Tucked away on the Nevada side of Lake Mohave, just an hour from Las Vegas, lies a place where desert sunsets meet crystal-clear water, and adventure flows as easily as the Colorado River itself. Welcome to Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, a hidden oasis where houseboats become your home, mornings begin with the hum of boats at the dock, and every day brings a new way to explore the beauty of Lake Mohave.

This is your inside look at everything Cottonwood Cove has to offer, from houseboating and camping to fishing, kayaking, and more. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend escape, or a sun-soaked adventure with friends, we’ve got you covered with local insight, travel tips, and a taste of life at Lake Mohave.

Where the Desert Meets the Water

There’s something special about waking up at Cottonwood Cove. As the early sun spills across the mountains, the lake mirrors the sky, and the air is still cool from the night before. Step outside your motel room, campsite, or houseboat deck, and you’ll see why so many visitors call this place their “forever getaway.”

Located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Cottonwood Cove offers a rare combination of serene desert landscapes and endless water recreation. It’s the perfect spot to unplug from city life, yet still have everything you need just steps away: a marina, motel, RV park, boat rentals, and more.

Life on the Lake: Houseboating at Its Best

If you’ve never stayed on a houseboat before, Cottonwood Cove is the perfect place to start. Think of it as your private floating vacation home, complete with a full kitchen, cozy bedrooms, shaded decks, and unbeatable lake views.

Our houseboat rentals range from the 50’ Sirius, ideal for couples or small families, to the spacious 70’ Silver, built for larger groups and extended stays. Each one is designed with comfort in mind, giving you everything you need to live, cook, and relax on the water.

Prefer to stay dockside? Try our Houseboat Hotel experience, where you can enjoy all the luxury of a houseboat without ever leaving the marina. It’s a great way to get that “on-the-water” feeling, even if you’d rather not navigate.

Picture this: you spend the day cruising along Lake Mohave, discovering hidden coves and sandy beaches, then anchor for the evening, grill dinner on deck, and watch the stars reflect off the water. That’s the Cottonwood Cove way.

Camping, RVs, and Starlit Nights

If you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, you’ll love our campground and RV park. With 72 full-hook-up RV sites and additional campsites, there’s plenty of space to set up your home away from home.

Each site offers easy access to restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and the lake itself. The campground even has beach access, perfect for morning dips or evening strolls. And if you’re looking to stay for the season, many guests take advantage of our long-term stay options, turning Cottonwood Cove into their extended lakeside retreat.

Evenings here are magical. After a day of boating or hiking, gather around the campfire for a night under the stars. The desert sky feels endless out here, and without city lights, the constellations shine brighter than ever.

Rest Easy: The Cottonwood Cove Motel

The Cottonwood Cove Motel offers comfort just steps from the marina for those who prefer a more traditional stay. Each room has its own patio with stunning lake views, perfect for sipping morning coffee or unwinding after a long day on the water.

The motel is family-friendly and conveniently close to the café, beach, and marina store. Guests love that everything is walkable; you can go from bed to boat in minutes.

Your Adventure Starts at the Marina

At the heart of Cottonwood Cove is our marina, where adventures on Lake Mohave begin. Rent a boat, jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard and set off across the lake for a day of exploring.

Adrenaline seekers love our jet ski and wakeboard rentals, while those craving a slower pace can paddle through quiet coves or fish from one of our pontoon boats. The marina store offers goodies from snacks and sunscreen to fishing gear and souvenirs, so you’re never far from what you need.

Need a break between rides? Pull into one of our many coves and discover your own private beach. You’ll find dozens along the shoreline, perfect for swimming, picnicking, or simply floating the afternoon away.

Fishing and Fun on the Colorado River

Fishing at Cottonwood Cove is more than a pastime, it’s a tradition. Lake Mohave is home to striped bass, catfish, bluegill, and both large- and smallmouth bass. Early mornings and evenings are best, especially in spring and fall when the water’s just right.

Bring your gear or pick up supplies at the marina before heading out. Whether you’re casting from the shore or drifting from your boat, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a catch as the desert sun sets over the mountains.

Beyond the Water: Hiking and Hidden Trails

Not every Cottonwood Cove adventure happens on the water. Step off the boat, and you’ll find miles of hiking trails winding through the desert hills, offering panoramic views of Lake Mohave and the Colorado River below.

A short drive from the marina, Grapevine Canyon is a must-see for anyone who loves the outdoors. The hike features waterfalls (seasonally), desert wildlife, and ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks—a glimpse into the region’s deep history.

Closer to home, you can stroll along the lake’s edge, exploring smaller trails and secluded spots perfect for picnics and photos. The landscape here changes with every step—one moment sandy beach, the next rugged canyon.

Family Vacations Made Easy

Cottonwood Cove is built for families. From toddlers splashing at the beach to teens zipping across the lake on a jet ski, there’s something for everyone. Parents can relax knowing everything they need is close at hand, from lodging to dining to rentals.

And because Cottonwood Cove is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you’ll find the balance of adventure and safety that makes for stress-free family travel.

Pro tip: book your stay early, especially in summer and holiday weekends. Our houseboats, RV sites, and motel rooms tend to fill quickly—and for good reason. Once guests experience Lake Mohave’s magic, they can’t wait to return.

Planning Your Trip

Getting here is easy. From Las Vegas, it’s about an hour’s drive southeast via U.S. 95 and NV-163. Once you reach the marina, park your car and let the lake do the rest. We recommend checking our special offers before booking. Seasonal discounts on motel stays, houseboats, and camping are often available.

Pack sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and plenty of water. And don’t forget your camera—between the sparkling lake, desert cliffs, and golden sunsets, you’ll want to capture every moment.

Your Hidden Oasis Awaits

Whether you come for the fishing, the houseboats, the beaches, or the stillness of a starlit night, Cottonwood Cove has a way of staying with you. It’s where family vacations turn into traditions and where every sunrise brings a new adventure waiting just beyond the dock.

So book your houseboat, pitch your tent, or check into the motel and let us show you why Cottonwood Cove truly is Lake Mohave’s hidden oasis.

See you on the water.