Echo Bay Campground (Lake Mead)
3.7017 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$20/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$20/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsEcho Bay Campground (Lake Mead)
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard rate is $20. Senior discount applies for $10 per site per night. Additional park entrance fee of $25 per vehicle not included.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider7022938906lake_information@nps.gov
What Campers Say
3.70
Mixed Reviews
Based on 17 reviews
46 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleanshadewell-maintained
"Reviews about Echo Bay Campground are generally mixed, with some highlighting its serene, remote location and clean facilities, while others criticize the lack of shade and outdated amenities."
Fees & Passes at Echo Bay Campground (Lake Mead)
$20/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 30 nights maximum stay. Limited to 90 days per year across Lake Mead Recreation Area.
Cancellation: Reservations canceled within a day of check-in incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee. Ea...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official National Park Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Echo Bay Campground (Lake Mead)
Echo Bay transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings intense desert heat, with mercury soaring past 100°F from June through August—perfect for early morning adventures and lazy afternoons by the water. As autumn arrives in October, the campground becomes a haven of comfortable temperatures that last through April, creating ideal conditions for hiking, exploring, and gathering around evening campfires. With only four inches of rain annually, clear skies dominate the calendar, ensuring spectacular stargazing opportunities nearly every night.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Year-round peak season pricing applies.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations are required starting January 2024.
About Echo Bay Campground (Lake Mead)
Nestled away from the crowds, Echo Bay Campground offers a peaceful retreat where anglers cast their lines at dawn and stargazers lose themselves in pristine desert skies after dark. This well-appointed hideaway features smooth paved roads winding through campsites, modern restroom facilities, convenient water spigots, and shaded picnic tables perfect for outdoor meals. The real magic happens when desert wildlife emerges—curious antelope squirrels darting between sites, roadrunners pausing on pathways, and the occasional wild burro wandering through camp, reminding visitors they're truly immersed in nature.
Echo Bay Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, from tents to RVs. It is designed for individual campers, though group camping details are not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the surrounding landscape at Echo Bay, where camping puts you within easy reach of the haunting St. Thomas ruins—a ghost town that emerges from Lake Mead during low water levels. Just a short drive away, the ancient petroglyphs and fiery sandstone formations of Valley of Fire State Park tell stories spanning thousands of years. These nearby treasures transform a simple camping trip into a journey through time, offering adventurers the chance to explore Nevada's rich cultural tapestry.
Weather and SeasonsEcho Bay transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings intense desert heat, with mercury soaring past 100°F from June through August—perfect for early morning adventures and lazy afternoons by the water. As autumn arrives in October, the campground becomes a haven of comfortable temperatures that last through April, creating ideal conditions for hiking, exploring, and gathering around evening campfires. With only four inches of rain annually, clear skies dominate the calendar, ensuring spectacular stargazing opportunities nearly every night.
Natural Features and SceneryEcho Bay's landscape presents a stunning tapestry of desert beauty, where towering mature cottonwoods spread their cooling canopies over campsites, creating natural gathering spots for both humans and wildlife. Vibrant oleander bushes burst with color against the muted desert palette, while stately desert palms sway in the breeze, offering both shade and privacy. This diverse vegetation attracts an entertaining cast of desert characters—playful antelope squirrels scampering through the underbrush, sunbathing lizards adorning rocks, coyotes calling in the distance at dusk, and the occasional wild burro ambling through camp with endearing stubbornness.
Geological RegionPerched on the edge of the magnificent Mojave Desert, Echo Bay Campground serves as your gateway to one of North America's most fascinating ecosystems. The campground overlooks the serene Overton Arm of Lake Mead, where desert meets water in a dramatic display of contrasts. This unique positioning creates a microclimate where desert survivors like ancient cottonwoods thrive alongside water-loving oleanders and resilient palm trees. The surrounding Mojave landscape stretches endlessly, its weathered mountains and hidden washes telling the geological story of millions of years, while the shimmering waters of Lake Mead provide a stunning counterpoint to the arid terrain.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites are available with paved roads leading to the sites.
Sites SizeSites are paved and can accommodate tents or RVs. Reviews suggest varying sizes, with only half of the open winter sites being RV-sized.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are separated by vegetation such as palm trees and oleanders, providing some level of privacy. However, these bushes are toxic, and their shade coverage depends on the time of day.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with more shade for comfort during hot summers.
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
30 nights maximum stay. Limited to 90 days per year across Lake Mead Recreation Area.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 persons and a combination of motorized vehicles and tents as specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPaved roads and asphalt sites with limited non-electric RV spaces.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservations are required starting January 2024.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can only be made through Recreation.gov or its app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo first-come-first-served availability, all reservations must be prepaid online.
Cancellation PolicyReservations canceled within a day of check-in incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee. Earlier cancellations involve only $10 fee but refund excludes reservation fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
The campground supports a wide range of recreational activities including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The area is particularly popular for boat fishing and exploring nearby natural and historical attractions.
Hiking
Visitors have access to trails for hiking and sightseeing, including nearby attractions like Valley of Fire State Park and ruins of the historic town of St. Thomas. Specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are plentiful, with anglers enjoying fishing along the many coves accessible by foot or boat. A fish cleaning station is located near the picnic area.Boating
The campground is described as a boater’s paradise with a free on-site launch ramp and ample space in RV sites to store boats. Boating activities are supported by the proximity to Lake Mead.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly seen includes birds, lizards, antelope squirrels, bighorn sheep, and even a resident fox at the Upper Campground. Visitors are advised not to leave pets unattended at night due to wildlife activity.Winter Activities
Winter activities are focused on camping and exploring nearby attractions, as only one loop in the Upper Campground remains open in winter.Water Sports
Water-related activities include boating and fishing, but no specific mention of non-motorized water sports is available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be extinguished with water and not left unattended. Allowed only in designated grills and rings.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsOleander plants surrounding the campsites are toxic. Winds can be blustery, potentially posing risks to tents and awnings.
Weather at Echo Bay Campground (Lake Mead)
60
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services closest to the campground are not specified; the ranger station may provide assistance, and nearest town appears to be Overton.
Good to know
Peak season datesYear-round peak season pricing applies.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling receptacles are available throughout the campground and must be used to dispose of waste. Feeding wildlife is prohibited to avoid dependency and health issues for animals.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. Proximity to water ideal for fishing and boating.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted proximity of campsites leading to privacy concerns. Complaints about outdated bathroom facilities were noted. Toxic oleander bushes raised safety concerns.
HostA campground host is present, though reported issues with host absence and drama in recent reviews.
Campground Map
Driving directionsLocated 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.
Paved roads leading into the campground. Accessible year-round, but subject to extreme weather conditions such as heat and occasional high winds.Nearby supplies
The campground has a small store selling basic amenities, gas, and water. Larger provisions might be available 15 miles away in Overton.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.7
17 reviews
Echo Bay Campground (Lake Mead) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews about Echo Bay Campground are generally mixed, with some highlighting its serene, remote location and clean facilities, while others criticize the lack of shade and outdated amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
"Nice and quiet campground," "Clean, well-maintained dump station," and "Great wildlife viewing opportunities" are frequently praised. Shade from vegetation and clean bathrooms are also noted.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
Several reviews mentioned the lack of showers and limited shade at some sites. A few users expressed dissatisfaction with the proximity of sites to each other and the outdated state of bathrooms. One...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest choosing shadier spots and being prepared for strong winds. Visitors should bring provisions as the nearest town is 15 miles away. Quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM are enforced.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is much quieter in winter, with only one loop open and limited RV sites available. Summer sees slower data speeds due to higher crowd density, and high temperatures exceeding 100°F...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bathrooms at the campground were clean and stocked and included flush toilets," stated one user. "Good cell and data reception at the Upper Campground," said another reviewer. "The campground is...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites at the Upper Campground are noted for better cell service. Some reviewers highlight specific sites with better shade coverage due to vegetation. No specific site numbers are mentioned in...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
"Accessible sites are available," states an authoritative source. No user reviews specifically address experiences with accessibility.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed and must be leashed. One reviewer mentioned seeing a resident fox near the camp and advised not to leave pets unattended at night.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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