Pros & cons
PROS
- Protected shoreline cove
- Easy hand-launch for small boats and paddle craft
CONS
- No amenities (no toilets, water, or trash service)
- No camping or overnight parking allowed
- Alcohol is prohibited
Overview
Placer Cove is a simple, protected inlet on the Lake Mohave side—great for a quiet shoreline stop and a quick hand‑launch for small boats or paddle craft. Despite the name you may see floating around, this is not a camping area; it’s a low‑key access cove with no facilities and clear rules against overnighting.
Getting There
Reach it via NV‑165, then follow roughly 1 mile of dirt on Lake Mead Road #47 to the cove. There’s no ramp; launches are straight from the shoreline.
What to Expect
No developed amenities are provided here—no restrooms, no potable water, and no trash service. Plan to be fully self‑sufficient and pack out everything you bring. The appeal is the quiet water and easy hand‑launch rather than a day‑use beach or developed picnic spot.
Rules You Should Know
- Camping and overnight stays are not allowed here.
- Alcohol possession/consumption is prohibited at Placer Cove.
- Pack‑in/pack‑out only; no services are provided.
Good Alternatives if You Want to Camp
If your goal is lakeside primitive camping, pick designated/allowed spots instead. Nevada Telephone Cove and Six Mile Cove are shoreline options (primitive), and Stewart’s Point offers dispersed lakeside camping on the Lake Mead side. Developed campgrounds are available around the recreation area if you want restrooms and water.
Best Time to Visit
Since it’s day‑use only with no facilities, treat Placer Cove as a quick daytime launch or mellow shoreline stop. For current conditions or any temporary changes, check with the Lake Mead Visitor Center before you go.
Where it is
35.7055, -114.7066Tips for Placer Cove Primitive Camping Area
- 01Do not camp or stay overnight—signage and rules prohibit it.
- 02Bring all water and pack out all trash; there are no services.
- 03Alcohol is not allowed at this cove.
- 04The final approach is a short dirt spur—take it slow and watch clearance.
- 05For shoreline camping, consider Nevada Telephone Cove or Six Mile Cove instead.
Near Placer Cove Primitive Camping Area
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayEldorado CanyonPrimitive paddle launch into a rugged, wildlife-rich canyonParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.3 mi awayNelson's LandingScenic cove on Lake Mohave for swims, paddling, and desert viewsRestroom · Parking
1.3 mi awayTule Wash CoveQuiet, undeveloped cove on Lake Mohave with primitive shoreline access
4.5 mi awayTornado CoveSecluded, undeveloped cove with shifting shoreline and sudden winds
19 mi awayArizona Hot SpringsVolcanic slot hike to steamy pools via ladder and the riverChallenging · 4.9 mi · 3 hr
19 mi awayWhite Rock CanyonVolcanic canyon to riverside hot springs with a spicy ladder.Challenging · 5.8 mi · 4 hr
19 mi awayLiberty Bell Arch TrailDesert romp to a photogenic arch and big Colorado River viewsModerate · 5.5 mi · 3.5 hr
19.2 mi awaySpooky Canyon TrailShort cobblestone slot with arch, side forks, and a final dryfallEasy · 1 mi · 48 min
