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National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Boulder City · 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005

🤠 Western
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Free· No rental fee
Available · Permit required to film
Location fee$0 · Free

Free to use · Apply for permit using contact info below

At a glance

Type

National Recreation Area

Setting

Exterior

Parking

Yes – multiple marinas and shore access points

Power

Limited – generators needed

Permit

Required

Visual character

The Mojave Desert meets a massive blue freshwater lake — Hoover Dam, stark canyon walls, desert coves, and the contrast of neon-blue water against naked red rock. Accessible from Las Vegas in 30 minutes.

About

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, established in 1936 around Hoover Dam just 30 miles from Las Vegas, offers an extraordinary visual contrast: the Mojave Desert's stark red canyon walls meeting the deep blue expanse of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. The juxtaposition of barren desert and water is striking and unique — a landscape unlike anywhere else in the West. Boulder Basin's canyon coves, accessible by boat, provide isolated filming environments away from marina crowds. The park includes over 1.5 million acres across Nevada and Arizona. NPS commercial filming permits are required — and strictly enforced, with potential fines and incarceration for unpermitted commercial filming. Contact the permit office at 702-293-8990. Minimum 10 business days; up to 45 days for complex productions. Las Vegas proximity means exceptional crew and equipment access. A high-value location for any Southwest production with water and desert requirements.

Color Palette

Where you'll be

Permit Information

✓ Verified
RequiredYes
TypeNPS Commercial Film Permit
FeeVaries – NPS location fee + cost recovery; min 10 business days, up to 45 days

Includes Lake Mohave (Katherine Landing) and portions near Laughlin, NV. Commercial filming without permit carries fine and potential jail time.

Apply for Permit →

Contact

👤Lake Mead NRA Commercial Film Permit Office
📞702-293-8990
📍 Open in Google Maps

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