BOULDER CITY, Nev.–This report informs the public and partners of Lake Mead National Recreation Area of safety concerns, scheduled maintenance, trail closures, concessioner information, and events that may impact the use of park resources over the next two weeks.

Notes for Visitors

• As of January 1, Lake Mead National Recreation Area has transitioned to a cashless entry system. The park only accepts electronic card payments for entrance, lake use, and campground fees. Entrance stations will continue selling passes but will no longer take cash for payment. The transition to cashless fee collection will align with other National Park Service locations, such as Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Death Valley national parks, that have already transitioned to cashless entry. Advance campground reservations, as well as first-come, first-served sites, will be available online only through recreation.gov. Concession operations at marinas, hotels, and stores will still accept cash or electronic card payments.
• Helicopters and drilling crews will work on behalf of the Southern Nevada Water Authority around the Lower Las Vegas Wash between January 8 and mid-March 2024. Their engineering and construction team must perform geotechnical investigations around proposed new erosion control structures (weirs) planned in the lower wash. The helicopter and drill work will occur in remote locations but will be visible from the campground and other areas near the Las Vegas Bay area.

Road Work– None

Marinas/Ramps/Harbors/Beaches–Dates and times are approximate and may be adjusted due to inclement weather, staff, or mechanical issues. For the most current launch ramp status, check https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

• Hemenway Harbor currently has two docks and four lanes open. The ADA parking has moved to the dirt parking lot, and no parking is allowed on the ramp. Docks and berms are moved weekly to accommodate water level changes. Be prepared for partial closures. Launch at your own risk.

• Echo Bay is open with two lanes of cement. Launch at your own risk.

• South Cove launching is available off the dirt road south of the launch ramp. Four-wheel-drive recommended. Launch at your own risk.

• Katherine Landing Fishing Pier is closed until further notice.

Trail Closures–None

Concessioners are listed alphabetically

Callville Bay Marina–With elevated water levels, the concrete boat ramp at Callville Bay is currently open and being managed by the marina. The ramp has been widened to include a dirt turn-around area, and a new courtesy dock has been installed at the bottom.

• The Snack Bar on the water is closed for the season. Grab-and-go items are available at the store. The land store and lounge are closed.

Cottonwood Cove–The Cottonwood Cove Cafe is open.

Desert Princess and Hemenway Harbor–Lake Mead Cruises and the Desert Princess are closed for the winter and will reopen on 31 March 2024.

Echo Bay–Hours of operation for the RV Park Office: Daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

• Hours of operation for the Store: Daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Land Fuel is available daily from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Pay first before trying to pump gas.

Katherine Landing–Off-season operating hours.

• The retail store, fuel dock, and pump-out station are open daily from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• The No Bad Days Bar and Grill is open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thursday and Sunday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Marina Restaurants–The marina will have only one restaurant open during regular business hours. Contact the marinas for a schedule. Las Vegas Boat Harbor: 702-293-1191; Lake Mead Marina: 702-293-3484.

Temple Bar Marina –Temple Bar has installed a portable Mobi-Mat for boat launching managed by the marina. They currently recommend launching boats smaller than 40 feet. Please contact 928-767-3211 with any questions.

• Regular hours for the fuel dock are from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

• The store is open daily from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• The motel is open, but the restaurant is closed for the season.

Willow Beach Marina–The store and marina are open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., seven days a week.

• Black Canyon Grill is closed through March 01, 2024.

Events–Larger events may slow access to these areas.

* Indicates a single-day event

Water Levels

• Lake Mead’s January 2, 7 a.m. water elevation is 1,068.23 feet.
• Current water levels can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation website(usbr.gov)
• The Bureau of Reclamation’s 24-month most probable projection for the end of the year 2023 is 1067.71 feet, based on the November 2023 Operation Plan for Colorado River System Reservoirs.

Shoreline Safety with Water Level Changes

• Be wary of parking vehicles close to the water’s edge. Rising waters may compromise the shoreline’s integrity, resulting in potential collapse.

• In areas with visible mud, humans, vehicles, and animals may become trapped. If you see a car or animal trapped in the mud or fallen in the water, please get in touch with the non-emergency dispatch number with the location of the incident: 702-293-8998. We will send trained staff to help.

• If there is an emergency, call the Lake Mead emergency dispatch number: 702-293-8932 or 911.