Temple Bar Marina is a favorite for the experienced Lake Mead visitor. It's far removed from Las Vegas, about 75miles away (2hrs). The roads can be narrow and windy around the Hoover dam area if driving from Las Vegas but once you get there you're in for a treat. For Phoenix visitors Temple Bar Marina is the closest marina, convenient for Arizonans that wants to get away from the crowds of Boulder Basin (generally California visitors).

Visiting Temple Bar Marina resort requires no national park entrance fee, unlike the Boulder Basin area. That can save you another $5 to $20 depending on the number of watercraft you bring. For instance, bringing two PWC totals $20 just to enter the park at the Boulder Basin area. So visiting Temple Bar is a bargain coming from Arizona. It's closer, quieter, quicker, and cheaper!

The launch ramp in August 2008 was operational, although it wasn't cement where you launch. The Temple Bar folks are doing a great job of keeping the ramp working. Although in 2008 you launch on gravel and the ramp angle isn't ideal, we didn't see anyone get stuck or have problems launching their boats during our last trip. The resort has been pouring cement extensions as the lake goes down, so as the lake starts coming back up in coming years the new launch ramp will work awesome with brand new cement.

Convenient, Save Time, Save Money

If you're renting a houseboat, Temple Bar Marina is the best location to rent from in our opinion. It's closer to the better parts of the lake with good beaches, secluded coves and protected bays. Being close by can save time and fuel. You'll enjoy more time playing and less time traveling to the quieter parts of Lake Mead.

Directly across the bay from Temple Bar Marina is "The Temple", a tall plateau of rock that protects a nice area for skiing and wake boarding. Here you can play for hours with glassy waters and few people, just a couple miles from the marina docks. Having areas like this near a marina is very convenient to get gas, grab lunch or gets parts nearby if needed.

Just 5 minutes away to the East is another nice play area called Burro Bay. Just across from Burro Bay is Salt Spring Bay and Gregg's Hideout. Beyond that is Little Burro Bay, Granite Cove and Hualapai Bay. All these bays and coves are great places within 10mi of Temple Bar Marina to find glassy water and secluded camping areas that offer protection from the wind. These areas are a narrow section of Lake Mead with higher cliffs in areas, good for wind protection. Check out our map of the area to get oriented on the locations of these coves.

Low Water Condition

For the last 5 years the water level at Lake Mead has been low. In the picture below you can see the light water ring on the Temple plateau as proof of low water. In 2008 it was at 1075, about 125' down from full pool of 1200'. But don't fret, we're here to tell you that when you get out on the water it makes little difference that the water is low. In 2012 the water is only 85' down (around 1115'), so the lake is getting higher and the launch ramps are working great. You can have loads of fun and there's still plenty of glassy coves and bays to play in with your water toys. The water is just as nice as it has ever been and there's less people it seems with the cost of gas today. Make a trip and see how nice it is at Temple Bar, you won't regret it.

Temple Bar Wildlife

If you keep a close eye open along the shoreline you might see Big Horn Sheep navigating the rocks looking for something to eat or drink. They are abundant all around the Temple Bar areas at Lake Mead. Look for animals in the early morning hours or around dusk to see movement. Don't get too close because they can be protective of their territory. Any harassment could harm them from running and falling or getting stuck in shoreline muck. Remember, this is a national park and you don't want to be hurting the animals.

Burro Bay

Burro Bay is famous for seeing burros, hence the name. Below are pictures from 2008 of a family of burros getting something to eat in Burro Bay. This is truly a treat when you see baby burros alongside mom and dad protecting them.

Temple Bar Marina has all the amenities you'd expect at a good marina. Docks, slips, restaurant, store, gift shop, launch ramp, rental boats, clean motel, gas dock and an onshore gas pump for vehicles. The gas dock also has convenient PWC dri-docks for gassing while with the craft out of the water on floats. Just drive your PWC onto the float and presto, you're at dri-dock for gas.

The resort restaurant is located at the top of the launch ramp overlooking the lake and marina. There's tables and a lunch bar, good air-conditioning and a view to die for. Food selection is minimal but adequate for a weekend at the lake. Food quality is good and the prices are fair. They also have a general store in the same building with almost all the essentials you'll need, even ice cream bars for dessert.

Ice is available 24X7 with a machine next to the restaurant. Parking is plentiful and free. If you're staying at the Temple Bar Motel a good way to save money is to cook breakfast on an electric skillet (you'll have to bring one). A healthly heap of scrambled eggs, ham and pancakes can last till 2pm. On some days that's right about when the wind comes up, convenient to return to the marina, relax, take a nap and socialize in the shade. Don't wait too late for dinner though, the restaurant closes around 5pm in the Fall/Winter/Spring and 7pm during peak season during Summer.