Sandy beach
No
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Hemenway Beach and Harbor are one of the most easily accessible lakeshore areas for visitors to Lake Mead National Recreation Area who are entering the park from the Las Vegas/Boulder City area.

Hemenway Beach provides a high-trafficked alternative to nearby Boulder Beach, as Boulder Beach permits swimming while prohibiting boating and fishing. Hemenway Harbor, meanwhile, doesn't allow swimming and instead provides parking and lake access for fishing, a boat launch ramp, shallow shores for personal watercraft input, boat and kayak rentals and tours and a marina with a small cafe. Visitors may also head to Hemenway Marina for lake cruises on passenger boats.

With a couple large beaches and plentiful parking, Hemenway Harbor is more of a functional beach. However, visitors can find quieter coves here if they look. At the top of the boat launch ramp, a road heads north, leading down a well graded dirt road to a parking area along the water with small fishing dock. Visitors can take this dirt road another half mile to Boulder Beach, however the gates on this road close at dusk. 

Hemenway Beach also allows pets on leash in designated areas. Trash and vault toilets are located along the water. 

Visitors should be aware that there is no swimming allowed at Hemenway Beach. 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area rules and entrance fees apply.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easiest water access from Las Vegas area.

Cons

Can get crowded. Less scenic area of Lake Mead.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

Vault toilet
Boat ramp(s)
Big vistas
Marina
Family friendly
Fishing

Location

Nearby Adventures

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Las Vegas + Southern Nevada, Nevada
Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.