When people picture Nevada, they usually think of scorching deserts, dusty ghost towns, and miles of rugged terrain. Water activities? Not so much. But that’s where Nevada surprises you. This state is full of incredible national and state parks with lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and springs that offer swimming, kayaking, boating, scuba diving, and even ice fishing.
While most know about Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe, those are just the beginning. Let’s dive into the top places in Nevada where you can cool off, cast a line, or launch a kayak, all surrounded by stunning scenery.
This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.
The Two Most Popular Parks with Water
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Spanning 1.5 million acres across Nevada and Arizona, this is the largest reservoir in the U.S., formed by the mighty Hoover Dam. Visitors can explore Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, both offering spectacular boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside camping. These lakes are often highlighted as top freshwater lakes for scuba diving. The lakes offer a range of depths and submerged sites for both novice and technical divers. It’s a desert playground with over 750 miles of shoreline. Entrance: $15–$25 or valid with the America the Beautiful pass.
Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is a cobalt blue lake (locally known as “Big Blue”) atop the Sierra Nevada Mountain range On the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor is the jewel of the Sierra. Known for its crystal-clear water, smooth granite boulders, and panoramic views, it’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Because Lake Tahoe is the deepest lake in both California and Nevada, its deepest point is 1,645 feet, you can also go scuba diving at Sand Harbor and explore Tahoe’s cobalt depths. Boaters, water-skiers and fisherman can easily launch from one of the park’s two ramps. When the crowds pack Sand Harbor, especially in July and August, you can find respite at nearby Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, where an easy half-mile trail takes you to a beach so secluded that its actually called Hidden Beach. While there are no parking lots here, it’s free to enter and worth the short walk. Hours to the park: 8 AM to 1 hour after sunset. Boat Ramp: 6AM- 8PM Entrance Fees $10.00 ($15.00 for Non-NV Vehicles) Cash Only.
More Parks Where Water Takes Center Stage
Big Bend of the Colorado Recreation Area
Situated on the shores of the Colorado River at Nevada’s southern tip, Big Bend of the Colorado River includes about two miles of sandy shoreline. Because the park is downstream from Davis Dam, the river is clear and cool year-round. Popular activities are camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and bird watching. The nearby town of Laughlin offers the amenities of a Nevada gaming town and lots of other water activities such as jet skiing and river boat tours. Hours for Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area vary by season. November through February, the park is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through May, as well as September and October, hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. June through August, hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Day-use admission to Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state vehicles. Boat launching is $20 for Nevadans and $25 for non-residents.
Cave Lake State Park
Cave Lake offers outstanding recreational opportunities year-round. Situated just off the Great Basin Highway, about 15 minutes south of Ely, this high-elevation hideout feels like a mini–Great Basin National Park with spectacular mountain views and jagged rock formations. Stocked with rainbow trout and home to German brown trout, the 32-acre reservoir provides outstanding fishing and boating. Other summer activities include swimming, hiking, camping and mountain biking. Once winter arrives, you can enjoy ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The park is always open, and the entrance fee is $5.00 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles).
Cave Rock State Park
Atop the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, tucked along the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe, Cave Rock is a great place to put in a boat and explore the crystalline waters of the largest alpine lake in North America. The boat launch offers a double ramp, and the park has more than 40 spaces for trailer parking. A small beach at the south end of the park provides a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling, as well as a good spot to launch a canoe or kayak. A steep shoreline and rocky shoals make this a great location for fishing and enjoying the majestic beauty of Lake Tahoe. Cave Rock and the surrounding areas remain sacred to the Washoe Tribe, and as such, activities like hiking and rock climbing here are restricted. Cave Rock State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Entrance fee is $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state vehicles. Boat launching (includes entry) is $20 for Nevadans and $25 for non-residents.
Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Situated in a colorful canyon, with towering walls up to 700 feet high and a long, verdant valley in between, Kershaw-Ryan State Park is an oasis in the desert, a sharp contrast to the rugged landscape that surrounds it. Natural springs grow a garden of wild grapevines, white oaks, fruit trees and willows, and a spring-fed pond provides a seasonal children’s wading pool. It is not unusual to see wild horses, deer and other wildlife come to the water. With plenty of places to picnic and a series of trails that wind throughout, the park is a great choice for hiking, camping and nature study. The campground is open 24 hrs., and the day use area is from 8 AM to sunset.
Lahontan State Recreational Area
Named after an ancient lake, Lahontan Reservoir was originally built as part of an irrigation project to water nearby farmlands. With willows and cottonwoods scattered along 69 miles of shoreline, the park is one of most popular places in Nevada to boat, fish, water-ski, swim, horseback ride, camp and enjoy the outdoors year-round. Canoeing from Fort Churchill to the lake makes for a great day trip. Lahontan is a nesting site for bald eagles. The park is always open. Entrance fee is $5.00 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles).
Rye Patch State Recreation Area
Rye Patch is situated on a 22-mile-long reservoir that has 72 miles of shoreline and 11,000 acres of water surface when full. Visitors enjoy camping, picnicking, swimming and water-skiing, and fisherman delight in the available white bass, catfish, black bass and walleye. The park also serves as a popular base camp for off-road vehicles, ghost town exploration and gold prospecting. Open year round, 24/7. Entrance fee is $5.00 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles).
South Fork State Recreation Area
A driving trip to the Elko area wouldn’t be the same without a stop-off at South Fork Recreation Area, a scenic wonderland with a stunning backdrop of the Ruby Mountains and more wildlife than you ever imagined the state of Nevada could hold. The expansive reservoir holds an abundant cache of catfish, bass and trophy size trout. Outdoor activities abound here with hunting, camping, boating and swimming in summer. Winter brings ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. At the base of the snow-capped Ruby Mountains, this expansive, 1,650-acre state recreation area is surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of wildlife-filled meadowlands, rolling hills and of course the beautiful reservoir. The park is always open, and the entrance fee is $5 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles).
Spring Valley State Park
Volcanic tuff and sediment give Spring Valley State Park a beautiful light-gray, pink and white backdrop. It is a popular area for boating, swimming, water skiing and camping on the 65-acre Eagle Valley Reservoir. The 59-acre Eagle Valley Reservoir offers fisherman an opportunity to catch rainbow, tiger and German brown trout. When the lake freezes over in the winter, ice fishing is exceptional here. The park also allows visitors the opportunity to tour historic ranches built in the late 1800s. Always open, entrance fee is $5.00 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles).
Washoe Lake State Park
Nestled in a scenic valley where bald eagles soar, Washoe Lake State Park offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada, Carson and Virginia mountain ranges. The park offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Watersports like kayaking are obviously a big draw, and the zephyr-fed waters make it a popular destination to windsurf. Anglers can aim for bullhead catfish, wipers, white bass and Sacramento Perch. For those who prefer to adventure with a camera and binoculars, wildlife is abundant throughout the valley. Nevada’s iconic wild horses roam freely in the eastern hills that lead to Virginia City. Situated between Reno and Carson City, the park is a true treasure for locals and visitors to enjoy year-round. The Park is open all year round, 24/7. The entrance fee is $5.00 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles)
Wild Horse State Recreation Area
Remote and remarkable, situated at a stunning 6,200 feet, the same elevation as Lake Tahoe, Wild Horse State Recreation Area is not only a great spot for summer activities, but winter brings lots of fun too. If you plan on visiting during the summer months, Wild Horse is a popular favorite for some of the best boating, swimming, camping, and hiking in the area. There is a boat ramp located right next to the day-use beach. The reservoir near the park is a popular fishing site, with rainbow and German brown trout, small mouth bass, yellow perch and catfish. Cold winters make the lake an ideal location for ice fishing and skating. You may want to explore on your snowmobiles or skis if fishing isn’t your thing. The park is always open. Entrance fee is $5.00 ($10 for Non-NV Vehicles).
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Desert
Nevada might be known for its dry heat and dusty trails, but if you know where to look, it’s a water-lover’s paradise. From alpine lakes to desert reservoirs, you’ll find dozens of opportunities to swim, fish, paddle, or just relax by the water. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip, an off-season escape, or just looking to beat the heat, these parks prove that Nevada’s wild side includes plenty of waves, ripples, and splashes.
We want to give you the information and tips we learn during our trips to help you when you’re planning your adventures. We love traveling and road trips and finding new places to explore. If you ever want help planning a road trip, check out roadtrippers.com and use code BTR5QTP to save $5. They give you suggestions for stops along the way and places to eat. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, go out, have fun and make lots of memories. So, pack your swimsuit, fishing pole, or kayak—and don’t forget the sunscreen. Nevada’s got water waiting for you.