With clear blue water, rugged desert mountains and miles of shoreline to explore, Lake Mohave is one of the best places in the Southwest to cool off under the desert sun. From long stretches of sand to quiet coves tucked between rocky hillsides, there’s no shortage of places to swim, boat, relax and spend an easygoing day on the water.

If you’re staying at Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, some of the best beaches on Lake Mohave are just a short cruise away. Head out from the marina and you’ll find a string of sandy coves and protected beaches nearby—perfect for swimming, day-use stops and tying up a houseboat for the afternoon.

Wondering where to start? Here are some of the best beaches on Lake Mohave for swimming and making the most of your next lake getaway.

Can You Swim in Lake Mohave?

Yes! Swimming is one of the best ways to enjoy Lake Mohave, and Cottonwood Cove puts you right beside the water. For
safety: always wear your life jacket when swimming and recreating on Lake Mohave. Check current conditions before you head out, stay aware of your surroundings, and, of course, keep your jacket on whenever you’re swimming or recreating on the lake.

Cottonwood Cove Beach: Start Your Adventure Here

You don’t have to travel far to reach a beautiful Lake Mohave beach. Cottonwood Cove Beach puts the water just steps from Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina.

Located on the Nevada side of Lake Mohave within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Cottonwood Cove offers beach and water access alongside a full-service marina, boat launch, rentals, lodging, camping and dining. Park, walk to the water’s edge, and you’re ready to start a relaxing lake day.

Want to explore further? Head north from Cottonwood Cove to discover a collection of sandy coves on both the Nevada and Arizona sides of the lake. Below, they’re listed starting with the coves farthest north and working back toward the resort, followed by nearby Ski Cove to the south.

Owl Cove – Arizona Side, Mile Marker 28

Farthest up the lake from Cottonwood Cove, Owl Cove sits on the Arizona side at approximately mile marker 28, across from Nevada Cove.

Popular with houseboaters and day-use visitors alike, Owl Cove pairs calm water with a sandy beach and plenty of room to spread out. It’s a large cove, so there’s space to ski or wakeboard, too. For boaters who like to make the journey part of the adventure, this one’s a rewarding destination worth the cruise.

Yuma – Arizona Side, Mile Marker 15

At approximately mile marker 15 on the Arizona side, Yuma features a long sandy beach and is a great spot for wakeboarding.

It’s a natural choice for groups who want to mix relaxation with a little more action—spend part of the day out on the water, then pull up along the sand to swim, have lunch or simply soak in the desert scenery.

Klondike Cove – Nevada Side, Mile Marker 14

Klondike Cove sits on the Nevada side around mile marker 14, with sandy beaches on both sides of the cove.

Being able to pull up on either side gives boaters flexibility when choosing where to settle in for the day or tie up a houseboat. Find your stretch of sand, put on your life jacket, and enjoy an afternoon by the water.

Solicitor Cove – Arizona Side, Mile Marker 11

Continue toward the resort and you’ll find Solicitor Cove on the Arizona side at approximately mile marker 11.

Located on the east side of Lake Mohave across from Cottonwood Cove, it gives boaters another sandy place to pull up and enjoy the shoreline. Pack a lunch, bring your swimming gear, and make it one of your stops during a day of exploring the lake by boat.

Ski Cove – Nevada Side, Mile Marker 7

Closest to home, Ski Cove sits on the Nevada side at mile marker 7, just south of Cottonwood Cove.

Popular with houseboaters and day-use visitors, it offers calm water and a sandy beach that make an inviting setting for pulling up your boat, relaxing along the shore and taking a swim. If your ideal lake day is a short, easy cruise before finding a peaceful stretch of sand, Ski Cove is a simple addition to your itinerary.

Use a Lake Mohave Map to Plan Your Day

Before you leave the marina, it’s a good idea to look at a Lake Mohave map and get familiar with the shoreline, mile markers and the coves you plan to visit.

Use this interactive Lake Mohave boating and marine chart to help locate coves and plan your route.

Conditions on the lake can change, so check the latest before you head out.

Make Cottonwood Cove Your Home Base on Lake Mohave

Whether you want a convenient swimming beach, a quiet sandy cove or a full day of boating and watersports, Lake Mohave gives you plenty of shoreline to discover.

At Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, you can wake up beside the lake and start exploring from the Nevada shoreline. Enjoy Cottonwood Cove Beach, rent a boat, head out in a houseboat, or cruise to sandy destinations like Owl Cove, Yuma, Klondike Cove, Solicitor Cove and Ski Cove.

Pick your favorite spot on the Lake Mohave map and get ready for a day on the water.