If you live in or around Mesquite, you already know how good life in southern Nevada can be. There’s warm sun, wide open spaces, and some surprisingly spectacular water. We know the desert isn’t exactly famous for its aquatic recreation, but the truth is this state contains some genuinely remarkable waterways. We’ve pulled together what we consider the best places to go boating in Nevada, and we think you’re going to want to dust off that life jacket.
Lake Mead
Let’s start close to home. Lake Mead is just a short drive west of Mesquite, and it’s the largest reservoir in the country by capacity.
The marinas at Boulder Beach and Callville Bay both offer launch ramps, fuel, and boat rentals, so whether you trailer your own vessel or rent one on-site, getting out on the water is straightforward. The lake is inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where the red canyon walls rising off the water make every outing feel a little cinematic.
Lake Mohave
Head just a bit south and you’ll find Lake Mohave, a long, narrow ribbon of the Colorado River stretching about 67 miles between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam near Laughlin. It’s part of the same National Recreation Area as Mead, but it has a quieter personality, with dramatic canyon scenery hugging both shores.
The Nevada side has a marina and launch ramp at Cottonwood Cove, making access easy. Anglers love this lake for its striped bass and rainbow trout, but it also rewards those who simply want a relaxed float through the canyon. The calm, protected waters make it especially comfortable for boaters who prefer a slower pace.
Lake Tahoe
If you’re up for a road trip, Lake Tahoe is worth every mile. Straddling the Nevada-California border in the Sierra Nevada, it’s one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in North America.
Because Tahoe draws millions of visitors annually, expect boat traffic, especially on weekends. Busy water means plenty of wake, so understanding how wave period affects boating (specifically, how the time between waves changes your handling and comfort) is useful knowledge here. But come prepared, follow the posted regulations, and you’ll have a day you’ll talk about for a long time.
Lahontan Reservoir
Up in west-central Nevada near Fallon, Lahontan Reservoir covers more than 10,000 acres and draws boaters who enjoy a mix of watersports, fishing, and wildlife watching. Wild horses, bald eagles, and pelicans all share the area, so there’s a good chance your day on the water doubles as a nature tour.
The reservoir is open year-round, and the surrounding state park keeps the facilities in solid shape. It’s a longer drive from Mesquite, but if you’re looking to explore more of Nevada’s hidden gems, Lahontan rewards the trip with wide water and a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere.
Walker Lake
Walker Lake sits in western Nevada near the town of Hawthorne and gets far less attention than it deserves. The lake stretches about 15 miles long and sits against a backdrop of rugged desert mountains that give it a stark, dramatic beauty. It’s a terminal lake—meaning no river carries its water out—which gives the water a slightly alkaline quality.
Boating and fishing are both popular here, and the relative quiet makes it ideal if you’d rather not compete for space on the water. It’s a good choice for those who appreciate scenery without the crowds.
There you have it! Whether you stay close to Mesquite or make a weekend of it, these are the best places to go boating in Nevada, and any one of them would make for a terrific outing. Enjoy!
