7 Best Lakeside Towns in Nevada
Nevada spans snowy Sierra mountain lakes, wind-swept high-desert reservoirs, and blazing-hot Colorado River waterfronts, three wildly different ways to do a lakeside getaway. For a classic Lake Tahoe vibe, Incline Village and Stateline pair clear-blue water with beaches, boat rentals, and easy access to skiing, dining, and nightlife when you want it. Laughlin is a separate kind of escape, trading pine forests for desert sun and a lively riverfront on the Colorado. Whether you’re chasing crisp mountain air or warm-water thrills, these seven towns put you steps from the shoreline and minutes from the fun all year long, in every corner.
Incline Village
Incline Village sits at the northern part of Lake Tahoe’s California-Nevada border, about a one-hour drive from the Reno-Tahoe National Airport. In winter, Diamond Peak Ski Resort gives visitors access to nearly 30 runs without the crowds and chaos of similar venues in the area. In warm weather, play a round at the Golf Courses at Incline Village.
Incline Village is also a great place to rent a catamaran or go on a kayak paddle tour on beautiful Lake Tahoe. There are several paved bike trails throughout the town. Consider an e-bike rental from rental spots like Vista Trail Bikes to have an easier time riding through the changes in elevation.
The town has a nice selection of sporting goods stores for anyone looking to fish Tahoe for mackinaw, rainbow, or brown trout. Guide services are also available for visitors seeking an angling expert. Incline Village is known as one of the high-end communities of Tahoe, so it has plenty of premier restaurants and eateries available.
Stateline
Stateline is one of the most well-known resort communities on Lake Tahoe, located on the lake’s south side. Historically, this region served as Friday’s Station on the Pony Express, giving the town a sense of rich history. Its Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort has nearly 100 runs, the largest of the Tahoe area resorts. The newly constructed Tahoe Blue Event Center serves as the largest entertainment venue in the region. This town also hosts the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship each summer.
Stateline has a party scene, providing by far the most casino and restaurant options in the Tahoe area. Concerts and comedy shows occur every weekend. Larger cruise vessel experiences are available here. This is also the best area of the lake for visitors to water ski, wakeboard, or even parasail. The iconic M.S. Dixie II paddlewheel boat provides cruises out of Zephyr Cove, directly north of the town. Nearby Kahle Park and Rabe Meadows are also great spots for local hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Laughlin
Laughlin is 90 miles south of Las Vegas at the southernmost part of Nevada. It sits on the Colorado River across from neighboring Bullhead City, AZ, with nearby access to Lake Mohave. The town was historically built by tycoon Don Laughlin during the construction of Davis Dam. It still holds a feeling of the wild west with its collection of casinos and saloons.
Visitors can head to Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum to experience not only a look at antique cars, but also vintage slot and gaming memorabilia. History buffs may also like to check out the Oatman Ghost Town, about 45 minutes away, a once-thriving mining settlement. Tourists often stay here when navigating historic Route 66.
While this waterfront community has options for hiking, biking, and golf, it is most known for its water sports. Jet ski rentals are quite popular, as well as day trip river cruises to nearby Lake Havasu City with London Bridge Jet Boat Tours. This region is also great for off-road exploring on ATVs. Travelers looking for a simpler excursion can choose to stroll along the riverwalk or hop on a water taxi. Touring comics and musicians also give this area a nightlife culture. It has a great mix of resort amenities and experiences with a touch of country life in the hottest part of Nevada.
Hawthorne
About a five-hour drive from Las Vegas and two hours from Reno, Hawthorne is a remote travel destination in Western Nevada. It is a military town, home to the world’s largest ammunition storage depot, and is nicknamed “America’s Patriotic Home.” Because of this, it serves as a wonderful destination for any federal holiday. The busiest time of the year is Independence Day, as thousands of tourists come to enjoy a parade, camping, and exceptional fireworks at nearby Walker Lake.
Walker Lake is a unique feature of the western Nevada wilderness. Its barren terrain offers a more unusual getaway when compared to other areas of the state. There are several beach camping options available surrounding the five-mile lake at sites like Sportsman's Beach. Additionally, the trout fishing here is some of the best in the region in terms of trophy fish supply. Explore the unknown of the open outdoors and world-class stargazing at night.
The town itself offers fewer options for food, lodging, and entertainment. Do not expect a resort feel. That being said, the El Capitan Casino is a great option for those looking for gaming experiences and a diner-style restaurant. The Hawthorne Ordnance Museum also provides a chance to understand the town’s significance to military history. There are also several highway pullouts in the surrounding area, which offer a view of military infrastructure and an explanation of its legacy.
Boulder City
Just over 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Boulder City is best known for its close access to Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Uniquely, there is no gambling in this town. It’s a great location for anyone looking to enjoy a mixture of history and the outdoors. Travelers should prepare for high temperatures throughout the year in one of the warmest areas of the state.
The Hoover Dam itself offers a plethora of experiences, including tours, walking areas, and a bird 's-eye view of Lake Mead. It is a great area for photography while exploring one of the world’s great architectural achievements. Lake access is also easily available from here for kayaking through Black Canyon or fishing for striped bass.
The town is also home to the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Here, there are plenty of hands-on activities to experience rail history, including riding steam engines and pedaling rail bikes. Hemenway Park is a great area for family gatherings and offers chances to view wandering bighorn sheep. The Boulder City airport also provides several options for helicopter tours and day trips to Grand Canyon West.
Topaz Lake
Topaz Lake is split by the California-Nevada border and is home to a small community of just 157. It is essentially a halfway point of the drive between Lake Tahoe and the eastern gate of Yosemite National Park. It offers all of the same fishing and water sports of both areas in a less populated atmosphere. The manmade lake has 25 miles of shoreline and feeds the nearby Walker River. There are no restrictions on water sports, so jet skiing, wakeboarding, and water skiing are popular here. The lake is also open for bass and trout fishing throughout the year.
The settlements of this area have a smaller permanent population, and there is a significant presence of Native American tribes. It is a great place for seasonal camping or even backpacking into the eastern Sierras. The main lodging and entertainment option is Topaz Lodge. It has a fully operational casino and restaurant with a great view of the lake. Topaz offers a remote location in mountainous terrain, with the convenience of access to an urban center (Carson City), less than an hour away.
Silver Springs
Silver Springs is a rugged community in western Nevada’s high desert near Lahonton Reservoir. The community serves as a waterfront crossroads of US Highway 50, the "Loneliest Road in America.” Because of this, Silver Springs is a very popular stop for road trips and motorcycle tours and has plenty of good dining and lodging available.
The Lahontan State Recreation Area is a great, affordable place to camp or park an RV. Be sure to check the conditions of the reservoir ahead of time for water level and algal bloom. Aside from these exceptions, it is a great place for low-key fishing and swimming. Wildlife in this area includes wild horses, deer, and even the occasional bald eagle.
The Fort Churchill State Historic Park is a great place to hike or bike, with history dating back to the Civil War Era. Buckland Station, an old site of the Pony Express, is also nearby. You may even have the chance to be within earshot or see one of the US Navy’s elite aircraft in action, as the TOPGUN school is in nearby Fallon, NV.
Do Something Different in Wide-open Nevada
A trip to Nevada offers possibilities that may stray a bit from a traditional vacation. Even if choosing to go to more commonly traversed areas like Lake Tahoe or Las Vegas, exposure to unique weather, wildlife, history, and gaming experiences can create a trip unlike any other. Enjoy time at the cool high elevation of the state's mountain lakes, or marvel at the engineering achievements of the Hoover Dam in Boulder City. These seven destinations collectively present variety and choice for what you can expect in the Silver State.
