Looking for dispersed camping near Shoshone? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Shoshone just for you.
A large part of the Spring Mountains is remote and undeveloped. Visitors can venture out and set up camp in these remote areas with just a little planning from the guidelines below The best known areas in the Spring Mountains include Mack's Canyon, Champion Road, and Lovell Canyon but those can get crowded in warm weather. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive or hike out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot with a nice view or good shade. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed outside a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream or spring. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines. - Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 100 feet of any water source, as plants near water are especially fragile. - Do not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting - Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage. Going to the Bathroom in the Woods Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six (6) inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. A ziplock bag is helpful for this. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground since it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Treating Your Water We used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of the sparkling creek, a rushing waterfall, or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water source anymore. With an increasing population and visitation to the Spring Mountains, water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting and wild animals to many water sources. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems. The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating.
$50 / night
Over 50 miles of maintained trails wind through the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, along with 4 campgrounds, 7 picnic areas, and remote areas for dispersed camping.
Ranger
Absolutely amazing free dispersed camping at Silurian dry lake bed.
Visited in late December, and there were zero other campers out on the lake bed. Lots of entrances to the site from the highway, just be sure to follow an already made path. The farthest you can camp is about a mile off of the road. Very level, great place for boondocking.
This is BLM managed land, make sure to go online for a free fire permit if you plan to have a campfire.
Legend
We stayed at this spot for a week while volunteering with the Homes On Wheels Alliance. There must have been a hundred of us total, and there was plenty of room for all. We stayed on the edge, just off Mesquite Rd, very minimal off road driving. But you can keep going further back and there are so many open spots to choose from. This particular spot is huge and good for any size rig.
Good cell signal here for Verizon and ATT. It got windy every evening/night when we were there in mid October.
Heads up that there is a shooting range across the street and the shots are loud.
There's a county transfer station just down Mesquite Rd that takes recyclables (incl. glass!) and e-waste.
This is dispersed camping on BLM land so there are zero amenities or services so please help keep it clean.
TravelerGreat location for exit out of Death Valley and close to Interstate 15. Mojave Preserve closed so stayed in Baker, CA on BLM land. Simple gravel pad, quite, opposite School. Close to overhead power lines. Mad Greek Restaurant awesome for evening meal and Chevron Gas station has great bathrooms and supplies!!
ScoutBit of an awkward spot to camp in my opinion. It’s pretty much an open sandy area in the town of Baker. You can hear the highway and noise from the town. If you prefer more remote areas, choose a different place. It was difficult to find in the dark as well because the coordinates provided aren’t technically in the camping area. I had to zoom in on the map to make sure I was on BLM land.
Legend
Ash Meadows is a treasure and though no camping is within the actual preserve, BLM land surrounds the place and plenty of spaces to camp and explore. There is a concrete slab near this site that is perfect for a campervan like ours. Was level with no breaks. No fire ring or remnants or an old one and we were hesitant to light one with the dry season here. The road to Longstreet cabin is rough, rough, rough. Go slow and the car will be alright even if not 4X4, you'll be glad you did. The trails are almost all raised wood to protect the area. Easy hike, wheelchair friendly (very wide paths). Tecopa is nearby as well as amargosa with the most lovable opera house in the USA. Lots of little critters around and some coyotes heard howling at night. A great campsite for the hardcore camping enthusiast
Legend
Right before Death Valley if you coming from vegas and right after Death Valley if your heading to vegas!! They do have cement pads so that seemed really cool for it being BLM land… they have nice roads as well.
Here are my star ratings based on my lifestyle and what I like. I'm also a mother, dog mama, and a wife so it's not just me it's my crew and i. 1 star- AUTOMATIC relocate... the property is no longer there, trashed or/and I could never have my children there and I wouldn't ever think about staying no matter what. 2 star- Not really my jam, and would NEVER go to again... It probably more of desert life and not really my style for sure...Being from Vegas I can't stand being in the desert and I love the Trees and the Green more than anything. 3 star- Would stay there again in a pinch, but not really my style, the reason its not is because not enough family things to do, the scenery, or the location... but I would go again and feel safe having my kiddos here but only if I needed to in a pinch. 4 star- a really good rating for sure, maybe needed some improvements, minor things like being on top of each other, not a lot of privacy, but honestly little cosmetic things that aren't anything to sweat and would be back again for sure. 5 star- MY FAVORITE... love the location, safety, the surroundings, big camp spots available to fit toys for my kids to play, hammocks to hang, our big family tent, cases of firewood, our suburban or RV, etcccccc..... I would not only come back but would live if I could!!! Anyway thanks for reading and enjoy every moment like it's your last! CHEERS!
Legend
Super cool hidden gem in the desert that’s for sure. Summertime gets a little tooooo hot but it’s perfect any other time throughout the year. It’s all dispersed so find a spot you like and enjoy!! Free camping!!! Winner!!! Make sure you build a good fire ring and make sure to put your fire completely out. Safety first! It’s Always best to take care of Mother Nature. If you have a 4x4 you can get to a much secluded area. If you don’t which we don’t have a 4x4 but we can make it pretty cool places so we’re happy.
GuideQuiet, secluded spot between Las Vegas and Pahrump Nevada. First come, first served but it was very quiet when we were there. The Boondocking experience is my favorite part of camping/travelling and this was a great spot. Spent 2 weeks here and didn't come in contact with anybody! Other people were there but all well dispersed.
GPS Coordinates Latitude, Longitude: 36.0430242°,-115.6175106°
Our elevation was about 6,000 ft
No services but also no Fee (Free)
Hiking for days
Legend
Literally free.!!! Cell service Dispersed Dirt roads Close to stores and everything in between Now a lot of people are like living here full time and well good for them right? Shoot... not a bad situation. Anyway free camping just pull over and you are good. No hook ups or anything special just you and your rv of choice. What’s better than free? Also Next door is an rv place and you can dump and fill your water if you needed to. Huge area by the way and plenty of open desert
Guide
I’ve camped at Mack’s at least 3 times now. It doesn’t get old. Most of the campsites are accessible with a 2 wheel drive vehicle you can only get so far. The views are amazing and it’s just far enough away to see the Milky Way at night. There are no services so remember to leave no trace. 5 stars for this dispersed camping area.
TravelerWheeler Peak Rd is actually one of 4 roads that goes into this vast area.
There are several roads that some think give better access to campsites off HIghway 160 in town. Wheeler Peak Rd is south of town.
Best one might be Charleston Peak Rd. Turn east off 160 Highway by the Auto Zone store onto Panorama and go one block to Charleston Peak Rd turning right at the Chevy dealership.
This is paved road nearly all the way to campsites. When the pavement ends go straight ahead a block or two to campsites or turn to the left and go north toward the power lines. All BLM east of the power lines clear to the mountains.
Boondocked in this area 2 months with no complaints. Verizon Cellphone signal this close to town was very good as was my hotspot internet connection.
ScoutEasy access, great dispersed camping. Not far from the road, but not too loud either. Very convenient.
GuideWonderful dispersed camping. Good gravel roads and Picturesque views everywhere you turn. About 15 degrees cooler than vegas and good cell coverage
TravelerGreat views for sunrise and sunset. Dispersed camping with plenty of space between sites. Rock fire rings but expect no facilities. We only stayed one night but would stay here again! Cell service was excellent.
GuideDispersed camping. We came on a weekday afternoon and had a great time. Drove about a mile and a quarter back the road and found a couple really good spots. I’m sure you could go back further.
Wind was WICKED! Bring a kite.
LegendIts a little bit of a drive (4 miles) into the wooded terrain to get to the listed campsite. However, you can camp in multiple areas along the route. Just about anytime I head towards this site, you will see people tent or truck bed camping. On occasion, I will see a motorhome or pull trailer in the area. Most of the time, they are near the front entrance, as the road and openness for large rigs are more friendly. About a mile down the road is Sawmill trailhead. They have picnic areas and trails you can explore. Although, the current signage says not to camp overnight in the Sawmill area, you will see tents and rare times, small trailers (less than 20 feet) dispersed in the area. There are multiple nooks and private areas to disperse. As with any dispersed camping in this area or Sawmill, "No open fires." Just visited today and seen too many left over rock ring fires in the area. The usual from a long holiday weekend.
Legend
Great spot for dispersed camping. They have toilets near the front entrance. You will typically see small class c or pull trailers a little ways back, down the trails. No issues camping and people very respectful of other campers. Stayed during March and at night was almost freezing temperatures.
TravelerFor boondocking I find this spot convenient to town. Beautiful desert surroundings. Decent T mobile cell service.
TravelerI had planned to stay in the park when I visited early February 2021. All camping was still closed when I got there, so I found this dispersed camping site just outside of the park. It was easy to find, even though it was already dark. There were several other campers already out there, but there's enough space where it still felt somewhat private.
Basically this is an abandoned housing development, so it's super flat and easy to find and unoccupied space. Basically it's the pad where a house was going to be built.
There are no amenities, no water no bathroom no nothing. But it is so quiet! I stayed up late and when everyone went to bed it was the quietest I've ever heard. No road noise, no planes overhead, absolutely nothing. You don't realize what real silence sounds like until you experience it!
Definitely would recommend, cheap (free!), Easily accessible in any vehicle, great view of the desert and night sky!
Scout
Charleston is always the go-to during summer, as it’s 20 degrees cooler than it’s surrounding area. Dispersed camping is great - no utilities of course, but very quiet, not many other campers, and a great place for stargazing. We even saw a mule walking around in the morning. Forgot my trekking poles to set up as tent poles, but luckily, Charleston is one of the few places in NV with literal trees. Can be around a 20 min drive to whatever trails you’re interested in.
GuideA beautiful and remote area of Death Valley National Park “backcountry.” Be sure to research the Park’s rules for disperse camping.
Enjoy hours of exploring without seeing another person for days.
No facilities, No campfire pits,
GuideMy friend and I decided to hike Mt Charleston Peak in order to train for hiking Machu Picchu. Here’s a breakdown of the hike: 17 miles | 11,916 ft elevation | 8,241 ft prominence | Highest peak in Southern Nevada | 8th most prominent mountain in the U.S. | Most prominent mountain in Nevada. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
In terms of camping, we decided to avoid the crowds, and camp on our way back, along the trail. Primitive/ dispersed camping available. Fire is allowed depending on the season, so check their website before hand. Pack-in-pack-out type camp.
ScoutLots of level sites for individuals or groups. Very close to town/shopping/gas so a great spot for first timers to test and fine tune their setup before heading for more remote boondocking adventures.
TravelerMt. Charleston overall is a nice play to visit for the day to get away from the Las Vegas heat. As far as dispersed camping, come supplied and be ready to be self-sufficient. There are no natural water sources for extra water, no cell service in most areas, and no services outside of the small town on the main road. I prefer Mt. Charleston more as a day trip than an overnight trip. The hiking is great, but there is not much else to do beyond hiking. It does get snow in the winter time, which is a plus. There is skiing and places to go sledding in the winter.
Guide
Just south of Ashford Mill Ruins where Badwater Rd meets Jubilee Pass Rd, you can continue down the unpaved portion of Badwater Rd/Harry Wade Rd to find a long sandy stretch that leads out of the park to the south. I'd recommend AWD with high clearance at a minimum as the road can be a little washboardy and sandy. There are ample dispersed camping sites along this portion of the road (use previously disturbed spaces within the 50 ft wilderness boundary). The sites are a little rocky/sandy but most looked fairly level and all offered remote, stunning views of the park with little traffic. We had one visible camper sharing the entire valley with us, couldn't ask for more.
Ranger
This is dispersed camping along and inside Cathedral Canyon, a small canyon that was converted to an outdoor “cathedral” by a local resident in mid 20th century. Just southeast of Parumph off 95.
What was once beautiful is now weird and eerie but well worth a visit. Google the story. Interesting read.
You can camp up above or down in the cathedral. There are stone fire rings all around. No other amenities but good cell service. There was lots if trash when we were here as well as gunshots during the day from a nearby shooting range. There’s also clear evidence things have been shot up in the cathedral, too, including a giant headless Christ statue.
Not for everyone but a fine stopover with an interesting backstory.
ScoutMack's is a good dispersed camp ground. No services. Pack out what your bring in!
Its a close drive from Vegas great for a quick get away. The road is a single road and pretty rough a 4x4 is recommended however a skilled driver might be okay in a 2x4. There are a number of existing sites along the road in and a open air camp at the end. All of the sites are good. Its quiet and peaceful. No fires. The park ranger actually checked to make sure we were aware of the fire restrictions. I assume this is due to the Mahogany Fire a couple weeks ago. Great spot for a nice quick get away from the Vegas heat!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shoshone, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those seeking solitude and stunning landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shoshone, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shoshone, CA is Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain) with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Shoshone, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Shoshone, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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