For decades, Government Wash was home to a public boat ramp, dispersed campsites and an open recreation area on the western shore of Lake Mead, just outside Boulder City, NV. It was a popular spot for local Las Vegas residents to drive up to the shoreline, launch watercraft, camp, and fish. But two major events shaped its future: rapid declining water levels and the 2020 pandemic.
The boat ramp closed in 2001 due to low water levels. Since then the water has dropped from 1,200 ft to 1,065 ft. The result was an increased shoreline far greater than the original managed area. (If you haven’t had a chance to review our plan to help restore Lake Mead water levels, check it out here.)
In 2019, Las Vegas not only experienced increased domestic migration, but it was also hit hard by the economic impacts of the pandemic. With increased shorelines and new canyons that could hide vehicles from sight, Government Wash started to become a permanent home for some Nevada residents. Others began using it as their personal vehicle storage area. And soon, the once popular recreation area became an infamous warning from locals as the spot on the lake to stay away from.
Crime increased. NPS reported 1,365 incidents from 2019–2024 in the area that required law enforcement or firefighting response. And vehicles began creating their own trails, damaging landscapes and making the area less safe.
In August 2024, the National Park Service made a call: no motor vehicle access and no overnight camping in the Government Wash area until further notice. The closure wasn’t about punishing recreation, it was about stopping a spiraling mess. NPS didn’t just throw up a gate and walk away. They began work to cleanup and address the problem moving forward so the area could function as recreational space for everyone. Over the next 18 months, NPS accomplished the following:
- Removed long-term encampments.
- Cleared more than 12,000 pounds of litter.
- Repaired erosion/compaction impacts.
- Created 51 defined but free campsites.
- Improved access roads and supporting infrastructure.
- Added bathrooms.
- Clarified boundaries and established a layout designed to reduce congestion and protect resources while still providing lake access.
- Established clearer rules, including an overnight stay limit of 28 days.
As of today, February 7th, Government Wash has reopened to the public as a defined and intentionally designed recreation area—still primitive, still free, but no longer chaotic.
It’s a textbook example of a government agency recognizing the value of open and affordable recreation. The National Park Service didn’t say “open recreation is the problem” and permanently close the popular dispersed lake-side campsite. They recognized the issue and fixed it. It’s a win for access and a win for safety.
We commend the National Park Service on their work in Government Wash and for providing an example for other NPS regions and government agencies nationwide.
