Temple Bar Campground (Lake Mead)

Star4.28
14 reviews
601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV, 89005, USA
Temple Bar Campground (Lake Mead)
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees vary based on activities and location. Reservation fees for campsites are $8 online or $9 through the contact center, with an...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(702) 293-8906lake_information@nps.gov

About this campground

Nestled along the shores of Lake Mead, Temple Bar Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of desert solitude and waterfront recreation. Wake to sunrise painting the crystal-blue waters in shifting hues of gold and azure, then spend your days exploring the Temple View Trail's panoramic vistas or launching your boat from the nearby marina. Each campsite comes equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies, while convenient restroom facilities and potable water stations ensure comfort during your stay. When you're ready for a break from camp cooking, the seasonal café offers a welcome respite with lakeside dining.
Temple Bar Campground primarily caters to traditional camping experiences with areas suitable for tent camping. RV accommodations are also hinted at due to the presence of a dump station.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high desert, where spring and fall deliver perfect camping weather with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons. March emerges as a favorite among seasoned visitors, offering cool temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched escape, though wise campers seek early morning adventures and afternoon siestas to beat the intense heat. The minimal shade makes spring and fall the prime seasons for those seeking to fully embrace all the outdoor activities Temple Bar has to offer.
ElevationPerched within the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, the campground offers a unique vantage point overlooking Lake Mead's impressive waters. Though specific elevation details vary with the desert terrain, visitors find themselves immersed in classic high desert landscapes where ancient geological forces meet modern recreational paradise.
Natural Features and SceneryA surprising oasis awaits beneath the shade of towering eucalyptus trees, their aromatic leaves rustling in the desert breeze alongside graceful palms and fragrant oleander bushes. This unexpected greenery creates intimate camping spaces that feel worlds away from the surrounding desert. While changing water levels have created a bit more distance between campsites and Lake Mead's sapphire shoreline, the ever-evolving landscape offers its own testament to nature's dynamic forces, with new beaches and coves revealing themselves as the seasons change.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Mojave Desert, Temple Bar Campground showcases the raw beauty of one of North America's most distinctive landscapes. Here, ancient rock formations tell stories millions of years in the making, while the Colorado River basin's influence creates a stunning contrast between arid desert highlands and the life-giving waters of Lake Mead. This unique convergence of ecosystems offers visitors a front-row seat to observe how water shapes and sustains life in the desert.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityUsers noted that some facilities, such as the women’s bathroom, may not be accessible to individuals with disabilities due to the hard-to-open door and inadequate space in the stalls.
Sites SizeSites are generally small, suitable for 1-2 small tents. "Sites are a little small compared to a lot of other campgrounds."
Sites PrivacySites are described as cozy, with oleanders providing some privacy. "The oleanders give privacy even with low usage." Some users complimented the cozy feel, while others noted sparse shade.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites further from the bathrooms may provide quieter experiences, though visitors noted proximity impacts internet access.

Reserving a campsite

Groups
No details about group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are noted to be a little small compared to other campgrounds but are surrounded by trees and oleanders creating a cozy feel.
Walk-in AvailabilityTemple Bar Campground is entirely first-come, first-served. Reviews suggest sites are often available, even during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made as this campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific rules for cancellations or no-show fees do not apply.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Temple Bar Campground offers a variety of activities, primarily centered around its proximity to Lake Mead. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and stargazing. Wildlife viewing opportunities and serene lake views are also highlights. However, swimming is not permitted in the immediate area.
Hiking
Hiking is available through the desert along the Temple View Trail, offering views of Lake Mead and the surrounding natural beauty. "The views were spectacular!"
Boating
Boating is a popular activity at the campground. Visitors can launch their own boats or rent from the marina. "Launch your own boat or rent one from the marina."
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned as an enjoyable activity. Specific species were not noted, but the serene environment encourages such opportunities.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are detailed in the source materials.
Water Sports
No additional details about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are provided, but boating is highlighted as a key activity.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed and each site includes a fire ring.

Hazards

General hazardsExtreme heat during summer is noted by reviewers. Cobwebs, bugs in the bathrooms, and water hose issues are minor concerns raised by users.

Weather forecast

63
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 48%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 7.7 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

The closest emergency services are likely in Kingman, AZ, 50 miles away, or Boulder City, NV, approximately 60 miles away. Specific emergency services for hospitals, police, or ranger stations were not detailed.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are provided, but a general store nearby may serve some needs.
Proximity to water featuresLake Mead is accessible but water levels have dropped significantly, making it farther away compared to historical levels.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include restroom cleanliness issues, limited shade during summer, and fluctuating water levels at Lake Mead which affect accessibility.
HostJim, a friendly and attentive campground host, was praised for his helpfulness, especially in checking on campers' needs like running generators.

Campground Map

601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV, 89005, USA
Driving directionsLocated along the eastern side of the park in Arizona. Access from the south from Kingman, Arizona or from the north by the Las Vegas Valley. The Temple Bar turnoff from US Hwy 93 is 50 miles north of Kingman and 18 miles south of the Nevada/Arizona border. The campground is about 26 miles from the turnoff for Temple Bar.
The road leading to Temple Bar Campground is accessible by paved highways, but it requires a 26-mile drive from the nearest turnoff (US Hwy 93). Seasonal factors were not mentioned, but the road is likely consistent year-round.
Nearby places
Kingman, AZ (50 miles)
Las Vegas Valley, NV (approximately 60-70 miles)
Nevada/Arizona border (18 miles)
Boulder City, NV (approximately 60 miles).
Nearby supplies
The Marina store at Temple Bar is about 1/4 mile away and is well-stocked with snacks, drinks, charcoal, and other essentials. For larger supplies or fuel, Kingman, AZ (50 miles) or Boulder City, NV (approximately 60 miles) would likely be the closest options.

Camper Reviews

4.3
14 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Temple Bar Campground (Lake Mead) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally emphasize the campground's serene atmosphere and its proximity to Lake Mead. Common highlights include stargazing opportunities, hiking, and the friendly demeanor of the campground host. However, some concerns about cleanliness and the lack of shade are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the campground's tranquility, the stargazing opportunities, and the helpful campground host. The marina and nearby facilities like the cafe and store received positive mentions....
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included inconsistent restroom cleanliness, small campsite sizes, lack of shade during summer, and the distance from the main highway. "Bathrooms were somewhat clean...cobwebs up high and...
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Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest camping outside of the summer months due to the heat, staying near water spigots for convenience, and engaging in hiking for scenic views. The store and marina are recommended for...
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Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that spring and fall are preferred camping seasons due to milder temperatures. Summer is often criticized for extreme heat and lack of shade, while winter experiences are not widely...
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Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We loved the area we could hike just about anywhere. The views were spectacular!" "This little-used campground is in full bloom." "Sunrise and sunset is picturesque at Temple Bar!" "Amazing weekend...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers or areas within the campground are highlighted as distinctly better or worse.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns include a hard-to-open door on the women’s bathroom and limited space in toilet stalls. "I couldn’t imagine being a handicapped person trying to get through let alone have...
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Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets appear to be accommodated, with one user mentioning leaving a pet in a camper with air conditioning. No specific pet-friendly features were noted.
Based on 14 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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