Dispersed camping near Temple Bar Marina offers varied terrain options from open desert to rocky landscapes. Most sites sit far from the shoreline due to water level changes at Lake Mead. Primitive sites require visitors to pack in all water and supplies, with temperatures fluctuating dramatically between seasons. Summer camping often means daytime temperatures exceeding 110°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Desert hiking trails: Multiple unmarked trails branch from several camping areas near Temple Bar. At Valley of Fire Dispersed, a camper noted "we stayed for one night, loads of space, fairly level as well. Just a little bit off the road and really quiet." Trails offer views of limestone formations and desert vegetation.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk hours provide opportunities to spot desert wildlife including jackrabbits, coyotes, and roadrunners. At Gregg's Hideout, a visitor mentioned "pretty much had the area all to myself," making it ideal for quiet wildlife watching.
Night sky photography: The lack of light pollution makes tent camping locations perfect for astrophotography. According to a camper at Mid-Basin Cove, this spot is "more secluded than its sister site up the road but much more secluded and enjoyable," creating ideal conditions for night photography without interference.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant spacing between sites. A camper at Valley of Fire Dispersed reported that "dark, quiet, flat and easy to get to" conditions make it attractive for those seeking separation from neighboring campers.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, several sites maintain usable cell signals. At Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, a reviewer found "half to full cell service/wifi all the way to the water! Water was clear and could see decent sized fish in the shallows."
Accessibility to water recreation: Some camping locations provide access to water activities. One camper at Road Runner Cove reported "caught a huge carp that snapped my pole and a pretty large Bass. If you hike to those cliffs on the left it's a fish sanctuary see a couple striper in there."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads deteriorate quickly and become impassable without proper vehicles. A camper at Windy Point Campground advised, "The road is steep, winding, dirt with loose gravel 11 miles off the paved road. Camp sites have a great view because of the elevation."
Limited to no facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. A reviewer at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping noted "there is a dumpster at the front but no bathroom or other facilities. Hike out what you hike in."
Wildlife considerations: Local wildlife affects camping decisions. According to one camper, "Coyotes are very present so I personally wouldn't tent camping anywhere here but I saw several people with no problems tent camping."
Tips for camping with families
Best seasons for children: Avoid summer months with children due to extreme heat. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures for tent camping near Temple Bar Marina. As one camper noted about Windy Point, "we went in June when it was probably 110 degrees at the base of the mountain, mid 90s up at the camp site."
Water access challenges: Lake access often requires significant hiking from campsites. A camper at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping explained, "It's a hike to get to the water from here you can't actually get down to the water so keep that in mind."
Shade considerations: Natural shade is scarce at most sites. A visitor to Road Runner Cove described how "someone abandoned [an EZ up] so I dragged it to those rocks and I've been back four times and use it. I just throw some blankets over it and instantly have shade."
Tips from RVers
Road suitability: Many access roads prohibit larger RVs. A reviewer at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping warned, "Wide dusty washboard road to access, 2-3 miles. Dumpsters at top by Northshore hwy but nothing later, no toilets or other facilities. I would never haul a trailer in there."
Weather precautions: Weather changes drastically affect camping conditions. One camper cautioned, "you definitely cannot camp here in the rain. It's a wash...so that would get dangerous."
Parking limitations: Finding level spots challenges RVers. At Valley of Fire Dispersed, one camper found "a flat spot next to a fire ring after traveling down a bumpy road."
