Temple Bar Campground
4.1325 reviewsLake Mead National Recreation Area, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV, 89005, USA
Temple Bar Campground
$20.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle for 1-7 days. Campsite reservation fees are $20 per standard nonelectric site. First-come, first-serve sites require payment at the kiosk (credit card only). Interagency and Lake Mead passes are accepted for park entry.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Temple Bar Campground, a hidden gem nestled in the eastern reaches of Lake Mead, Arizona. This year-round desert oasis invites adventurers seeking respite from the crowds, where paved sites welcome both tent campers and RV travelers alike. Each thoughtfully designed campsite comes equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and grills for memorable outdoor meals under star-studded skies. While you'll find convenient water spigots, restrooms, and an RV dump station, the true luxury here is the profound peace and solitude that envelops this remote sanctuary. As darkness falls, prepare to be mesmerized by some of the most pristine night skies in the Southwest.
Temple Bar Campground supports a range of camping styles, focusing on basic amenities for tent and RV camping. Sites are available for individual campers as well as small groups.
Historical SignificanceTemple Bar Campground stands as a gateway to the greater story of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where the enduring spirit of the American Southwest comes alive. While the campground itself serves as a modern basecamp for exploration, it connects visitors to the timeless desert landscape that has captivated travelers, adventurers, and nature seekers for generations.
Weather and SeasonsTemple Bar reveals its dramatic seasonal personality throughout the year. Summer months (June through August) bring the fierce intensity of the desert sun, with temperatures soaring above 100°F (37°C) – perfect for early morning explorations and afternoon siestas in the shade. The campground transforms into a comfortable retreat from October through April, when cooler days invite extended hiking and outdoor activities, though winter nights (December-February) can whisper down to freezing temperatures. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the sweet spot, with May and September temperatures hovering around a pleasant 90°F (32°C). With only 4 inches of annual rainfall, you can count on clear skies for most of your stay.
ElevationPerched at the meeting point of desert and water, Temple Bar Campground offers a unique vantage point in the Lake Mead basin, where the elevation creates its own microclimate and stunning vista opportunities.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an unexpected desert paradise where towering palm trees sway alongside fragrant oleanders and majestic cottonwoods – a surprising oasis that defies typical desert stereotypes. This diverse canopy provides welcome shade and natural privacy between sites, creating intimate camping experiences. The native desert vegetation attracts a delightful cast of wildlife characters: melodious desert birds fill the air with song, curious lizards bask on sun-warmed rocks, playful antelope squirrels dart between campsites, and the haunting calls of coyotes echo across the landscape at dusk. Each day brings new natural discoveries in this vibrant ecosystem where desert meets lake.
Geological RegionTemple Bar Campground occupies a spectacular position in Arizona's eastern Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Here, the rugged desert terrain dramatically meets the crystal-blue waters of Lake Mead, creating a visual feast of colors and textures. The unique microclimate supports an unusual blend of vegetation – from classic desert palms to riverside cottonwoods and Mediterranean oleanders – making this corner of the recreation area a botanical crossroads unlike anywhere else in the region. This geological wonderland serves as your backdrop for adventure, where every sunrise paints the desert cliffs in new hues and every sunset reflects off the lake's mirror-like surface.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available, and paved roads lead to the sites. However, user reviews highlight potential challenges for disabled individuals, such as a restroom door being difficult to open and limited space in stalls.
Sites SizeCampground sites are reported to be relatively small, sufficient for one camping unit or up to four tents. RV spaces may not accommodate larger vehicles comfortably, as evidenced by complaints from users with larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe vegetation, including oleanders, cottonwood trees, and palm trees, provides some sense of privacy between sites.
Total Campsites71 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid summer camping due to extreme heat unless in an RV. Sites closer to water spigots and restrooms are convenient.
Best CampsitesSeveral reviews highlight privacy and shade (e.g., sites with oleanders and cottonwood trees).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 30 days in any developed campground and 90 total days in the park within a consecutive 12-month period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Up to eight people at each site
- one camping unit or up to four tents permitted.
Groups
No specific group camping accommodations are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are paved and feature picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Roads within the campground are paved, and foliage provides privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov only.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability with payment at the kiosk in the campground; no cash accepted.
Cancellation PolicyReservations require a $10 cancellation fee for modifications or cancellations processed before arrival date. Late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's use fee. Changes should be processed three days in advance.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Temple Bar Campground offers a variety of activities, both land-based and water-based. Popular activities include hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors also enjoy the serene environment for stargazing and exploring the surrounding desert landscape.
Hiking
Hiking is available in the surrounding desert landscape, including the Temple View Trail, which offers views of Lake Mead and the changing colors of the 'temple.' User reviews highlight the ample hiking opportunities and spectacular views.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Lake Mead, where anglers often spend days on secluded beaches or coves. Specific details about types of fish are not provided.Boating
Boating is one of the main attractions at Temple Bar. Visitors can launch their boats at the marina or rent one on-site. Boaters often find secluded coves to relax and fish.Wildlife viewing
Birds, lizards, antelope squirrels, and occasional coyotes are commonly seen around the campground. The remote location makes it ideal for observing wildlife and stargazing.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but no specific winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are detailed.Water Sports
Visitors engage in various water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Jet ski launching is made easy at the marina.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in grills, fire rings, portable stoves, and barbecues. Fires must be extinguished completely when left unattended.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsDangers include high summer temperatures exceeding 100°F, occasional wildlife such as coyotes, and the remote location requiring preparedness for emergencies.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services in Boulder City, Nevada, approximately 90 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 annually (all year is considered peak season).
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and all campers are required to dispose of their trash in appropriate receptacles. Recycling facilities are not mentioned explicitly.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Lake Mead but with reduced water levels. Marina offers rentals for boats and jet skis; no swimming areas are near the campground.
Common complaintsReviews mention limited cell service, small campsite sizes, absence of free Wi-Fi, and occasional issues with restroom cleanliness and maintenance.
HostCampground hosts are available on-site and described as friendly, helpful, and attentive. Specific names from reviews include Jim and Andy.
Campground Map
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV, 89005, USA
Driving directionsAccess Temple Bar Campground from the Temple Bar Road turnoff, located 50 miles north of Kingman, Arizona, or 18 miles south of the Nevada/Arizona border on U.S. Highway 93. The campground is approximately 26 miles from the turnoff.
Paved roads lead to the campground. Accessible year-round; remote location with paved roads extending from major highways. Approximately 26 miles from the main highway.Nearby places
Kingman, AZ: 50 miles (90 minutes)
Boulder City, NV: 90 miles (90 minutes)
Las Vegas, NV: 90 miles (90 minutes)
Grand Canyon West: 120 miles (2 hours).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available at the Marina store located 1/4 mile from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.1
25 reviews
Temple Bar Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment about Temple Bar Campground is mixed, with an average rating of 3.96 for campgrounds. Positive aspects include its quiet, remote location, clean facilities, and spectacular night skies. Common complaints involve small sites, maintenance issues, and the lack of cell service. Many visitors appreciate the friendly camp hosts and the marina store for its convenience.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its cleanliness, shade-providing vegetation, and peaceful atmosphere. The marina store and helpful staff receive frequent positive mentions. Highlights include beautiful...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include small campsite sizes, lack of cell service, and maintenance issues such as poorly functioning toilets or overgrown foliage. Some campers are dissatisfied with the...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing sufficient supplies, especially during summer when temperatures are extreme. Campers should also be prepared for the remote location and a lack of cell service. Several...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter and spring are highlighted as the best seasons for a visit due to mild temperatures and quieter conditions, while summer visitors caution about extreme heat and limited shade.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Quotes
Quotes include: 'A wonderful little gem of a campground!' and 'The campground was quiet and you could see the Milky Way Galaxy.'
Based on 25 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific complaints about Site 39 include inadequate space for larger RVs and no cell service. Site 14 reviewers noted overgrown foliage and maintenance lapses. Positive reviews of sites like 35, 44,...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
User reviews note difficulties for disabled visitors, such as a restroom door being hard to open and limited space in stalls.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Reviewers appreciate the pet-friendly policy but remind others to clean up after their pets.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025