Alerts

Lake Mead National Recreation Area alerts

Current notices from official park sources.

Parkwolf

Caution

Extreme Heat Warning through September 10

An Extreme Heat Warning covers Lake Mead’s Arizona and Nevada sides through 8:00 PM PDT/MST Thursday, September 10. - Dangerously hot conditions are expected, with temperatures up to 112–116°F in the Colorado River Valley; heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat. - Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning, stay out of the sun, and limit strenuous activity to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. - Never leave children or pets in unattended vehicles. If someone is overcome by heat, move them to a cool, shaded location; heat stroke is an emergency—call 911. Check current park conditions for updates before traveling.Official details

Closure

South Cove concrete launch ramp closed

The South Cove concrete launch ramp is closed because low water levels have put it out of service. - Motorized and non-motorized vessel access remains open via a primitive ramp 0.25 miles south on a park-approved road. - Lake Mead’s declining water levels, caused by climate change and an unprecedented 20-year drought, have reshaped shorelines and made impacts to park infrastructure, marina operations, landscapes, and visitor services increasingly challenging to manage. - Lake levels fluctuate regularly; vessel operators are responsible for knowing current lake levels and launch-ramp conditions and should use caution when launching or retrieving vessels. Check current lake levels and launch-ramp conditions before traveling.Official details

Closure

Echo Bay houseboat launch access closed

Echo Bay houseboat launching is closed while the ramp is under construction to extend its minimum safe elevation for the remainder of 2026. - Motorized and non-motorized vessel access remains open. - Lake Mead’s declining water levels, caused by climate change and an unprecedented 20-year drought, have reshaped shorelines and made impacts to park infrastructure, marina operations, landscapes, and visitor services increasingly challenging to manage. - Lake levels fluctuate regularly; vessel operators are responsible for knowing current lake levels and launch-ramp conditions and should use caution when launching or retrieving vessels. Check current lake levels and launch-ramp conditions before traveling.Official details

Closure

Government Wash campground and 8.0 Mile Road seasonal closure

Government Wash Campground and 8.0 Mile Road are closed to vehicle access and overnight camping through the summer season because the park is managing and assessing area improvements, protecting visitors and staff from extreme heat, preventing dispersed and unmonitored vehicle camping, and mitigating unofficial, unmaintained travel routes. - Government Wash remains open to non-motorized vehicle access for daytime, non-camping activities. - The campground is anticipated to reopen for overnight use October 1. - The campground lacks electrical hookups, permanent restrooms, potable water, and sewage facilities; the park says it cannot safely maintain full-time campground hosts during southern Nevada’s hot summer months. Check current Government Wash information before visiting.Official details

Lake Mead National Recreation Area alerts

Extreme Heat Warning through September 10

South Cove concrete launch ramp closed

Echo Bay houseboat launch access closed

Government Wash campground and 8.0 Mile Road seasonal closure

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