Old Swim Beach

Overview

Old Swim Beach is an undeveloped slice of shoreline on the Overton Arm—the river‑fed north end of the lake near the St. Thomas ghost town. It’s a simple, no‑frills spot: wide desert vistas, changing waterlines, and a quiet edge of the reservoir that feels far from the marinas and campgrounds.

Getting There & Access

Reach it via Northshore Road (NV‑167). The nearest parking and signed access in this area is by the St. Thomas trailhead at the end of Old St. Thomas Road (a few miles of dirt, no services). Expect rough, silty, or rocky surfaces near the water; shoreline tracks can be soft. Test the ground before walking or driving close to the edge.

What You’ll Do

• Swim or cool off along a natural shoreline, understanding it’s undeveloped and unmonitored.
• Bank‑fish the Overton Arm, a known hotspot for striped bass, with chances for catfish and other species.
• Pair your visit with a stroll through the re‑emerged St. Thomas ghost town for a half‑day outing.

Wildlife & Scenery

This river‑influenced arm draws birds—especially in winter. Watch for diving ducks, cormorants, seasonal waterfowl, and the possibility of bald eagles. In the surrounding desert hills, typical Lake Mead wildlife includes coyotes and, in the rugged country, desert bighorn sheep.

Know Before You Go

There are no lifeguards anywhere in the recreation area. Bacteria, toxic algae, and swimmer’s itch are not routinely monitored here: avoid bright‑green surface scum, and towel off after swimming. Wear a life jacket if you’re in or on the water, and keep kids close. As lake levels drop, saturated mud becomes a real hazard—people and vehicles do get stuck—so probe first and commit cautiously. Standard recreation area entry fees apply.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings and cooler seasons are the sweet spot. Winter brings the best bird activity and comfortable temps; in summer, midday heat can be extreme, so plan for dawn or late‑day light. Weekdays typically feel quieter than weekends. For photography, low‑angle morning and evening light gives the Overton Arm its texture.

What It’s Not

Don’t confuse Old Swim Beach on the Overton Arm with the signed Swim Beach areas down in the Boulder Basin—they’re over an hour apart by road and offer very different, more developed scenes.