Where to Stay near Hoover Dam
Camping, hotels in Boulder City and the rules that apply at the dam
Lodging types near the dam
Lodging in this area falls into three types: camping and RV sites in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, hotels in downtown Boulder City, and casinos on the town's edges. The recreation area has over 900 sites for camping and RVs, and they look out over desert and lakeside scenery.
| Option | Where | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Camping and RV sites | Lake Mead National Recreation Area | Over 900 sites with desert and lakeside views |
| Hotels | Downtown Boulder City | Served by RTC Transit Route 221, which connects the town with Las Vegas |
| Casinos | Edges of Boulder City, just outside the city limits | Two casinos; gambling is not allowed in Boulder City |
Boulder City
Of the towns near the dam, Boulder City is the nearest one, and it was originally constructed for workers on the dam construction project.
Gambling is not allowed inside Boulder City itself. Two casinos stand at the edges of the town, just outside the city limits.
RTC Transit Route 221 serves downtown Boulder City, including its hotels, and runs between the town and Las Vegas.
Tours and tickets at the dam
Tickets for the tours are available only at the dam itself. Visitors pick either a guided tour of the whole facility or a guided tour of the power plant area alone.
Self-guided visits are limited to the visitor center, which is the only self-guided option at the dam. Security concerns have kept visitors out of most of the dam's interior structures.
Special event dates can carry limits: activities may be limited or restricted around Easter, in early August, after Thanksgiving, and at Christmas through New Year. Visitors are told to contact the dam to check availability on those dates.
Tours from the area
Vehicles, parking and the bridge
Not every vehicle is allowed to cross the dam. Visitors are advised to review the traveler's guide before driving, in order to avoid being turned back.
Once the bypass was in service, vehicles passing through were no longer permitted on the dam, though visitors can still approach from the Nevada side.
On the Nevada side, a parking area gives visitors a way onto the bridge on foot, and from the bridge the dam and river come into view.
Questions about lodging and the dam
Frequently asked questions
Where can visitors camp or park an RV?
The recreation area has over 900 sites for camping and RVs, and they offer desert and lakeside views.
Are there hotels in Boulder City?
Downtown Boulder City has hotels, and RTC Transit Route 221 serves that area while linking the town with Las Vegas.
Can visitors gamble in Boulder City?
No, gambling is not allowed there. Two casinos sit at the edges of the town, just outside the city limits.
Where can tour tickets be bought?
Tickets for the guided tours are available at the site, in person.
Is the visitor center the only self-guided option?
Yes. The visitor center is the sole self-guided tour option at the dam.
Can any vehicle cross the dam?
No. Not all vehicles are allowed across, so visitors are advised to review the traveler's guide before driving.