Houseboating in the desert doesn't sound like it would be all that interesting, but we've got three wildly popular locations to change your mind: Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and Lake Mohave. Take a look and see why each of them should be on your houseboat bucket list:

Lake Powell, AZ/UT

Where Is It: Lake Powell sits on the border of Arizona and into Utah. This massive lake spans over 250 square miles with 2000 miles of red rock shoreline. The southern end of the lake near Page, AZ is best if you're flying into the area or coming from the south; Bullfrog Marina on the northern end of the lake is closer if you're traveling from northern Colorado. -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: Lake Powell is a truly unique experience with 90 major canyons of towering red rock cliffs, arches, petroglyphs, and caves, it's a little like you're vacationing on Mars.

Must See/Do: Rainbow Natural Bridge is a top spot for sightseeing along the lake. It's about 50 miles from both Wahweap/Antelope Point Marinas and Bullfrog. You will need a smaller watercraft such as a powerboat or pontoon to access this area.

Best Time to Go: Houseboats rent year round, but the most desirable weather and water temperatures are between mid-May through September -- SEE WEATHER --

Good to Know: There's no longer a fuel stop along the lake; it's recommended that you stay within a 25 mile radius from the marina to ensure you have enough fuel to make it back, and that the marina is able to reach you if needed.

Water Level: Even though the water level is 35% of full pool, Lake Powell is far from empty. Keep in mind that Lake Powell is huge, and the average depth is 300 feet; that's still a LOT of water for fishing, water sports, and exploring.

Houseboat Options and Sizes:  -- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

• Wahweap Marina (AZ) offers 8 houseboat sizes, ranging from 6-14 sleepers*
  • 5 day/4 night or 7 day/6 night rental increments in Peak season, 4 day/3 night minimum in Spring
  • The Floating Inn (docked houseboat) has a 2 night minimum
  • No set schedule, based on availability
• Bullfrog Marina (UT) offers 5 houseboat sizes, ranging from 6-14 sleepers*
  • 5 day/4 night or 7 day/6 night rental increments in Peak season, 4 day/3 night minimum in Spring
  • No set schedule, based on availability
• Antelope Point Marina (AZ) offers 9 houseboat sizes, ranging from 10-14 sleepers*
  • 3 day/2 night minimum on 59' Deluxe, 60' Eagle, 70' Titanium
  • 5 day/4 night minimum on larger houseboats
  • No set schedule, based on availability

*Maximum capacity while the houseboat is in motion is up to 12 people (no matter what the houseboat sleeps). You can have more on board once the houseboat is moored to the shoreline. If you have more than 12 people in your group, you'll need to have a secondary boat such as a powerboat to taxi the extras until the houseboat is secured to the shore.

More About the Experience: 

• Popular Lake Powell Attractions
• Top Lake Powell Catches - Fishing Tips

Lake Mead, NV

Where Is It:  Lake Mead sits just a 45 minute drive from Las Vegas, NV. It's the largest reservoir in the country, formed by the Hoover Dam. -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: The desert climate with temperatures that exceed 100 degrees in the summertime, the crystal blue water of Lake Mead offers cool relief.

Must See/Do: Lake Mead is known for some of the best sport fishing, boating and water skiing, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding. There are countless arms and coves to explore among the 500 miles of rock wall shoreline.

Best Time to Go: Houseboats rent year round, but the most desirable weather and water temperatures are between mid-May to early October -- SEE WEATHER --

Houseboat Options and Sizes:  Six sizes of houseboats ranging from 6-12 sleepers -- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

• No set schedule, based on availability
• *Maximum capacity while the houseboat is in motion is up to 10 people on the 50-foot houseboats, and up to 12 for the others. You can have more on board once the houseboat is moored to the shoreline. If you have more than 10-12 people in your group, you'll need to have a secondary boat such as a powerboat to taxi the extras until the houseboat is secured to the shore.

More About the Experience:

• A Desert Adventure on Lake Mead

Lake Mohave, NV

Where Is It: Lake Mohave, Lake Mead's lesser known counterpart, is the body of water that stretches from the Hoover Dam south to the Davis Dam in Laughlin, NV. The Cottonwood Cove Marina is abouot an hour from either Laughlin or Las Vegas. -- SEE MAP --

Why You Should Visit: About half the size and not as well known as nearby Lake Mead, Lake Mohave offers a quieter more secluded rettreat for those seeking solidtude amidst the natural beauty.

Must See/Do: The houseboats can only go so far north, take a pontoon or kayak to explore the Black Canyon which takes up 20 miles of the lake's northern section tht can get narrower than 300 feet in some areas. It's a great place for fishing and exploring. Keep an eye out for mountain sheep on the cliffsides and fox in the brush.

Best Time to Go: Houseboats rent year round, but the most desirable weather and water temperatures are between mid-May to early October -- SEE WEATHER --

Houseboat Options and Sizes: Six sizes of houseboats ranging from 6-12 sleepers -- SEE HOUSEBOATS --

• No set schedule, based on availability
• *Maximum capacity while the houseboat is in motion is up to 10 people on the 50-foot houseboats, and up to 12 for the others. You can have more on board once the houseboat is moored to the shoreline. If you have more than 10-12 people in your group, you'll need to have a secondary boat such as a powerboat to taxi the extras until the houseboat is secured to the shore.

More About the Experience:

• Lake Mohave - A Hidden Desert Gem

Time to start planning about your next (or first!) houseboat adventure. Call your favorite houseboat agents at 888-454-8825 or send an Online Request and an agent will reach out to you.