Top 15 Stunning Lakes to Visit in Nevada

When many individuals envision the state of Nevada, they often think of gambling, arid landscapes, and mining activities. However, there is a wealth of diverse features in the USA’s 7th largest state. Nevada’s terrain consists of mountains, valleys, forests, and rivers.

The majority of Nevada lies within the Great Basin, although the southern third of the state is predominantly desert. It hosts numerous lakes, varying in size and offering refreshing havens from the heat. For those planning a visit, here are the 15 premier lakes in Nevada.

1. Lake Tahoe; Douglas & Washoe County

This prominent tourist destination is nestled within the Sierra Nevada and is shared between California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is recognized as the largest alpine lake in North America, distinguished by its breathtaking views.

Formed over 2 million years ago, Lake Tahoe spans 49,000 hectares and sits at an elevation exceeding 1,800 meters, allowing for year-round accessibility.

During the winter, Lake Tahoe draws ski enthusiasts and famously hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Conversely, summer visitors indulge in boating, jet skiing, paragliding, and swimming among other activities.

2. Lake Mead; Clark County

Located along the Colorado River, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. The extensive 64,000-hectare lake is situated just 39 kilometers east of Las Vegas and extends partially into Arizona.

Encircled by mountain ranges, Lake Mead presents stunning vistas—especially at sunset—enticing photographers globally.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Lake Mead serves as a hub for recreation. Boating emerges as the predominant activity, alongside opportunities for fishing, water skiing, and swimming.

3. Pyramid Lake; Washoe County

Pyramid Lake, nourished by the Truckee River, has no outlet; thus, its water leaves only through evaporation. Nestled at an elevation of 1,157 meters in the Sierra Nevada, this lake spans 49,000 hectares.

The lake represents the largest remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, dating back to the last ice age. Anaho Island, situated in its southern section, is celebrated for its population of American white pelicans.

While Pyramid Lake is not a site for recreation, it is renowned for its remarkable beauty, drawing admirers to its awe-inspiring surroundings.

4. Lake Mohave; Clark County

Lake Mohave, situated just south of Mead Lake along the Colorado River, straddles the border with Arizona and forms part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

This 10,700-hectare lake is a paradise for scuba divers, thanks to attractions like the Black Canyon, Ringbolt Rapids, and various wreck dives. The Black Canyon also hosts numerous hot springs.

Visitors may engage in swimming, boating, kayaking, and water skiing, in addition to enjoying fishing, as the lake teems with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish.

5. Lake Las Vegas; Clark County

This artificial lake was designed explicitly for tourism, featuring three significant resorts along its 16-kilometer shoreline. Lake Las Vegas serves as a desirable alternative for those preferring a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling Las Vegas.

Apart from the resorts, there is also a sizable casino and two golf courses available at the 130-hectare lake. Each resort includes a designated swimming beach and offers various water sports activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

For those seeking adventure, options such as wakeboarding, flyboarding, and water skiing await, while visitors seeking relaxation may enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or sipping cocktails at one of the lakeside bars.

6. Walker Lake; Mineral County

Walker Lake is a natural body of water located on the eastern side of the Wassuk Range, named after mountain man Joseph R. Walker.

The Walker Lake Recreation Area, also known as Monument Beach, is situated on the western side of the 13,000-hectare lake. Interestingly, the world’s largest ammunition depot is located just south of the lake.

The scenic beauty surrounding the lake is remarkable, particularly from the perspective of U.S. Route 95. It also serves as a suitable location for swimming, picnicking, boating, and fishing.

7. Angel Lake; Elko County

This glacial lake, perched at an elevation of 2,554 meters above sea level in the East Humboldt Range, is notably small but exceptionally picturesque, thanks to its accompanying cliffs and vibrant hues.

The 5.3-hectare lake is a favored locale for recreational activities, particularly among kayakers, canoeists, and anglers. An extensive hiking trail, over seven kilometers long, traverses the shoreline and the surrounding area.

The Angel Lake Campground, located to the east, offers single and double campsites with outstanding views of the lake. Facilities at the campground are available for day use as well.

8. Washoe Lake; Washoe County

This 2,347-hectare lake is positioned in Washoe Valley, located east of Lake Tahoe and north of Carson City. Being shallow, it serves as a sanctuary for a diverse range of bird species.

Washoe Lake attracts water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfers and kiteboarders, owing to the consistent winds known as the Washoe Zephyr during the summer months.

Along the southeast shore lies the Washoe Lake State Park, which operates year-round and offers facilities for picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping.

9. Spooner Lake; Washoe County

Positioned just east of Lake Tahoe within the Sierra Nevada, Spooner Lake is part of the Lake Tahoe–Nevada State Park, making it a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning backcountry scenery.

Regularly stocked with trout, Spooner Lake is a favored spot for fishing. Additionally, it serves as the starting point for an eight-kilometer trail that connects it to Marlette Lake.

Visitors can camp at the lake or stay in lakeside cabins, making it an excellent choice for day-trippers appreciating the surrounding wilderness.

10. Lamoille Lake; Elko County

This glacial lake resides within the Ruby Mountains at an elevation nearing 3,000 meters. Lamoille Lake marks the entrance to the stunning Lamoille Canyon, rendering it extraordinarily picturesque.

The surrounding area is popular among hikers, as the trail is part of the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail. This 61-kilometer trail is renowned for presenting some of the most breathtaking views in the nation.

Fishing, picnicking, and camping are available at the lake, although most visitors are drawn by the trail and the spectacular scenery.

11. Topaz Lake; Douglas County

Situated along the California-Nevada border just southeast of Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake spans 908 hectares and was established in 1922 by damming the West Walker River.

Today, Topaz Lake serves as a popular destination for recreational activities, including water skiing, jet skiing, boating, and fishing. Both states ensure it remains well-stocked with trout.

For those wishing to stay overnight, there are three campgrounds surrounding the lake, providing an excellent base for exploring the area.

12. Wild Horse Reservoir; Elko County

This man-made lake resulted from the impoundment of the Owyhee River. The 1,150-hectare reservoir is located within the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and hosts the Wild Horse State Recreation Area.

The recreational area caters to visitors year-round, providing opportunities for water skiing, picnicking, boating, ice skating, snowmobiling, and skiing. Fishing is permitted throughout the year.

Camping facilities are present within the recreational area; however, accommodation options nearby are limited. Nevertheless, the lake and its surrounding valley’s beauty compel many visitors to linger to fully appreciate it.

13. Lake Lahontan; Lyon & Churchill Counties

Lake Lahontan is a contemporary lake situated on the Carson River, featuring 111 kilometers of shoreline entirely within the Lahontan State Recreation Area.

This destination is ideal for various recreational activities, including boating, camping, and fishing, with the lake well-stocked with wipers, white bass, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass.

For those less inclined to engage in water activities, options for picnicking and hiking are available, noting that a small fee is required for entry into the recreation area.

14. Wilson Reservoir; Elko County

Wilson Reservoir is a man-made lake situated at an elevation exceeding 1,600 meters. Although the land surrounding the lake belongs to the Petan Ranch, the lake itself is accessible to the public.

This serene lake benefits from the stunning backdrop of the Bull Run Mountains, with public-use areas offering camping sites, picnic facilities, and boat ramps.

Numerous visitors frequent Wilson Reservoir to fish for striped bass, channel catfish, walleye, and crappie, with all species available year-round.

15. Overland Lake; Elko County

This picturesque lake is indeed a visual delight, nestled within Overland Canyon and surrounded by the stunning Ruby Mountains. Overland Lake represents a serene retreat.

The 61-kilometer Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail hugs the eastern shore of the lake, linking it to other lakes within the county. The trail segment presents a three-hour hike, making it convenient for day-trippers.

Notably, Overland Lake is also well-regarded for wildlife viewing, while fishing and horseback riding opportunities are readily available.