Just 30 miles East of Las Vegas lies the world’s largest man-made reservoir - Lake Mead.  For water enthusiasts, Lake Mead offers a variety of year-round recreation.  Boating, fishing, sun bathing, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, camping, water skiing and more all provide loads of family fun.  The surrounding and starkly contrasting Mojave desert also offers plenty to do for hikers, photographers and those hoping to just enjoy the sights.  You might be surprised to know that there is an abundance of specially adapted plants and animals inhabiting the desert.  Some even remain dormant until conditions are just right for germination.

Lake Mead was formed in the 1930’s with the creation of the Hoover Dam and the damming of the Colorado River.  Pioneers sought to harness the power of the river to allow for large-scale irrigation and the expansion of other industries.  The lake is named after Elwood Mead, the Bureau of Reclamation commissioner at the time.  Lake Mead was dubbed the first national recreation area in 1964.  Millions of visitors come each year to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities and experience the wonder of Lake Mead’s diverse desert landscape.

The park does require entrance and lake use fees.  You can purchase daily use passes or an annual pass.  There are many different types of pass programs but generally entrance is $5.00 per vehicle for 1-5 days or $20 per year.  Lake use fees are generally $10.00 per vessel for 1-5 days or $20 per vessel/ per year.

Lake Mead Website
http://www.nps.gov/lame/index.htm

Full Fee Schedule
http://www.nps.gov/lame/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

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