Boating on Lake Mead | What to Rent, How to Pack and What to See

July 16, 2021

Lake Mead is America’s first National Recreation Area. It has more than 750 miles of shoreline to explore. While there are plenty of walking trails and beautiful attractions and amenities nearby, one of the best ways to get a true feeling for the lake itself is to go on a boat. The good news is that there are boat rental options available that can provide everything necessary to really take in this massive, beautiful lake.

Know the Rules of Boating on Lake Mead

The National Parks Service has numerous rules in place for boating on Lake Mead. It’s best to follow them to remain safe as well as to keep this natural treasure safe as well. Here are a few things to know.

To operate a boat on Lake Mead, users must need a vehicle pass to enter the park itself, as well as a vessel pass for each of the vessels they plan to launch. This is easily purchased at the entrance to the park.
Boats require registration. They must also be equipped with proper safety equipment that meets the state’s vessel laws.
All persons operating boats with 15 horsepower or more who were born on or after January 1, 1983 must take and pass a boater education course.
Personal watercraft operators must be at least 14 years old.
Life jackets are a requirement. These must be Coast Guard approved life jackets.

There are other rules you must follow when it comes to boating on the lake. These rules may differ depending on if you plan to boat in Arizona or Nevada.

Boat Rental Makes Things Easier

While there is some satisfaction in pulling your own boat and launching it into the water (and a lot of frustration along that cross-country trip) there are many benefits to renting instead. Boat rental on Lake Mead is actually very easy to manage.

Here’s what you need to know.

The marinas on Lake Mead make the entire process easy for you. Our team at Callville Bay provides virtually everything you need to make the most of the trip and to ensure it goes well. This is a full-service marina. Keep in mind that there are other options out there, though we’re dedicated to ensuring the very best experience possible for you.

There are a variety of boat options available to you on Lake Mead. You can use most types of boats here, including:

Sport boats
Fishing boats
Personal watercraft
Houseboats
Pontoon boats

At Callville Bay, we offer a range of boat rental options for you to choose from at our marina. This includes a wide range of houseboats. If you are thinking about visiting Lake Mead for the weekend or longer, renting a houseboat may be one of the easiest ways to enjoy the experience and have the privacy you desire. There’s a lot of fun to be had on a houseboat, too. Choose one for just the two of you or the whole family. We have the options you need.

If you’re not interested in that just yet, consider a few of the other boats we offer including a 26’ deck boat, Campion ski boat, fishing boats, and personal watercraft. We also offer a patio pontoon boat. All of these boating options are allowed on Lake Mead.

You can get updated houseboat rental prices by giving our team a call to inquire about availability and pricing. This may change over time.

In addition to this, there are a few things to know:

If you are renting a boat, you do not need to purchase a vehicle pass or a decal for the boat. These are already in place from the marina you’ve selected.
The person renting the vessel will need to meet the state requirements for operation of the boat.
Every boat operator must receive safety briefings before they operate the vehicle. That’s just a measure that is going to keep you safe.

Personal Watercraft and Two Stroke Vessel Rules

There are a few other things to know about boating on Lake Mead. Specifically, there are restrictions on the types of personal watercraft you can use. All personal watercraft must meet the 2006 emission standards. These are rules set by the EPA related to two-stroke engines. These are not the rules of the marinas, but the government.

Bringing Your Boat and Need Storage?

There’s a good possibility you will want to see the area and perhaps even take a trip or two away from the Lake Mead area. If you plan to do so, you may need some boat storage. The good news is you can find that here. There are various marinas that offer storage. This includes on the water as well as dry boat storage. Pricing and availability can differ at various times of the year.

What to Pack for Your Outdoor Adventure

If you are visiting Lake Mead you’ll need to bring with you all of your water gear and supplies. For those who are planning to rent a houseboat, we’ve put together a checklist of what to bring to make the entire process easy. Here’s a tip – you can overdo it! Be sure to keep in mind that there are restrictions in some situations. Make sure your packing list includes everything you may need to have a safe and good time, though.

What to See On Your Outdoor Adventure

Why choose Lake Mead? There is much to see and do throughout the area. There’s never a bad time to visit, and there are lots of fun places to explore when you are here. You can not only enjoy all that the local area has to offer, but it is only a 50-minute trip to Las Vegas from Callville Bay Resort & Marina. You’re also close to Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City if you are looking to explore the Southwest.

When you’re spending time at Lake Mead, there’s so much to do. That includes:

Swimming on the lake itself (there are various beaches set up for lots of fun)
Go fishing in the 290 square miles of water area (we can point you in the direction of some of the best fishing spots in the area)
Don’t forget about the hiking, museums, biking and hunting opportunities nearby as well.

There is a lot to see and explore when you plan an outdoor adventure to Lake Mead. Take the time to take it all in on a boat, and you’ll love the experience.