Cottonwood Cove Motel

Overview

Set on the Nevada shore of Lake Mohave within the national recreation area, Cottonwood Cove Motel is the no‑frills, right‑on‑the‑water base for boaters and lake lovers. It’s about an hour from Las Vegas and 14 miles east of Searchlight, so you’re here for the lake, not the nightlife. The payoff is sunrise light over glassy water and an easy stroll from your room to the beach.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms are simple and functional—Spanish‑style buildings with red roofs, each with a covered outdoor patio outfitted with a table and chairs for lake views. Expect a mini‑fridge in every room; hair dryers and irons are available from the front desk. Some rooms adjoin; rollaway beds are limited. All rooms are non‑smoking and pets aren’t allowed (service animals excepted). Check‑in is 4 pm, check‑out 11 am. Free parking and Wi‑Fi are available. A meeting room can be rented for small gatherings.

On‑Site Perks

The motel sits a short walk from the café and store, plus sand volleyball and shuffleboard. The adjacent marina is the real draw: launch ramp, slip rentals, dry storage, fuel, boat repair/decon, and rentals that run from small craft to houseboats. If you’re here to live on the water for a few days, this is the most convenient place to sleep.

What’s Changing

A renovation plan announced in 2024 targets all 24 rooms (bigger baths, new flooring, electronic locks) and expands food and shade options around the lakefront. Timelines can shift, so check for any in‑progress work when you book.

Nature, Fishing and Wildlife

This corner of Lake Mohave backs into volcanic desert hills with classic Mojave wildlife—keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, rabbits, lizards, and (seasonally) rattlesnakes; give all wildlife space. Anglers target striped, largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie, with seasonal trout near cold releases on the lake.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are prime—milder temps, better odds for calm mornings, and softer sunrise/sunset colors from your patio. Summer can soar past 110°F, so start early, get on the water by mid‑morning, and plan shade breaks. Weekends see more marina activity; weekday stays are quieter. Book early for popular dates.

Need‑to‑Know

• The café’s hours vary by season—have snacks or a backup plan in Searchlight.
• Expect a firm 4 pm room readiness. If you’re arriving early, hit the beach or rent a boat while you wait.
• The motel sits within an NPS concession area; standard park entry fees apply.