Within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Echo Bay Lower Campground operates year-round as a National Park Service facility that serves campers seeking lake access in Nevada's desert landscape. The campground sits near the former Echo Bay Marina, where remnants of past operations including abandoned buildings and equipment create an unusual backdrop for camping.
Sites cluster together with limited privacy between them, particularly noticeable during winter months when vegetation provides less screening. "All sites had restrooms, trash, and water nearby," notes Austin C., highlighting the practical amenities available throughout the campground. Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities, though some reviewers report maintenance issues with restrooms during certain periods. The area experiences significant wild burro activity, with animal waste present throughout campsites that can impact tent camping comfort.
A boat ramp provides direct lake access at the bottom of the road, while hiking opportunities exist along the shoreline. The campground accommodates big rigs and offers standard amenities including dump stations, potable water, and firewood sales. Cell service varies, and the remote location means limited nearby services beyond a sparsely stocked convenience store and gas station.
Access involves driving on roads that some campers describe as rough, particularly affecting approach conditions. The site operates on both reservation and first-come, first-served basis, with availability often better than expected even during peak periods. Summer temperatures reach extreme levels in this desert environment, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping. "Close to the water," observes Micheal D., though current lake levels may require walking to reach recreational water access. For additional options in the region, campers can explore camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Description
Overview
Echo Bay Campground is located in the northern end of the park along the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. Its open year-round and features paved sites that can accommodate tents or RVs, along with tables, fire pits and/or grills. Restrooms and water spigots are located throughout the campsite. Temperatures usually surpass 100F (37C) degrees June-August. In May and September, daytime highs are around 90F (32C). October-April, temperatures are much cooler. Lows can dip to freezing temps December-February. The area averages 4 inches of rain each year. Some sites have views of the lake, and vegetation provides some shade.
Recreation
The Echo Bay developed area has a small picnic area, boat launch and store that sells amenities. Anglers enjoy coming to this area to fish along the many coves that can be accessed by foot or boat. A fish cleaning station is located near the picnic area.
Facilities
Each campsite provides space for up to eight people with one camping unit, i.e., motor home or camp trailer. A maximum of two motorized vehicles, four motorcycles or combination thereof if towed or carried on or by a camper may occupy a site. Paved roads lead to each site, and the sites are asphalt. There are multiple water spigots and restrooms spread out throughout the campground. The restrooms have sinks and toilets. There are no showers. Accessible sites are available. An RV dump station and water refill station are located near the entrance to the Echo Bay Upper Campground on the left.
Natural Features
There is a mix of palm trees, oleanders, mature cottonwood trees and native vegetation that help provide shade and privacy between sites. Wildlife in the area includes many species of birds and lizards along with antelope squirrels and the occasional coyote. Some sites have a view of the lake. Echo Bay is remote, making it an ideal location to view the night skies.
Nearby Attractions
There are many adventures to be discovered from Echo Bay, including the Redstone Picnic Area, the historic once-flooded town of St. Thomas, Rogers Spring, Blue Point Spring and the Valley of Fire State Park.
Charges & Cancellations
If you need to cancel, please cancel as soon as possible through Recreation.gov so availability is opened up to others.
Fee Info
Cash is not accepted at any entrance station or campground at Lake Mead NRA for payment. There is a park entrance fee. The daily entrance (1-7 days) fee is $25 per vehicle. All Interagency and Lake Mead Passes are valid for entry for one vehicle. Full fee schedule can be found on the park website www.nps.gov/lake. Campground payment is $20 and must be made through Recreation.gov. Recreation.gov phone numbers and website are posted at the kiosk and reservations can be made the same day using a credit card only. Cash payments for this campground are not accepted. Please keep your reservation confirmation with you at the site at all times. You may be asked to show the reservation to the camp host.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundEcho Bay Lower Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located in Nevada
Directions
Located along the northwestern portion of Lake Mead along Northshore Road. Access from the north from Overton, Nevada, or Valley of Fire State Park, or from the south from the Las Vegas Valley. The Echo Bay Road turn off is 10 miles south of the Northshore Entrance Station and 40 miles north of the Lake Mead Parkway Entrance Station. The lower campground is about 5 miles from the turnoff to Echo Bay.
Coordinates
36.308137 N
114.436898 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/20/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 3/20/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/20/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 3/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 1 hr 39 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 52 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 4 hrs 10 min from Prescott Valley, AZ






























