Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
Fishing in Arizona
Photo: cisko66 / CC BY 3.0
Part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Near Temple Bar Marina, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.
A well-prepared pack for Temple Bar Campground covers 4 categories: essential, wildlife gear, climate gear, terrain gear.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
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Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
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Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Climate Gear
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Extra water (1L/hr) — Pre-hydrating the morning before a hot hike and carrying electrolytes along with water maximizes absorption.
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Electrolytes — A few electrolyte packets weigh nothing and can prevent the nausea, confusion, and weakness that sideline hikers in hot conditions.
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Cooling towel — In dry heat, soaking a towel uses minimal water but provides significant thermoregulation during exposed trail sections.
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Layering system (wide temp swings) — Removing a layer before you sweat keeps your clothing dry, which is critical for warmth when temperatures drop again.
Terrain Gear
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Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
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Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The mix of Desert terrain and Continental conditions here supports everything from boating, canoeing, cross country skiing.
The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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boating — Always wear life jackets and follow local water safety rules.
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canoeing — Calm waters are ideal for beginners and families.
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cross_country_skiing — Groomed tracks and backcountry routes offer varied experiences.
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fishing — Check local regulations and seasons before heading out.
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kayaking — Wear a personal flotation device and check water conditions before launching.
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photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
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skiing — Proper gear and awareness of trail difficulty enhance safety.
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swimming — Be mindful of currents, depth, and posted safety guidelines.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.
Wildlife Safety at Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.
The danger score of 35/10 at Temple Bar Campground accounts for Bears present, Mountain lions, Venomous snakes in the area.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear have been documented in this area. They're most active from .
Adults typically weigh 150 to 600 pounds, with males substantially larger than females.
If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.
- Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
- Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
- Make noise while hiking
- Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
- Back away slowly if you encounter a bear
Venomous Snakes
3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.
Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.
Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.
Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.
- Watch where you step and place hands
- Stay on trails
- Wear boots and long pants in snake country
- Do not reach under rocks or logs
- If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
- Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol
Nature & Wildlife at Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The ecosystem around Temple Bar Campground is defined by its Desert landscape, supporting everything from to Great-tailed Grackle and Eurasian Collared-Dove.
Wildflowers (1)
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Las Vegas Bearpoppy — Showy solitary blooms above prickly foliage.
Shrubs (4)
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Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain. -
Brittlebush — Leaves are soft and pale gray, contrasting with long-stemmed golden blooms. -
Eastern Joshua tree — It grows in Mojave Desert regions.
Other Plants (5)
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Buckhorn Cholla
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Echinocereus bakeri
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California Barrel Cactus
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Beavertail Pricklypear
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Mojave Yucca
Mammals (2)
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Coyote — Lean, agile build. -
Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs.
Birds (6)
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Great-tailed Grackle — Iridescent sheen -
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Squared tail with white tips -
American Kestrel — Black facial stripes -
Common Raven — Heavy bill and wedge-shaped tail -
European Starling — Sleek dark breeding plumage with yellow bill
Reptiles (3)
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Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail. -
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake — Typically 2–3 feet long. -
Western Whiptail — Typically 8–12 inches long including the tail.
Amphibians (4)
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Relict Leopard Frog -
Red-spotted Toad -
Woodhouse's Toad -
Canyon Tree Frog
Insects (1)
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Western Honey Bee
Nature Bingo at Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA Climate & Sun
The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Temple Bar Campground.
Month-by-month temperatures at Temple Bar Campground range from °F to °F.
Climate type: Continental
Annual avg temp: 70.9°F
Annual precipitation: 5.4 in
With an average annual temperature of 70.9°F and 5.4 inches of precipitation, Temple Bar Campground has hot, arid conditions. Summer highs average around 95°F, while winter lows drop to 50°F.
Best months to visit: Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov. Consider avoiding: Jul, Aug.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50°F | 0.7 in |
| Feb | 53°F | 1.0 in |
| Mar | 61°F | 0.6 in |
| Apr | 69°F | 0.3 in |
| May | 78°F | 0.1 in |
| Jun | 89°F | 0.0 in |
| Jul | 95°F | 0.6 in |
| Aug | 93°F | 0.4 in |
| Sep | 85°F | 0.3 in |
| Oct | 71°F | 0.5 in |
| Nov | 58°F | 0.4 in |
| Dec | 49°F | 0.5 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.6 hours in summer — a difference of 4.9 hours.
Summer: 4:19 AM – 6:55 PM
Winter: 6:40 AM – 4:24 PM
Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA Trip Planning & Access
Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.
Access to Temple Bar Campground is primarily via Las Vegas, 47 miles away.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent
- Elderly: highly_suitable
- Strollers: excellent (100/100)
- Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.
The region around Temple Bar Campground is rich with options — 15 nearby destinations are worth exploring.
Nearby Trails
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.
Light pollution at Temple Bar Campground is Rural/suburban transition (Bortle 4), which means bright constellations and planets are visible.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus.
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Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole. -
Cassiopeia — Visible year-round in northern states, Cassiopeia is especially prominent in autumn evenings. -
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.
Meteor Showers
The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.
Planets
Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:
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Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star -
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky -
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light -
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue
Equipment Guide
- Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
- Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
- Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune
Viewing Tips
- Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
- Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
- Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
- Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
- Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
- Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)
Best Viewing Months
- Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep
Seasonal Highlights at Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.
Seasonal changes at Temple Bar Campground bring — each offering a distinct experience.
Spring Wildflowers
Peak bloom: April - May
Check local park websites for bloom reports
Fall Foliage
Peak color: September 15 – October 10
Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak
Valley locations - timing as listed
Bird Migration
Spring peak: April - May
Fall peak: September - October
Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges
Indigenous Land at Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA
The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.
We acknowledge that Temple Bar Campground is located on the traditional lands of Hualapai.
Territories
Data from Native Land Digital
Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Temple Bar Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.
Bedrock Geology
- Rock Type
- Hualapai Limestone
- Formation
- Hualapai Limestone
- Age
- Miocene
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 43
- Richness
- High
- Minerals Found
- Gold, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Copper, Manganese, Uranium, Tungsten, Silver, Semiprecious Gemstone
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 120°F (2005-07-20)
- Record Low
- 18°F (1990-12-24)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 6
- Largest Fire
- Fork (81,699 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2019
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Wildhorse Spring-Detrital Wash
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Meteorite Landings
- Meteorites Found
- 5
- Largest
- Gold Basin (61 kg)
Temple Bar Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Lake Mead NRA Safety & Conditions
Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.
Up-to-date weather, fire, and flood information for the area around Temple Bar Campground.
Coordinates: 36.030318, -114.324852