. Boaters can typically access different parts of the lake through four launch ramps: Hemenway Harbor, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, and Temple Bar. However, the Temple Bar launch ramp is currently inoperable due to low water levels. The boat ramps that are open at Lake Mead are located at its marina properties, including Callville Bay and Echo Bay.

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