Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake in the U.S., reaching 110 miles behind the Hoover Dam. The best way to see it all is with a Lake Mead houseboat rental. The lake is surrounded by a stunning desert landscape, and you can see it all this way. The desert along the edges of the great lake isn't barren but filled with plants and wildlife. You'll have a chance to see flora and fauna that only exist in this ecosystem.
Many vacationers make the most of this unique part of the country by renting Lake Mead houseboats. You not only get transportation to points of interest with a houseboat, but it also provides comfortable lodging and a way to enjoy the many details of this incredible destination. You can always dock and go hiking on land or even horseback riding. At the end of the day, your home away from home will still be waiting for you.
Callville Bay is an ideal place to start your desert and lake vacation, as it's home to quality Lake Mead houseboat rentals. The locale offers many interesting bays and beaches on its 550 miles of natural shoreline. With a fishing license and basic boating class, you can add even more fun and excitement to the trip. Rent a fishing boat for a day or a night and try your luck, or paddle a canoe into isolated coves and beaches.
Kayaks and canoes are available for daily excursions to see the magnificent rock formations, coves and inlets. Paddle to pristine beaches or investigate the remains of seven shipwrecks in the area. You can also cruise the lake and see the sights behind the wheel of a modern personal 
watercraft that seats two adults. Scuba diving and snorkeling are available, along with ski boat and fishing boat rentals.
The maximum depth of Lake Mead is over 400 feet, and its home to three kinds of bass, two kinds of catfish, sunfish and crappie. Tilapia that weigh up to five pounds have been caught in the coves surrounding the lake. Fishing season is year-round, and catch limits are generous. The fishing is plentiful, with sea life that teems beneath the placid surface of the lake. You can fish off the back of your Lake Mead houseboat rental or rent a fishing boat for the day.
Summer is the most popular time for rentals, but houseboat vacations are popular year-round. Be sure and make your reservations at least one or two months in advance, or four months if you're planning your trip during a holiday. Your houseboat rental at Lake Mead should begin with a list of the amenities that are most important to you.
It's simple to arrange a houseboat rental at Lake Mead, from a 50-foot boat that houses up to six people to a deluxe 75-foot houseboat with room for up to 22 guests. With amenities available like wet bars, hot tubs and waterslides, Lake Mead houseboats can be as luxurious as you like. You can also add water sport vehicles and inflatable water toys to your rental for even more fun.
Lake Mead houseboats are available year-round, and the varied sizes will accommodate everything from a small family to a large group. All Lake Mead houseboat rentals include kitchens and sleeping quarters, and the largest boat has six separate staterooms. Even the basic houseboats include dinette seating, full baths and living areas. Sun canopies increase the livable space on deck as well.
For your convenience, the Callville Marina offers lakeside dining and shopping. The snack bar prepares breakfast, grilled sandwiches and a variety of snacks daily. Private parties can also request catered meals. The gift store stocks clothing, hiking equipment and souvenirs, and you can also purchase your fishing license there.
While you're visiting Lake Mead, guided desert hikes are available that will give you the chance to see the most enthralling features of the desert. You'll have the chance to spot bighorn sheep, mule deer, blue heron, and even endangered desert tortoises.
Lake Mead is also on the edge of the Hoover Dam, and guided tours are offered daily. The 30-minute tour takes visitors through the power plant and includes a history of the dam and information about its continued use. The longer tour includes a walk-through passageway inside the Hoover Dam.
Callville Marina is only an hour from Las Vegas, close enough to make it a day excursion for the family. You can experience the dining and entertainment of Vegas for a day before returning to your home on the water. The marina has plenty of docking slips for parking your Lake Mead houseboat rental while you enjoy the city.
Three-day rentals start between 8 A.M. and 10 A.M. on the day of departure and the houseboat is due back at the dock by 2 P.M. on the third day. The "Early Bird" option is sometimes available, allowing you to board and stay on your houseboat the night before the rental, while it's docked in the harbor.
You can bring your pet with you for a non-refundable $100 fee per animal. Your houseboat will start with a full tank of fuel and all you must do is bring it back the same way. If you're making a reservation more than 60 days in advance (recommended), trip cancellation insurance is available to cover an emergency change in plans.
Staying on a houseboat in scenic surroundings is a unique and relaxing way to enjoy your vacation. It's easy to arrange, and there's room for the entire family. Gazing at the awe-inspiring natural rock formations, coves and waterways is a memorable experience, and swimming and sunning on your own boat can't be beaten. Add the opportunity to observe unique native wildlife and plants of the desert, and you have the vacation of a lifetime.
