Lake Mead NV - Best Ramp/Destination

[rjlipscomb]

Lake Mead boaters:
Which is the best ramp to use? I've used Callville Bay and looked at the other two (Boulder and Hemenway). My boat has a 36" draft and sits a little high on the trailer. Boulder might work, but I understand that it's 3-5 for about 100 ft. Hemenway is nuts... the trucks back down into the water (water up to the doors) just to get the boat on/off the trailer. Callville is further away but the ramps seem normal. Of course, you have to park your truck and trailer a 1/4 mile up the ramp.

When you go out, where do you usually head? Any suggestions on beach sites? Where is a good place to camp for the night? Any good social spots?

Any advice or suggestions is very much appreciated.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Lake Mead NV - Best Ramp/Destination

i visit echo bay exclusively. They have a concrete launch that gets done as the water drops, so its always up to par. I was there this weekend, and saw a bunch of 25-30 footers launching and retrieving with no problem. I back my truck up just before the rear differential goes under water, and thats plenty far for loading my boat. Yes, there is a long walk but theres also a shuttle service, and a hotel with a restaurant at the top of the hill.

 

[5thFish]

Re: Lake Mead NV - Best Ramp/Destination

I was there not too long ago and we had a tad of trouble at Boulder Bay. Had to back the truck waaaay in to get the boat off. The water has gone down pretty significantly since also. I'll probably go to Callville next time.

There's a pretty cool bay a few miles East of Callville Bay, near the Western entrance of the narrows, North side. Can't quite remember the name at the moment, here's a pic though... http://www.5thfish.com/Lakemead1.jpg There are a few soft areas where you can beach a boat and a floating restroom in the middle of the bay, can't miss it.

 

[QC]

Re: Lake Mead NV - Best Ramp/Destination

There is some good sand just east of Callville as 5thFish nopted. I am not clear which one the pic is though as the best sand near there is Sandy Cove and Hamblin Bay. I prefer Hamblin. See this thread for some pics from Saturday . . .

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Lake Mead NV - Best Ramp/Destination

I was there not too long ago and we had a tad of trouble at Boulder Bay. Had to back the truck waaaay in to get the boat off. The water has gone down pretty significantly since also. I'll probably go to Callville next time.

There's a pretty cool bay a few miles East of Callville Bay, near the Western entrance of the narrows, North side. Can't quite remember the name at the moment, here's a pic though... http://www.5thfish.com/Lakemead1.jpg There are a few soft areas where you can beach a boat and a floating restroom in the middle of the bay, can't miss it.

now that looks cool......definitely a place i need to get out to. How long is the average wait to launch/retrieve at calville?

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Lake Mead NV - Best Ramp/Destination

I have only been there during the week and there is little to no wait time. I understand that is not the case on the weekends. I also try to avoid the early morning and late afternoon.

I've been anchoring up at the sandy beach just east of Callville. Nice and peaceful. We went into the narrows this last trip looking for the Wishing Well. We followed another boat and I think he went somewhere else. He entered a narrow channel that looked to be about 20 ft wide. I didn't follow this time.

 

[QC]

Re: Lake Mead NV - Best Ramp/Destination

Wishing Well is just a 1/2 mile or so west of the west entrance to the Narrows, so if you were "into" the Narrows (marked by buoys) then you missed Wishing Well. There is a very tight slot canyon at the very back and left end of the main Wishing Well "cove". I was in there last Thursday and I could turn my 23 footer around inside. A Boat Hook will give you confidence, try with no wind first.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Lake Mead NV - Best Ramp/Destination

My mistake. I thought that Boulder Canyon was The Narrows. And yep, that must of been Wishing Well and I will try it one calm peaceful day. Maybe July 4th... only kidding of course. We have been anchoring up in Sandy Cove. Nice spot.

Next week I'll take my neighbor out with me, I think he knows the lake about as good as any body and he can take me to all the good spots.