Las Vegas, NV
Callville Bay Marina
Operated by Forever Resorts
- Houseboat rentals
- Marina store
- Fuel
- Launch
NV · AZ · Verified 2026-07-16
Lake Mead Houseboat Rentals
Desert cliffs and Colorado River water inside a national recreation area near Las Vegas.
About Lake Mead
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir by capacity in the United States when full, formed by Hoover Dam on the Colorado River just outside Las Vegas. Managed by the National Park Service as Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the lake stretches across the Nevada–Arizona border with dramatic desert scenery, colorful cliffs, and hundreds of miles of shoreline. Callville Bay Marina on the Nevada shore has traditionally served as the primary departure point for houseboat rentals in the Las Vegas area. Lake Mead's water levels have declined significantly over the past two decades and continue to fluctuate — confirm current marina operations, launch-ramp status, and any National Park Service advisories directly before finalizing your trip.
Quick facts
- Waterway
- Reservoir (Colorado River)
- States
- NV · AZ
- Approx. elevation
- 1,090 ft
- Time zone
- PST (NV) / MST (AZ)
- Managing agency
- National Park Service — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Rental season
- Long — Lake Mead's mild winters and hot dry summers keep marina operations extended, though summer heat can be extreme.
Facts sourced from the managing agency and public reference material and last verified 2026-07-16. Water levels, marina operations, and access can change — confirm current conditions before departure.
Available houseboats
Houseboat options for Lake Mead are currently being verified with the marinas listed below. Submit your trip details to request current rental information for your dates, group size, and preferred features.
Departure marinas
Verified 2026-07-16
Temple Bar, AZ
Temple Bar Marina
Operated by Temple Bar Marina
- Marina store
- Fuel
- Launch
- Lodging
Best time to visit
Rental season: Long — Lake Mead's mild winters and hot dry summers keep marina operations extended, though summer heat can be extreme.
Peak season: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures; summer for full water-based schedules.
Summer highs frequently exceed 105°F; spring and fall are dramatically more comfortable. Winter days are typically mild. Wind can pick up in the afternoons.
Weather & water conditions
Lake Mead pool elevation has declined markedly since 2000. Check the current elevation and marina status with the National Park Service and Callville Bay before you book and again before you leave for the lake.
Conditions can change quickly. Always follow marina, National Weather Service, and local authority guidance while on the water.
Directions & airports
Callville Bay Marina is a short drive northeast of Las Vegas via Northshore Road inside the National Recreation Area. Temple Bar on the Arizona shore is a longer drive from Kingman.
Nearby cities
- Las Vegas, NV — Roughly 45 minutes to Callville Bay Marina.
- Boulder City, NV
- Temple Bar, AZ
Airports
- LAS — Harry Reid International (Las Vegas) (major)
Things to do at Lake Mead
Swimming and cove anchoring
Warm-water swimming from spring into fall; anchor in coves along the Nevada or Arizona shoreline.
Cruising the Colorado River corridor
Multi-day trips can move between Boulder Basin, Overton Arm, and further reaches when water levels permit.
Fishing
Striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish are all present. Nevada and Arizona fishing licenses may both apply depending on where you fish.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Small side coves and canyons reward small-boat exploration; the Black Canyon section of the Colorado below Hoover Dam is a separate paddling destination.
Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire
Both are drivable day trips before or after your rental.
Photography and dark skies
The recreation area is far enough from Las Vegas light pollution for excellent night-sky viewing.
Fishing at Lake Mead
Common species include: Striped bass, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Catfish.
Confirm current fishing licenses with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Arizona Game and Fish Department; a use stamp may be required to fish across the state line.
Groceries & provisioning
Las Vegas offers full-scale provisioning of every kind. Marina stores stock ice and essentials.
Safety & operation
Marinas provide mandatory orientation. Summer heat is extreme — bring more water than you think you need, plan shaded midday hours, and know the signs of heat illness. Watch for afternoon wind and follow National Park Service guidance on current hazards, particularly near receding shorelines where submerged debris can be exposed.
Where to stay
Las Vegas and Boulder City offer a very wide range of hotels for pre- and post-trip stays.
Vacation planning
Related destinations
Lake Mead FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Lake Mead
Answers to the questions people most commonly search before planning a trip here.
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