Motor vehicles and overnight camping are prohibited in Lake Mead’s Government Wash.

LAKE MEAD (KTNV) — Motor vehicles and overnight camping will no longer be allowed on Government Wash in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

On Friday, the National Park Service said the area will be closed starting Aug. 1, 2024.

“Over the past five years, there have been 1,365 incidents in this area that required law enforcement or fire response,” said Chief Ranger Trouper Snow. “We have seen unacceptable levels of resource damage and crime, which is a strain on our park staff as they draw resources from traditional high-traffic areas. Numerous illegal roads and long-term camps have created an unfriendly environment for those vacationing throughout Government Wash.”

Park authorities say they are targeting vehicle entry and overnight stays because they are a major source of damage to park resources and violations.

The rangers also added that as water levels dropped, “resident guests have moved in and the area does not have sufficient infrastructure, facilities or services to assist them.”

Government Wash Road and 8.0 Mile Road — the access roads to Government Wash from North Shore Road — will be blocked and motor vehicles will not be allowed in the area.

Hiking, biking, and boating within 100 feet of the shore will still be allowed.

Rangers plan to assess the scale of destruction in the area and investigate illegal and unapproved roads.

Community meetings are planned for the fall, and rangers are accepting community feedback and ideas about the Government Wash area. You can submit them here.