Three Sisters Cove

Quiet boat-in cove on Mohave for camping and fishing
Three Sisters Cove, Lake Mead National Recreation Area
InsideLake Mead National Recreation Area

Overview

Three Sisters Cove is a small, undeveloped inlet on Lake Mohave, tucked beneath the Newberry Mountains in the far southern end of the recreation area. It’s a low-key spot—no docks, no restrooms, no tables—just calm water (in the mornings), rock-framed shoreline, and big desert skies. If you’re after solitude and simple lake time, this is the vibe.

Getting There

The straightforward way is by water. Launch from Cottonwood Cove (to the north) or Katherine Landing (to the south) and navigate along the west shore; the cove sits roughly midway between these two hubs. There’s no signed road directly to the cove, and the adjacent terrain includes designated wilderness—so treat any overland approach as a serious backcountry undertaking and stick to legal roads and routes only. Standard recreation area fees/passes apply anywhere along the lake.

On the Water: Conditions & Safety

Lake Mohave is long and narrow, which funnels wind; afternoons commonly bring chop and rougher water near points. Plan crossings early, wear a life jacket, and respect buoyed closures and no-wake zones. Expect spotty cell service—carry a paper map or GPS with the cove’s coordinates saved.

Camping & Rules

Shoreline camping is allowed away from developed areas. There are no amenities here, so arrive fully self-contained, pack out all trash, and follow current fire restrictions. For supplies, fuel, and water, use the marinas at Cottonwood Cove or Katherine Landing before you head out.

Fishing & Wildlife

Anglers work the points and coves here for striped and largemouth bass; across the lake you’ll also encounter smallmouth, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Scan the cliffs for desert bighorn sheep in the surrounding range and keep an eye out for quail and roadrunners along the shore—observe wildlife from a distance.

Best Time to Visit

October through April brings cooler air and typically friendlier conditions for paddling and camping. Aim for early mornings year-round to beat the wind, and weekdays if you want fewer skiers and wakeboats. Summer is brutally hot on land—save long hikes for the cool seasons or the coolest part of the day.

Pros

  • Secluded, boat-in cove with a quiet feel
  • Shoreline camping is allowed away from developed areas

Cons

  • No services or facilities of any kind
  • No signed road access; overland approaches are rugged and pathless

Tips

  • Launch from Cottonwood Cove or Katherine Landing and hug the west shoreline.
  • Mornings are calmer; plan to be off open water before the afternoon wind.
  • Bring extra water, shade, and a way to pack out all trash—there are no services.
  • Download maps or mark the GPS coordinates ahead of time; cell service is spotty.
  • Check marina launch status and current fire restrictions before you go.
The Parkwolf tour guide sitting on a phone mounted in a car

Parkwolf Tour Guide

Like a tour guide in your car.

Save the places you found around Lake Mead, then let Parkwolf guide the drive between them.Download Parkwolf on the App Store