Searchlight, NV
Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina
Operated by Cottonwood Cove Resort
- Houseboat rentals
- Marina store
- Fuel
- Launch
NV · AZ · Verified 2026-07-16
Lake Mohave Houseboat Rentals
A narrow 67-mile Colorado River reservoir between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam, framed by desert cliffs and the Black Canyon.
About Lake Mohave
Lake Mohave is the Colorado River reservoir formed by Davis Dam between Bullhead City, Arizona and Laughlin, Nevada, extending 67 miles upstream to Hoover Dam. It's part of the same Lake Mead National Recreation Area system managed by the National Park Service, but the character of the lake is genuinely distinct from Lake Mead — narrower, more river-like, cooler in summer because much of the water flowing in from Hoover Dam is drawn from deep in Lake Mead. The upper end squeezes through the Black Canyon with vertical rock walls on both sides, while the lower end broadens into wider basin water near Cottonwood Cove and Katherine Landing. That combination — a genuine river feel at the top, wide desert basin at the bottom, national recreation area rules throughout — makes Mohave a favorite for guests who want the Southwest desert scenery of the Colorado River without the crowds of the bigger neighboring reservoir. The two primary houseboat departure points are Cottonwood Cove on the Nevada shore and Katherine Landing near Bullhead City on the Arizona shore. As with all Colorado River reservoirs, always confirm current marina operations, launch-ramp status, and NPS advisories before finalizing a trip.
Quick facts
- Waterway
- Reservoir (Colorado River)
- States
- NV · AZ
- Approx. surface
- 28,260 acres
- Approx. shoreline
- 237 mi
- Approx. elevation
- 647 ft
- Time zone
- PST (NV) / MST (AZ)
- Managing agency
- National Park Service — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Rental season
- Long — mild winters and hot dry summers keep marina operations extended, though summer heat is 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 Mohave 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
Bullhead City, AZ
Katherine Landing at Lake Mohave
Operated by Katherine Landing (NPS concessioner)
- Marina store
- Fuel
- Launch
- Lodging
Best time to visit
Rental season: Long — mild winters and hot dry summers keep marina operations extended, though summer heat is 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, with warm days and cool nights. Winter days are typically mild but water is cold. Afternoon wind picks up regularly on the wider lower basin.
Weather & water conditions
Lake Mohave is fed by dam-controlled Colorado River flows from Hoover Dam, so pool elevation is more stable than Lake Mead. Water can still be surprisingly cold in the upper canyon because of deep-water intake at Hoover — plan swimming with that in mind and confirm current advisories with the National Park Service before departure.
Conditions can change quickly. Always follow marina, National Weather Service, and local authority guidance while on the water.
Directions & airports
Most guests fly into Las Vegas and drive roughly 90 minutes south to Cottonwood Cove on the Nevada side or to Katherine Landing near Bullhead City on the Arizona side. Laughlin/Bullhead International is closer but has more limited commercial service.
Nearby cities
- Bullhead City, AZ — Immediate access to Katherine Landing.
- Laughlin, NV
- Cottonwood Cove, NV
- Searchlight, NV
- Las Vegas, NV — Roughly 90 minutes to Cottonwood Cove or Katherine Landing.
- Kingman, AZ
Airports
- IFP — Laughlin/Bullhead International (regional)
- LAS — Harry Reid International (Las Vegas) (major)
Things to do at Lake Mohave
Black Canyon cruising
The upper end of Lake Mohave squeezes through vertical rock walls with hot springs, hidden coves, and the possibility of a day trip to Emerald Cave by small boat or kayak from an anchored houseboat.
Swimming and cove anchoring
Long swim season on the warmer lower basin; upper canyon water can be cold. Follow NPS guidance on where beach anchoring is allowed.
Fishing
Striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout (stocked seasonally), and catfish are all present. Nevada and Arizona licenses may both apply — confirm with each state.
Kayaking to Emerald Cave
Emerald Cave is a photogenic side chamber in the upper Black Canyon reachable by small boat or kayak launched from an anchored houseboat; check current NPS access and permit requirements.
Wildlife watching
Bighorn sheep are commonly seen on the canyon walls; wild burros and desert birds are visible along both shorelines.
Dark-sky night viewing
Away from Bullhead City and Laughlin light, Mohave has excellent summer night-sky viewing once the moon is down.
Fishing at Lake Mohave
Common species include: Striped bass, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Rainbow trout, Catfish, Bluegill.
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
Bullhead City and Laughlin have full-scale grocery stores and are the natural provisioning stops for Katherine Landing. Las Vegas is the primary provisioning city for Cottonwood Cove. Bring extra water — desert heat and canyon walls trap warmth.
Safety & operation
Marinas provide a mandatory orientation. Summer heat is extreme; plan shaded midday hours, bring far more drinking water than a Southern lake trip would need, and watch for afternoon wind on the lower basin. Follow National Park Service guidance for anchoring on beaches inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Where to stay
Bullhead City, Laughlin, and Las Vegas all offer a wide range of hotels for pre- and post-trip stays. Katherine Landing has limited on-site lodging.
Vacation planning
Related destinations
Lake Mohave FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Lake Mohave
Answers to the questions people most commonly search before planning a trip here.
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