Lake Mead is the biggest reservoir in the country, and its quieter eastern half belongs to Arizona. On the Arizona side, Temple Bar and South Cove open onto wide basins, red-rock canyons and hundreds of coves and beaches inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area — far from the crowds of the Las Vegas side.
Lake Boat Rental gets you on the Arizona side of Lake Mead with MasterCraft wakesurf boat rentals, Sea-Doo jet ski rentals, private boat tours and lessons, water toys and ATV and side-by-side rentals for the desert around Kingman and Meadview.
Lake Mead rises and falls over the years, and its launch areas change with it. If you bring your own boat, check the National Park Service’s launch-ramp status before you go.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Mead
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Lake Mead.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 10 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Lake Mead.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Lake Mead while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
- Side-by-side and ATV rentals – Can-Am UTVs for the trails and backroads near Lake Mead.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Mead at a glance
| Location | Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Mohave County; the Temple Bar turnoff is on US 93 about 50 miles north of Kingman, and South Cove is past Meadview |
|---|---|
| Drive time | About an hour and a half from Las Vegas and roughly five hours from Phoenix to Temple Bar |
| Arizona launch areas | Temple Bar and South Cove |
| Managed by | National Park Service (Lake Mead National Recreation Area) |
| Entry fee | Lake Mead National Recreation Area charges an entrance fee per vehicle |
| Water level | Rises and falls over the years; ramps and shorelines shift with it |
| Nearest towns | Meadview, Dolan Springs and Kingman, Arizona |
| Best months | April through October for warm water; spring and fall are the most comfortable |
Best things to do on Lake Mead
- Run the open basins – the wide water around Temple Bar is made for wakesurfing, skiing and long jet ski runs.
- Claim a private cove – hundreds of coves and beaches on the Arizona side are reachable only by boat.
- See the “temple” – the flat-topped rock that gives Temple Bar its name changes color through the day; the Temple View Trail has the best view.
- Cruise into Virgin Canyon – canyon walls rise straight from the water southeast of Temple Bar.
- Explore the upper lake from South Cove – the eastern end winds toward the Grand Canyon; check conditions before heading far up-lake.
- Fish for stripers and bass – striped bass and largemouth bass are the big draws.
- Stay the night – Temple Bar has lakeside lodging, an RV park with hookups, a campground, a store, a cafe and a bar.
- Add a desert ride – the backcountry around Meadview and Kingman is full of dirt roads for a UTV day.
Where to launch at Lake Mead
- Temple Bar Marina – a full-service marina with fuel, slips, a store, lodging and a launch area.
- South Cove – a quieter launch area on the lake’s eastern end, reached from Meadview.
- Pearce Ferry – takeout only for Grand Canyon river trips; launching isn’t allowed.
With our rentals you skip the ramp entirely — your boat or jet skis are ready at the lake. If you bring your own boat, check the National Park Service’s current launch-ramp status first; conditions change with the water level.
Tips for a great day on Lake Mead
- Stock up before you go — Kingman is about an hour from Temple Bar, and services at the lake are limited.
- Bring plenty of water and shade; summer days on Lake Mead often top 110°F.
- Afternoon winds can build big waves on the open basins, so plan long crossings for the morning.
- Watch for newly exposed rocks and shallow reefs as the water level changes.
- If a monsoon storm develops, head for a sheltered cove or shore right away.
- Have your Lake Mead National Recreation Area pass ready, or plan to pay the entrance fee.
Lake Mead boating rules to know
- Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket on any moving boat; jet ski riders and anyone being towed must wear one as well.
- Arizona requires a second person, at least 12 years old, to act as an observer when you tow a skier, tuber or wakesurfer, and towing isn’t allowed between sunset and sunrise.
- Keep to no-wake speed inside marinas, near launch areas and swim beaches, and around anyone in the water.
- Obey posted buoys and closures, especially on the upper lake where the Colorado River comes in.
Map of Lake Mead
Lake Mead rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Mead?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, private charters with a driver-instructor, and ATV and UTV rentals — everything for a full day on and off the water.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Mead, so there's no towing.
Which Lake Mead launch areas are on the Arizona side?
Temple Bar and South Cove. Launch conditions change with the water level, so check the National Park Service’s launch-ramp page before bringing your own boat — or rent from us and skip the ramp.
How far is Temple Bar from Las Vegas and Phoenix?
About an hour and a half from Las Vegas and roughly five hours from Phoenix. The Temple Bar turnoff is on US 93 about 50 miles north of Kingman, and the marina is about 26 more miles down Temple Bar Road.
Do I need to pay an entrance fee?
Yes. Lake Mead National Recreation Area charges an entrance fee per vehicle; annual and interagency passes are accepted.
Are jet skis allowed on Lake Mead?
Yes. Jet skis and wakesurf boats are welcome on Lake Mead. Riders must wear a life jacket and keep to no-wake speed near marinas and launch areas.
Is the Arizona side of Lake Mead less crowded?
Generally, yes. Temple Bar and South Cove are farther from Las Vegas than the Nevada marinas, so the eastern basins tend to be quieter.
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