Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina

Overview

On the Nevada shore of Lake Mohave, about a 15‑minute drive east of Searchlight, Cottonwood Cove is the desert‑lake hub for boating, fishing, and lazy beach time. It’s a classic Mission 66–era marina turned full‑service base: fuel, slips, rentals (including houseboats), a small lakeside motel, an RV park, and a dry campground—all tucked beside sandy coves and big‑sky sunsets.

What You’ll Find

• Marina essentials: guest slips (reserve ahead), fuel dock, courtesy docks, and a well‑stocked store.
• Rentals: everything from paddleboards and kayaks to deck boats, pontoons, jet skis, and 50–70 ft houseboats.
• Stays: a beachfront motel with patios; nearby RV sites with full hookups; a lower campground within walking distance of the beach.
• Food & basics: a casual cafe (seasonal hours) and market for supplies.

On the Water

Lake Mohave offers miles of navigable water (think secluded coves and sandy pull‑ups). Expect clear water that’s great for paddling, swimming, and even scuba (there’s a sunken tow barge). Fishing—especially for striped bass—is a staple. Do watch the wind: chop often builds by afternoon, so plan longer crossings early. In early May, water temps can sit in the mid‑60s F, which feels brisk without a wetsuit; make sure everyone has a PFD on board. Small inflatables aren’t suited to mile‑plus open stretches.

Lodging, Camping, and Facilities

• Motel: simple lakeside rooms with patios and quick access to the cafe and gift shop.
• RV Park: full hookups plus paid showers and laundry.
• Lower Campground: dry camping with picnic tables and fire rings; flush restrooms with running water in‑camp; water spigots around the loops; dump station nearby. Showers are not in the campground (use the RV park). Dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach during the day. Reported quirks include limited shade, sites fairly close together, and occasional water‑spigot hiccups.
• Extras: sand volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, beach access, and starry night skies.
• Connectivity: cell coverage is notoriously spotty (Verizon can be hit‑or‑miss). The marina offers paid Wi‑Fi.

Practicalities

• You’ll need a Lake Mead National Recreation Area entrance pass.
• The cafe’s hours vary seasonally; expect waits on busy weekends and bring backup snacks. On‑lake fuel and food are convenient but pricier than in town.
• Lower Campground guidelines include size limits (about 23 ft for RVs), up to four tents per site, eight people max, and two vehicles per site; the posted rate is $20 + tax per night (2025).

What Could Be Better

Some facilities show wear, and a few campers note the campground could use TLC. Shade is scarce, and from some campsites the motel can block lake views.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings are golden—calmer water for paddling and crossings, softer light for photos, and fewer boats. Weekends and holidays fill quickly; reserve rentals and slips in advance. Spring and fall bring pleasant air temps; summer offers the warmest water. Sunrise and sunset reward you with those classic desert colors.

Wildlife & Scenery

You’re in Mojave Desert country: expect hardy desert plants, shorebirds, and raptors cruising the cliffs and coves. Quiet shoreline walks near the marina can be surprisingly birdy, especially in the cooler hours.