Happy Trails Campground offers the only designated horse camping in the Temple Bar Marina area, with large pull-through sites built to accommodate horse trailers. Pets are welcome throughout the property, and recent visitors note the campground is particularly well-suited for those traveling with desert toys and horses, with ample space for animals to move around. The family-owned establishment provides full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and even cabin accommodations for those who prefer not to rough it. Amenities include showers, restrooms, drinking water, and electrical hookups, creating a comfortable base for equestrian adventures.
The surrounding terrain offers extensive riding opportunities with miles of ATV trails that double as excellent horse paths. Located approximately 10 minutes from Lake Mead, the campground provides convenient access to additional recreation options beyond horseback riding. The Grand Wash Cliffs visible from the property create a dramatic backdrop for trail rides. Previous guests report the campground's wide-open spaces and relatively flat terrain make it ideal for horses, with easy access to surrounding trails and no significant obstacles. Horse owners should note the campground does not offer dedicated corrals, so portable containment systems are recommended. The area stays accessible year-round with generally mild winter temperatures, though summer heat can be extreme.
"Seems like they are working their butts off to provide amazing experiences for their guest... like wild horses and glamping! "
"Very friendly host a few tent sites but mostly geared towards rv and horse camping"
Available this weekend
from $18 - $95 / night
"All sites has prefect views of the surrounding mountains. All sites that are situated on the outer rim of the campground, be weary. Most have a good steep decline not to far away from the pavement."
"Quiet beautifully maintained campground with a dump station, portable water, spigots near restrooms and flush toilets. Firings and picnic tables at each site. Very few sites for rigs over 26’."
"While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in there campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock."
"You could see the lake and it was gorgeous. This particular spot was free, but you still have to pay the fee to get into Lake Mead."
"I got number 38 in the Trees, next to a beautiful desert garden. Long pull-thru, level concrete, FHU, picnic table."
"Near I-15. Lots of room to walk the dogs, short drive to downtown or the strip."
"It’s very isolated and secluded and it surrounded by trees. If you can make it you can camp and have A whole lake to yourself. Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from."
"These are open BLM camp sites.. one of around 25 or so in the immediate area. None of these camp sites have amenities, no water, no power, no bathrooms.. just open camping. "
"Hidden damn and horse trough that’s pretty cool to see."
"Our fourth and final night was closer to the entrance near Whitney Pocket and it was a much busier area, but still quiet and remote."
"This area is just east of Mesguite Nevada along Gold Butte Road (old mining road that goes many miles into the NE area of Lake Mead. No water, power or cell phone connection in most areas. "
GuideWas a nice place to stay. Stayed here in my brother-in-laws trailer while we were getting ready to move him to Alaska. Nice and quite other than the jets but that's to be expected. Some decent trees for some relief from the sun as well.
ScoutThis is closed 10/26/26
GuideEasy after hours check-in. I made a reservation about a month ago requesting Trees. They assign your site when you arrive. I got number 38 in the Trees, next to a beautiful desert garden. Long pull-thru, level concrete, FHU, picnic table. About half the park has small trees with no shade, the other half mature trees with shade. At 2 PM, 97° outside with a breeze. Will stay here again.
GuideNice Campground with multiple options for those on a budget. Premium sites run at only $30 per night. Wagon Wheel sites are around $3 a night without hookups. Premium sites have trees for shade as well as lots of space. There was a ton of noise from the air base with frequent flyovers from Jets starting around 6:00 a.m. and running well into the night. This site does not receive mail so if you need to receive mail or packages you will have to make other accommodations. This site has a nice walking trail as well as designated dog areas.
ScoutVery friendly host a few tent sites but mostly geared towards rv and horse camping
GuideRight off vegas blvd but not right off the strip, perfect. Easy to access, price isn't bad at $29/night. No privacy and must be able to enter the base.
RangerI usually camp here the night before airing down and going into Gold Butte. Beautiful views. Good amount of space between the spots.
LegendWe landed in Vegas and headed straight out of the city to this campground. I booked it online, not ever having seen it in person, but I'd stay again in an instant.
We had site 23 - very shaded and "green" - site 24 (not ours) was very open to the desert.
There is a no generator section meant for tents, but we didn't stay there as it seemed fully booked so I picked an RV/tent site at the far end. And it was lovely. The site was in the middle of a turn around, so we were in the "donut center" so to speak and it was quiet, shaded and beautiful. Lot of palms and oleander that gave a lot of privacy. A short walk to the bathroom (hundred yards maybe?) but they were clean and the toilets were the flush kind, not pit kind. Drinking water was available too. There were fire pits at each site and a picnic table. Our site - and I assume most - were dirt/sand mix that made for easy tent set up. But don't count on getting your stakes into the ground. There were a lot of small rocks around the site - obviously used by many campers to "stake out" the tent with. We did so as well.
The campground as a whole was a short drive off the main road, but very easy to get to.
Absolutely I'd stay here again.
TravelerWe are loving this place. Everyone has been super friendly. We did check our personal weapons at the armory upon arrival, and the process did take about an hour, but it was painless. Check-in was very quick. Our camp site (37) is nice. we have some trees at the site that do help with this sweltering heat.. Our site is pull through with full hookups. All work well. Easy access. The dog park is nice. There are several on the grounds. Also, walking trails. I would caution about the Cacti with your animals. Watch those paws. Nellis has a great location. I mean if the daily, all day fly overs are not amazing enough, the beautiful views of the Vegas skyline nearby is also wonderful. You are close enough to everything Vegas if you want to partake, but yet if you dont want to , you can ignore it all together. Commissary and base exchange are nice. The base seems to have all you need. Many restraints and box stores right down Craig Road less than a 10 minute drive. Highly recommend! For 30 bucks a night for premium spot. Can't beat it.
Happy Trails Campground is the primary equestrian camping destination in the Temple Bar Marina area of Arizona, with wide, level sites for trailers and accessible riding terrain. Located approximately 10 minutes from Lake Mead, the facility can accommodate various party sizes with full hookup RV sites, tent camping, and cabins for visitors seeking comfort after trail riding. The campground doesn't have dedicated corrals, so riders should bring portable containment systems for their horses.
Desert exploration with ATVs: The terrain around Happy Trails Campground offers extensive riding opportunities on miles of trails suitable for both ATVs and horses. "Hiking for miles atv trails everwhere you turn. We had a blast. Owners and staff where helpful and informative," notes Teresa M., who appreciated the variety of terrain.
Lake Mead recreation: The lake sits just 10 minutes from Happy Trails Campground, providing water-based activities to complement trail riding. At Las Vegas Bay Campground, campers can access additional Lake Mead shorelines. "We love camping at Las Vegas Bay campground at Lake Mead. The campground is very close to the wash that comes from Lake Las Vegas. Lots of wildlife!!" according to Bonnie C.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates prime conditions for night sky viewing. "Beautiful views and very peaceful. Excellent for star gazing!" reports Aimee K. about Happy Trails Campground. Another camper at Las Vegas Bay notes that "the hills block all signs of civilization. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere even though you are 20 minutes from Vegas."
Large, spacious sites: Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash provides ample room for groups with horses or recreational vehicles. "We love coming here because it is not usually busy and we like our own quiet space. There's also a lot of room for the dogs to run around," explains Michael B.
Family-run atmosphere: The welcoming environment at Happy Trails Campground stands out to visitors. "I was greeted promptly by Scarlet, the 12-year-old boss. So cute! A small family run diamond in the rough RV park was such a pleasant surprise," shares Mark B., who stayed for five nights.
Landscape diversity: The surrounding terrain combines desert vistas with water access. Campers at Road Runner Cove appreciate the unique setting. "This place is hard to get to but worth it. It's very isolated and secluded and it surrounded by trees. If you can make it you can camp and have A whole lake to yourself. Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from," reports Overland Pioneer.
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed camping areas requires careful driving. Eight Mile Dispersed Camping has "wide dusty washboard road to access, 2-3 miles. Dumpsters at top by Northshore hwy but nothing later, no toilets or other facilities," according to Greg L. Similarly, Gold Butte National Monument camping areas require traversing rough terrain: "The road in is really rough (and gets rougher the further in you go), but the camping is nice."
Cell reception: Signal strength varies significantly across the region. Eight Mile Road has "half to full cell service/wifi all the way to the water" according to one camper, while at Gold Butte National Monument, "Cell service is sporadic--typically have to climb a mountain/hill if you need reception."
Limited facilities: Most equestrian camping sites near Temple Bar Marina have minimal amenities. At Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, "there is a dumpster at the front but no bathroom or other facilities." Similarly, at Gold Butte National Monument, there are "no amenities besides a couple Port-o-Potties in the Whitney Pocket area."
Beginner-friendly options: Happy Trails Campground offers more structured camping with necessary amenities for families with children. "Has showers, nice hosts, and nice areas for camping," notes Elisa P., making it suitable for first-time campers or those with younger children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe desert wildlife throughout the region. At Las Vegas Bay Campground, "quail are everywhere. Close to the water and it's peacefully quiet," according to Robin P. Parents should maintain awareness of coyotes, which are active in many camping areas.
Swimming access points: Whitney Pockets provides good desert camping with access to recreation areas. For water activities, Road Runner Cove offers swimming with "huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from," though access requires careful navigation of rough roads.
Site selection: Las Vegas Bay Campground offers designated camping for different RV needs. "There is a no generator section meant for tents, but we didn't stay there as it seemed fully booked so I picked an RV/tent site at the far end," reports Amy G. Sites vary in shade and exposure to elements.
Level parking considerations: Many dispersed camping sites require careful positioning. At Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, you can camp with "any size RV so long as you find a level spot to park." Happy Trails Campground offers "HUGE rv spaces big enough for our rig, boat and atvs" according to Teresa M.
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Las Vegas Bay campers report temperatures of "Low 70s during the day and maybe 59 at the coldest part of the night" during spring camping. Always bring sufficient water as most dispersed horse campgrounds near Temple Bar Marina have no water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Temple Bar Marina, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Temple Bar Marina, AZ is Happy Trails Campground & Mini Motel with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Temple Bar Marina, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Temple Bar Marina, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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