Best Beaches for Camping in Nevada

Washoe Lake State Park is a picturesque destination located on the southeast shore of Washoe Lake in Carson City, Nevada. The park spans over 3,700 acres and offers a diverse range of activities and scenic views. It is known for its high winds, making it a popular spot for windsurfers. The area is rich in history, with the Washoe people being the first known inhabitants, and later influenced by the silver mining boom of the 1800s. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and camping amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The park provides a serene escape from urban life, with its proximity to Reno and Carson City offering easy access to amenities. The beach area features soft white sand, stretching approximately eight miles, and offers facilities like picnic tables and barbecue grills. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Washoe Lake State Park is a year-round destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Lake Mead Marina, located in Boulder City, Nevada, is a vibrant destination offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The marina is situated on the shores of Lake Mead, providing stunning views and access to crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The area also features sandy beaches, picnic areas, and restrooms, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The marina itself is well-equipped with amenities like boat rentals, marine services, and restaurants, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all who visit.

The surrounding landscape offers a unique blend of desert and lake scenery, with nearby attractions like the Hoover Dam and Boulder Beach adding to its appeal. The marina is open year-round, making it a great destination regardless of the season.

For those looking to explore beyond the marina, Boulder City offers a charming small-town atmosphere with historic sites, shops, and dining options.

Echo Bay is located on the western shore of the Overton Arm in Lake Mead, within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It offers a serene and scenic getaway with opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing, and boating. The area is known for its beautiful sandstone cliffs and secluded coves, providing a peaceful retreat from urban life.
The beach at Echo Bay features hard sand and gravel, making it ideal for swimming and picnicking. The water is generally calm and clear, with visibility up to 20 feet, although it can be affected by the low water levels in Lake Mead.
Historically, Echo Bay was a popular spot for Las Vegas businessmen and later became a family-friendly destination. It is also famously linked to the name of eBay, as its founder, Pierre Omidyar, was inspired by the area's name.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located in Moapa Valley, Nevada, is a breathtaking destination offering a mix of water activities and outdoor adventures. Spanning over 820 miles of shoreline, it includes both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, providing a diverse landscape of soft and rocky sand beaches. The area is a popular spot for swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking. It is situated near the historic Hoover Dam and the scenic Valley of Fire State Park, making it an ideal location for those interested in both natural beauty and historical landmarks.
The recreation area attracts millions of visitors annually, offering a wide range of activities and amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Dogs are allowed on leashes, though there are no lifeguards on duty, so visitors must take appropriate precautions when swimming.
The area's unique blend of desert landscapes and vast water bodies creates a visually stunning environment, perfect for appreciating spectacular scenery and engaging in various outdoor pursuits.

Sportsman's Beach, located near Hawthorne, Nevada, offers a serene camping experience on the shores of stunning Walker Lake. This straightforward camping spot provides a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and yurts, making it suitable for various types of campers. The area is known for its beautiful views and spacious areas, perfect for setting up camp. Visitors can enjoy fire pits and picnic tables right on the lake's edge, creating a cozy atmosphere, especially during sunset. The campground is a great stop for those traveling between Reno and Las Vegas, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the unique aspects of Sportsman's Beach is its proximity to wildlife, including big horn sheep that roam nearby. The area is also steeped in history, being part of the Walker River Indian Reservation. Despite its basic amenities—such as vault toilets and no running water—campers appreciate the tranquility and the chance to connect with nature.

The quiet nights, with only the sounds of nature to keep them company, make it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the outdoors.

Boulder Beach is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, near Boulder City, Nevada. It offers a stunning waterfront experience with activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is part of a larger recreational area that includes hiking trails and scenic views of Lake Mead, a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam. The area is known for its hot desert summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the best times to visit. Boulder Beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
The beach itself stretches along the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead, providing ample opportunities for water sports and relaxation. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Hoover Dam and the Historic Railroad Trail.
Boulder Beach is well-equipped with amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and nearby dining options in Boulder City, making it an ideal destination for family outings and adventure seekers alike.

Lake Mohave, part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is a stunning reservoir located on the Colorado River between the Hoover Dam and Davis Dam. It offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and water activities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is shared by Nevada and Arizona, providing a diverse range of recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. With its warm water temperatures, Lake Mohave is ideal for swimming and water sports year-round. The surrounding Mojave Desert offers breathtaking views and diverse wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.
The lake's shoreline is dotted with resorts like Cottonwood Cove and Katherine Landing, which offer amenities such as marinas, campgrounds, and restaurants. These facilities cater to both day visitors and those looking for extended stays, providing a comfortable base to explore the area's natural beauty.
The combination of desert and water creates a fascinating ecosystem, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna adapted to the harsh yet beautiful environment of the Mojave Desert.

Zephyr Cove Resort Beach, located on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe, offers a stunning mile-long beach with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The resort is a full-service destination, providing amenities like a restaurant, beach bar and grill, and a general store. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, parasailing, kayaking, and beach volleyball. The resort also offers year-round cruises to Emerald Bay on the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler. Managed by Aramark Corp. under a special use permit with the USDA Forest Service, Zephyr Cove is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, making it an ideal spot for both summer and winter activities.
The beach is well-equipped with picnic tables, public bathrooms, and shade areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. However, it's important to note that dogs are not allowed, and certain items like glass containers and charcoal grills are prohibited to maintain the area's natural beauty.
Zephyr Cove is nestled near other popular spots like Kings Beach and Incline Village, making it a great base for exploring Lake Tahoe's diverse landscapes and attractions.