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Overview
Cottonwood Cove is a small, unincorporated community on the Nevada side of Lake Mohave, roughly 14 miles east of Searchlight, Nevada. It sits within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area — the first national recreation area established in the United States — and functions primarily as a launching point for water-based recreation on Lake Mohave, a reservoir on the Colorado River impounded by Davis Dam to the south.
The setting is stark high Mojave Desert: rugged volcanic and granite mountains dropping sharply to a long, relatively narrow lake. The water is strikingly blue against the pale rock, making it visually dramatic even by desert standards. The community itself consists of a marina, a campground, a small store, and associated service facilities — there is no town center, restaurant district, or shopping street. Visitors should plan accordingly and arrive self-sufficient.
Because of its elevation and position, Cottonwood Cove is noticeably less crowded than the Boulder Beach area near Las Vegas, which makes it appealing to travelers who want a quieter lake experience. It is a place built almost entirely around the outdoor recreation the lake affords.
Before You Go
Entry and Fees
Cottonwood Cove falls within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which charges an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful annual pass (Interagency Annual Pass) is accepted and can offset the cost for repeat visitors. Verify current fee amounts at the National Park Service website or on-site before arrival.
Climate
Summers are extremely hot — daytime highs routinely exceed 110°F (43°C) between June and August. Heat-related illness is a genuine risk. If you visit in summer, plan water activities for early morning, carry far more water than you think you need, and avoid strenuous land-based exertion during midday. Winter nights can be cold, occasionally dropping near or below freezing. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for a broad range of activities.
What to Bring
- Ample drinking water (fill up before leaving Searchlight or Las Vegas; facilities are limited)
- Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, hat, UV-protective clothing
- Fuel: the marina may sell fuel for boats; verify before relying on it for your vehicle
- Food and snacks beyond what you expect to need — the on-site store carries basics but selection is limited
- Cash and cards: verify what payment methods the marina and campground accept, as connectivity can be intermittent
Reservations
Campsite reservations at the NPS campground are managed through Recreation.gov. During spring break, holiday weekends, and peak fall weekends, sites fill well in advance. Boat slip availability at the marina should be confirmed directly with the concessionaire.
Getting There
By Car
Cottonwood Cove is the primary practical way to arrive. From Las Vegas (approximately 75 miles), take US-95 South to Searchlight, then head east on Nevada State Route 164 (Cottonwood Cove Road) for about 14 miles to the lake. The road is paved and passable for standard passenger vehicles and tow vehicles pulling boat trailers. Very large RVs should check road advisories in advance.
From Laughlin/Bullhead City to the south, the drive is roughly 30 miles via NV-163 and US-95 North to Searchlight, then east on NV-164. There is no commercial air service near Cottonwood Cove itself; Las Vegas (Harry Reid International Airport) is the nearest major airport.
By Boat
Lake Mohave connects to other launch points along its length, including Katherine Landing on the Arizona side near Bullhead City. Boaters can reach Cottonwood Cove from these locations, though distances on the lake are significant — confirm nautical distances and fuel availability before making the crossing.
Getting Around
There is no public transportation at Cottonwood Cove, and the community is compact enough that once you are there, everything — campground, marina, launch ramp, store — is within walking distance of each other. A personal vehicle is essential for reaching the site and for any excursion to Searchlight or beyond for supplies.
On the water, boat rentals (powerboats, personal watercraft, and houseboats) have historically been available through the marina concessionaire. Availability and rental terms change; contact the concessionaire directly to verify current offerings before your trip. If you bring your own vessel, the paved launch ramp handles a range of boat sizes.
Where to Stay
Campground
The NPS campground at Cottonwood Cove offers developed sites with some amenities. Both tent and RV sites have historically been available, though hookup availability is limited — verify specifics on Recreation.gov when booking. Restrooms and dump stations are generally on-site; confirm current operational status before arrival.
Houseboating
Houseboat rentals on Lake Mohave have historically been offered through the marina concessionaire and represent a distinctive lodging option — you sleep on the water and are free to anchor in remote coves. These are popular and book out considerably in advance during peak season. Contact the concessionaire directly for current availability and rates.
Nearby Towns
Searchlight (approximately 14 miles west) has very limited lodging. For a broader range of hotels, motels, and services, Laughlin, Nevada (approximately 30 miles south) or Las Vegas (approximately 75 miles northwest) are the practical alternatives. Laughlin in particular is a reasonable base for those who want amenities alongside day trips to Cottonwood Cove.
Things to See & Do
Boating and Water Sports
Boating is the defining activity here. Lake Mohave is narrower and calmer than Lake Mead proper, with long stretches of canyon-walled water that reward exploration by powerboat, kayak, or paddleboard. Personal watercraft are popular on weekends. The lake extends roughly 67 miles between Hoover Dam to the north and Davis Dam to the south.
Fishing
Lake Mohave has a reputation as one of the better fisheries in the Southwest. Striped bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and channel catfish are among the species present. Trout fishing tends to be better in cooler months; bass fishing picks up in spring. A valid Nevada or Arizona fishing license is required depending on where on the lake you fish — the state line runs down the middle of the Colorado River/lake. Verify current licensing requirements with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Swimming
There are designated swimming areas near the cove. The water is generally clear. No lifeguards are on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. Be aware that water temperatures can be cold early in the season despite air temperatures feeling warm.
Wildlife Watching and Hiking
The surrounding Mojave Desert supports desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, various lizard species, and migratory birds, particularly during spring and fall. There are no maintained hiking trails departing directly from the cove facility, but the broader Lake Mead NRA contains trails accessible by boat or by driving to other trailheads. Verify current trail conditions with the NPS visitor center.
Stargazing
Light pollution is minimal at Cottonwood Cove. Clear desert nights offer excellent stargazing, especially during new moon periods.
Food & Drink
On-site food options at Cottonwood Cove are limited to what the marina store stocks, which tends toward snacks, packaged goods, and basic supplies rather than prepared meals. Do not plan your meals around finding a restaurant at the cove — there isn't one in the traditional sense. Verify with the concessionaire whether any grill or food service is currently operating, as offerings have varied over the years.
Bring a cooler stocked with food and beverages purchased in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Laughlin before arrival. If you are camping for several days, plan meals thoroughly in advance. Charcoal grills are common camping equipment here and work well given the dry conditions — observe any fire restrictions posted by the NPS, which can change seasonally or during elevated fire danger.
Practical Information
Cell Service
Mobile coverage is sparse at Cottonwood Cove and unreliable on the lake. Do not rely on your phone for navigation once you leave the highway. Download offline maps before arriving and inform someone of your plans.
Fuel
Vehicle fuel is not available at Cottonwood Cove. Fill up in Searchlight or before leaving Las Vegas or Laughlin. Marine fuel may be available at the marina — verify before depending on it.
Medical and Emergency Services
There are no medical facilities at Cottonwood Cove. The nearest hospitals are in Laughlin/Bullhead City or Las Vegas. For emergencies on the lake or in the recreation area, contact the NPS or dial 911 if you have cell signal. A VHF marine radio is a practical safety item for boaters in areas with poor cell coverage.
Waste and Leave No Trace
The site has waste disposal facilities, but capacity is limited. Pack out what you pack in whenever possible. Regulations regarding waste disposal on the lake (gray water, sewage from houseboats) are governed by NPS rules — review these before your trip if you are renting a houseboat.
Safety
Heat
Heat illness is the most significant risk at Cottonwood Cove during summer months. Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate quickly in temperatures above 110°F. Drink water consistently, seek shade regularly, and do not underestimate how quickly conditions become dangerous, especially for children and older adults.
Water Safety
Boating accidents are a documented hazard on Lake Mohave. All vessels are required to carry properly sized US Coast Guard-approved life jackets for every person aboard; wearing them is strongly encouraged, particularly for children and non-swimmers. Be alert to changing weather, afternoon winds, and the wakes of larger vessels. Alcohol and boating is illegal and contributes to accidents nationwide.
Flash Flooding
Desert canyons surrounding the lake can experience rapid flash flooding during summer monsoon storms. If you are hiking or anchored in a canyon cove during a storm, move to higher ground or open water promptly.
Wildlife
Rattlesnakes inhabit the surrounding desert. Watch where you step, especially around rocks and at dawn and dusk. Do not handle any wildlife.
