Limited water resources, especially in places like southern Nevada, send an increasing number of boaters crowding into the same boater hot spots. It doesn’t have to be that way, and boaters do not all have to crowd the same “hot spots” at the lake. There are literally dozens of boating opportunities in southern Nevada waters that see little or no boating even during the most popular boating months of the year.

The key to boating privacy is avoiding these areas. As stated above, there are great numbers of out of the way boating opportunities at all these waterways. “On Lake Mead, I recommend going somewhere besides the Boulder Basin. Simply driving as little as 45 minutes further away from Las Vegas can make all the difference in the quality of your boating experience,” said David Pfiffner, game warden supervisor covering Lake Mead.

The Virgin Basin is growing in popularity, according to Pfiffner, but still offers boaters a wide selection of remote coves and beaches. Boaters can even have those areas all to themselves. This area is easily accessible by boat from Callville Bay Marina, Echo Bay Marina and Temple Bar. Vehicle access is extremely limited, making it a secluded spot for great boating.

North of the Virgin Basin is the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. Vehicle access is better here than in the Virgin Basin, but this also means the use is a little heavier. Overton Landing on the north and Echo Bay Marina on the south both provide launching facilities, groceries and fuel. Echo Bay also offers camping for those who desire formal facilities.

For those willing to make the drive across Hoover Dam, Temple Bar opens the door to the upper most reaches of Lake Mead where the Colorado River drains the Grand Canyon. Simply driving the extra hour to get here will open up a new world for boaters. Boat numbers are low making easy access to nice beaches and quiet, secluded coves. Overnight accommodations, groceries and fuel are available at the marina.

Another area made accessible by crossing the dam is the north end of Lake Mohave. Boaters can launch at Willow Beach and travel upriver toward Hoover Dam or south toward Cottonwood Cove. The water temperature here remains about 52 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year so you need to be careful of hypothermia. By traveling south toward Cottonwood Cove, boaters can access warmer water.

According to the National Park Service, Black Canyon from Willow Beach upstream to Hoover Dam does have seasonal restrictions in place. On Sunday and Monday, year round, only non-motorized vessels are permitted on this stretch of water. The only exception is given to boats using electric trolling motors. Between Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends, Tuesday through Saturday, the area is open to boats with motors of 65 horsepower or less. And finally, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Tuesday through Saturday, there is no restriction on motor size.

Cottonwood Cove is centrally located between Willow Beach and Katherine Landing. This is a full-service marina and provides access to miles of remote shoreline offering boaters a large selection of quiet coves and beaches.

Most of these areas are somewhat remote, so prepare accordingly.

• Let a responsible friend or family member know where you are going, when you’re leaving and when you’re coming back, and who is going with you. If something unexpected does happen, this will go a long way toward helping searchers find you.
• Bring enough drinking water for the day, because there is none available outside of the marinas. Temperatures reaching 120 degrees are common during the summer months and dehydration sets on quite rapidly.
• It is not enough to carry water; you need to drink it regularly throughout the day.
• In addition, a quality first aid kit should be a priority on your list, as should a marine band radio or a cell phone.