Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground

Overview

Set on the Nevada side of Lake Mohave, this is a no‑frills desert campground that trades lush scenery for easy lake access. Expect gravel pads tucked behind low hills, a short walk to a sandy beach, and the convenience of a full‑service marina next door. Nights are typically calm and dark—great for listening to coyotes and stargazing.

Campsites & Amenities

The lower campground has about 45 dry sites for tents and small RVs. Pads are mostly short back‑ins, so big fifth wheels and long rigs will have fewer options and may need extra leveling. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are multiple flush‑toilet buildings but no showers. Water spigots are scattered around the loops; they work most of the time, though campers do report occasional outages or rusty/dirty taps. A dump station sits near the entrance to the (closed) Upper Campground.

Reservations, Fees & Management

It’s an affordable stay at around $20 per night, plus the separate Lake Mead NRA entrance fee. As of January 1, 2024, management shifted to the marina/concessioner. Reports conflict on the booking method: many note resort‑managed reservations, while older notes mention Recreation.gov and a few first‑come sites—policies have varied, so confirm your dates in advance. Senior discounts have been reported as not available under the new setup.

Lake Access & Marina Perks

From camp, it’s an easy stroll to the Cottonwood Cove beach and launch area. Swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports are the big draw here. Don’t have gear? The adjacent marina offers fuel, a convenience store, and watercraft rentals, plus an RV park with hookups and a motel if someone in your group wants more comfort.

What to Expect

This is a practical basecamp rather than a scenic destination in its own right—views from the pads are mostly desert hills, with the best water vistas down at the beach and marina. Day‑use crowds can spike on warm weekends, but evenings quiet down nicely. Cleanliness and upkeep get mixed reviews; arrive self‑sufficient and you’ll be happier. Cell service is weak in the lower loops because of the hill; you’ll usually find a strong signal—and fee‑based Wi‑Fi—by the marina.

Wildlife

You’re likely to spot jackrabbits, ducks, and songbirds around camp and the cove, and hear coyotes at night. Give critters space and secure food and trash; wind can scatter litter quickly here.

Best Time to Visit

Late fall through early spring is prime—cooler temps make camping pleasant and lake time comfortable. In hotter months, the lack of shade is noticeable; bring a canopy and plan your lake time for mornings and evenings. Weekdays see fewer day‑use crowds, and sunrise/sunset light is best at the beach and marina area.

Practical Tips

• The drive drops steeply into the cove—go slow with trailers.
• Shade is scarce; a canopy is almost mandatory in warm seasons.
• Dogs are restricted on the main day‑use beach—follow posted signs and use nearby shoreline that allows pets.
• Stock up before you arrive; the nearest town (Searchlight) has limited services and the marina store can be pricey.
• For calls or data, walk to the marina where reception is stronger.