Now that summer is here, it’s the perfect time to get outside. Where you can enjoy some fresh air and a lovely summer breeze. If you are anything like us, getting away from the city noise and relishing in some quality time with mother nature is a must-do summer activity. This is why we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite places to go when the weather gets hot. Come check out this list of the best lakes in Nevada that you’ll want to visit this summer.
Remember the weather gets hot in Nevada. Be sure to plan accordingly, especially for those lakes that you’ll need to hike to.
Southern Nevada
1) Lake Mead
One of the most well-known lakes in Nevada, this reservoir is only 24 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Be sure to check out the Hoover Dam from the water.
- Address:
- Lake Mead Visitor Center 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005
- When to go:
- Open year-round
- Things to do:
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- How much does it cost:
- Daily rates
- Vehicle: $25
- Motorcycle: $20
- Individual (walking, cycling): $15
- Vessel: $16
- Head to the website for information on camping and annual passes
- Daily rates
- Website:
2) Lake Mohave
Located south of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, Lake Mohave sits on the Nevada/Arizona border. Lake Mohave lies in steep canyons giving stunning and unforgettable scenery.
- Address:
- Lake Mohave 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005
- When to go:
- Open year-round
- Things to do:
- Fishing,
- Swimming
- Boating
- How much does it cost:
- Weekly rates
- Vehicle: $25
- Motorcycle: $20
- Individual (walking, bicycle): $15
- Vessel: $16
- Weekly rates
- Website:
3) Lake Las Vegas
This resort community is centered around the manmade lake. Here you’ll find an inflatable waterpark, flyboarding, and boating. Lake Las Vegas is the perfect way to spend the weekend without leaving the city.
- Address: 15 Costa Di Lago, Henderson NV, 89011, US
- When to go:
- Open year-round
- Things to do:
- Paddleboarding
- Golfing
- Boating
- How much does it cost:
- Check pricing for rentals on the website
- Website:
Northern Nevada
4) Lake Tahoe
As the most well-known lake in the Silver State, the beautiful and clear Lake Tahoe has plenty of attractions. While the best times to visit are in the spring and fall, there are plenty of things to do during the summer and winter months.
- Address:
- California Visitor Center 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Nevada Visitor Center 169 Highway 50, Stateline, NV 89449
- When to go:
- Open year-round
- Things to do:
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- How much does it cost:
- No entry fee
- Website:
5) Spooner Lake
Spooner Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by aspens and nestled in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Whether you’re looking to get some fishing in or would rather spend the afternoon hiking, you’ll find it here.
- Directions:
- From Carson City, travel 3 miles south on Highway 395 to Highway 50. Head west on Highway 50 approximately 10 miles to Spooner Summit, along the eastern edge of the Sierras. Turn north on Highway 28 for ½ mile to the Spooner Lake Park entrance.
- When to go:
- Open year-round
- Things to do:
- Fishing
- Camping
- Hiking
- How much does it cost:
- NV vehicles: $10
- Non-NV vehicles: $15
- Website:
6) Pyramid Lake
This lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the state of Nevada. When visiting, be sure to check out the museum to learn the significant role Pyramid Lake played in the history of the Paiute Indian tribe.
- Address:
- Pyramid Lake Museum and Visitor Center 709 State St, Nixon, NV 89424
- When to go:
- Open year-round
- Things to do:
- Camping
- Boating
- Fishing
- How much does it cost:
- Daily Boating: $26
- For other fees, such as fishing permits, check out the website
- Website:
Northeastern
7) Angel Lake
At 8,500 feet, the lake is surrounded by a stunningly beautiful landscape. Head up for a camping weekend and spend the nights stargazing and the days fishing. If you’re up for a hike, check out the Hole-In-The-Mountain Peak, the highest point in the East Humboldts.
- Directions:
- 12 miles southwest of Wells on NV 231
- When to go:
- June to October
- Things to do:
- Nonmotorized boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- How much does it cost:
- Day use: $5
- Website:
8) Lamoille Lake
Located in Elko County, south of Spring Creek, Nevada. This hike is a beautiful glimpse at the Ruby Mountains up to the glacier-carved lake. The Lamoille Lake hike isn’t particularly long, only 3.7 miles round trip, but is considered difficult because of the elevation.
- Directions:
- Trailhead starts at the end of the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway
- When to go:
- March to October
- Things to do:
- Hike
- Scenic Drive
- How much does it cost:
- No entry fee
- Website:
9) Wild Horse Reservoir
This remote lake, nearly an hour drive north of the closest town, is a great place to spend the weekend. The park is ideal for camping and the fishing is some of the best in the state. Even during the winter months, the lake is perfect for ice fishing.
- Directions:
- About 66 miles north of Elko on NV-225
- When to go:
- Open year-round
- Things to do:
- Camping
- Fishing
- Boating
- How much does it cost:
- NV vehicles: $5
- Non-NV vehicles: $10
- Website:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/indesx.php?curid=26728992
Though we may have only listed a few of our favorite lakes to visit this summer, there are plenty more great options to choose from. Let us know in the comments what you like to do during the summer months.
If you’re ready to call this beautiful state home, find your dream apartment here. While on your search for the best apartment for you, be sure to head on over to our post about six ways to save money while renting in Nevada.