Best Tent Camping near Tecopa, CA

Stayed the weekend, RV spaces are set apart from the tent sites in a semi-circle of 5 spaces in a quiet area. There are aluminum picnic tables, fire pits and BBQ’s but not hookups. Spaces are pretty deep but not very wide. Space 5 is at the end up near a slight hill so it was a bit more private than the others which are pretty close together. It was close to home which was nice. Great view of Red Rock in the distant to see the sun set.

We stayed here for one night on our way to a campsite inside Death Valley NP. Location is about an hour outside the park in a tiny little town that’s pretty quiet. They do have a Chevron and a diner that probably covers most traveler’s needs. It’s also situated in a beautiful area with gorgeous mountain views.

We stayed in a 22 foot RV at one of the hookup sites, they also have several tent sites and a few cabin spots. There’s a naturally heated pool, which looked pretty nice but we chose not to use for COVID reasons. The whole camp was super quiet while we were there with not many other campers. Weather was great this time of year. I would probably stay here again.

Summer time might not be the best time to try to camp in southern Nevada but with mild fall and winter this campsite leaves a lot of options for those looking for an outdoor adventure.

I spent much of early spring at Red Rock enjoying the facilities, the hiking, the vistas and yes the camping. This campground does accept reservations for group sites however individual sites are walk up first come first serve and with those mild weekends they do fill up quickly. Weekdays are suggested if you can make it out as it is a bit easier to get a site during those days.

One thing most do not consider with camping at this location is the proximity to the Las Vegas strip and all the tourists which that includes. This campsite is coveted and many who wish to venture beyond the brights lights find themselves at this nationally acclaimed facility.

A few things to also consider before traveling here:

1- No cell servIce at the campground for any provIder, fact is unless you hike to the peaks you wIll not fInd any cell service for miles.

2- Campground sometimes appears full when in fact people are parking here instead of camping so do not get turned away without a quick once through the campground itself.

3- No hookups for electrIcal or water at individual sItes. If you must have power you will want to consider alternative sources.

RV campers as well as tent campers are able to stay at thIs locatIon however It does sway a bIt more toward tent campIng In way of spacing and availabilIty.

Cost to camp are $15 for single tent campers like myself. ThIs Includes a pIcnIc table and awning but more Importantly proximity to the park itself. Most don’t inquire about stay length but for a blogger lIke myself I had to know and elected to ask, because who wouldnt want the best vIews In the area as long as possIble! 14 days!!

This campground is an easy few miles outside of the suburbs of Las Vegas. So easy in fact, I needed cell service and was able to drive five minutes to an Albertson’s grocery store parking lot to make a phone call and use the internet browser on my iPhone. As a local I was opposed to this new construction so close to Red Rock for this reason. The park doesn’t feel like a getaway as much as other parks.

The campground is closed during the summer months when it reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit by 7 AM. We camped in January and it reached the low 60s in the day and dipped to the 30s with rain at night. Spring or fall weather is much better fro tent camping. We were comfortable in an RV.

Most sites had steel roofed canopies and all had a fire ring and grill. The driving paths are pea gravel and the roads are gravel and desert dirt. They are well maintained and a few years ago benches and railroad timber barriers were installed. Bathrooms were very clean with a bunch of sanitizer and toilet paper. Drinking water spigots were also clean and had good water pressure. No hookups are available for RVs.

Overall, this campground earned 4 stars because the views weren’t as impressive as the actual park. The park is a very short drive down the road but waking up with beautiful views is something I look for. And the proximity to the city didn’t offer the feeling of isolation I like in a camping trip. It was convenient but the city lights could be seen glowing over the hill and the sky wasn’t as dark for stargazing as I prefer on a camping trip.

If going here, the park is a world class rock climbing destination and bike riding or driving driving the scenic loop are my recommended activities.

...because it actually has grass and trees! (Campgrounds down the road in Tecopa are just bare lots for the most part.) The Shoshone RV Park also has nice clean showers and laundry facilities, as well as wifi, which is helpful as there's generally no cell service or data in the area.  I didn't try the warm pool, so I can't vouch for it, but I did walk the nature trail and see the endangered pupfish in the habitat restoration area (check out https://www.newyorker.com/news/us-journal/the-queen-of-the-desert for more information on the town and the restoration projects) and enjoyed the winter birds (phainopepla, verdin, marsh wren, and of course ravens). The Shoshone Museum is worth a visit as well.

Got up there around 10:30-11:00am on Sunday. “Champion Road” is a decently maintained dirt/gravel road and there are camp sites scattered on both sides, all different shapes and sizes. I took a small road off to the right towards the mountain and found a pretty secluded site. My site had a rock fire ring from previous campers and a cleared away flat area for a tent. I brought a small table luckily because there was nowhere to put stuff other than hanging in the trees, on the ground or on a log. My tent is a 2 person 6ftx7ft tent and was too big for spot so my tent wasn’t positioned very well, other sites may have been better. I think because my site was a bit more off the main road it had fewer campers therefore was not as well kept. My site was very rocky and well covered by large trees, not another site within a 400 meter radius. I didn’t check out many other sites so can only speak for mine. It was a little dirty from previous campers, but after a quick walk through and clean up it was homey. Next time probably will find a little bit more “developed” spot with larger area for my tent and cleared away rocks. Great for the short time I was there and serve me well for getting away and hanging by the fire, listening to music and watching the stars. Definitely will be going back soon. Maybe do some thing to make the spot a little better for the next camper and bring bags to take your trash (and others trash) with you when you leave. Enjoy!

This was my first time camping at Hilltop. I reserved online, which is great, so when I got there I just pulled into the spot. The camp host came by and asked for either my ID or the reservation.

I stayed in Spot 1, which is nice if you want to be a little secluded, but I did have a lot of traffic noise when trucks or loud motorcycles came by. The tent area was level and smooth, which was a big help when Tent #1, which set up beautifully in my living room, refused to, in spite of much coaxing and cursing. I had to drive back into town and buy Tent #2, which was watertight even when the rain came pouring down.

There is no running water in the campground. Spigots have been capped, and where there once were showers, there are now portable toilets. In the larger group areas, they (and the trash bins) fill up fast, but less so in the remainder of the campground. Walk a little bit farther and you'll likely find a cleaner portable. This campground is very tent friendly.

If you want truly incredible views, reserve spots 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18. 22, or 23. All are on the outside edge overlooking the valley below. There are also deer that graze when the campground is quieter, and nearby access to a lot of hiking areas.

Not a bad campsite but no shelter. We had really strong winds that came down the wash and lots of trouble getting our tent to stay in one place. Ground wasn't conducive to tent pegs so sandbags covered in rocks worked but it was way too windy for us.

RV with us was ok. 25ft 2WD and it made it in far enough to have passed about 5 campsites. There are more but the road turns to high clearance neeed after about 2 or 3 miles.

Camping after 1st mile allowed. I don't think campfires are allowed.

Roomy site for my SUV with a rooftop tent. Great views of the nearby mountains. Clean and easy to get to. Great quick getaway from Las Vegas.

I make several trips out here each year and can't say enough good things. The group sites are large and have nice big pavilions at each site with picnic tables and fire pits.

Each site has walkways leading to platforms for setting up a number of tents.

This area Is notorious for having moderate to high winds so be ready to stake out all corners including the vestibules. Winds here are predominantly out of the east but can switch out of the west overnight. BE LIBERAL WITH TENT STAKES!

Each site has running water, trash bins and a pit toilet.

Close proximity to Red Rock Canyon, Hiking Trails and Climbing Routes.

* No “small” children allowed.

“Old School” RV Park, with several “cabin” options and no tent-specific sites — 

BUT The Water...?  Oh, YEAH!!! Spectacular new pool area with 4 HOT tubs (105-107) which overflow into the main pool (90-95), open 24/7 except for cleaning...

6? private, clothing-optional soaking tubs, one open-to-the-Sky.

On our last night of a week long trip to Utah and Arizona, with an early flight out the next morning, this campground was perfect. It's only about 40 minutes form the Las Vegas Airport but feels like you are forever away from the hustle and bustle of the strip.

Each site has a set place for the tent so you aren't trying to find a flat piece of ground for your tent as one is already provided.

Although we only used this as a stop over on our last night, we will be back! There is so much good hiking right there in Red Rock Canyon. Wish we would have had more time to explore!

There's a nice mix of tent and RV spots. It's by the highway but not loud. There's a spring fed warm water pool. Green grass, decent toilets and showers.

The wifi works, but there is no cell phone coverage here. 

There are some weird rules around no campfires, and maybe not cooking on camp stoves, but portable bbq are allowed, not really sure.

Not sure how fun this would be in a tent, but we slept in the back of our vehicle up on top of a cliff surrounded by Joshua trees. Very sweet spot to spend the night.

We took a right off of the main road towards the gravel pit and took a left which headed up to a secluded location.

Pretty secluded dry camping. Almost always can find a spot. The sites are all pretty big and have lots of level areas for tents. The road is drivable with 2 wheel drive but it may be tricky taking any campers further back then the first few spots

This campground is located across the street from the beautiful Red Rock Conservation area. It is a semi flat desert area this many tent spots (single and group) and some walk in for late comers. Reservations are recommended because in our experience it fills up fast.

Great camp hosts and great views. The spots are all tent ready with hooks to help you tie down your tent. This place is spotless and well kept. They have a lot of walk in sites so no worries if you have traveled along time you will get in. Bathrooms are basic nothing special vault toilets. If you hike a little ways up the hill the views are outstanding. Reserve ahead of time because you want to guarantee a spot with a bit of shaded canopy. It does get extremely hot so make sure you are prepared for the elements and pack enough fluids. The images I have included are or the reservable picnics area on the opposite side, near calico basin which has other tables that you don’t need to reserve so if your camping, make sure to make It a day trip to calico basin, epic photo shoots, amazing hikes and nice covered picnic areas and clean bathrooms. A really neat spot

Closest you can stay to Red Rock Canyon. The sites are small and close together. Tent pads are basically big wooden sandboxes that do not fit many tents above 6 people. 

Wind is an issue here. There are no natural wind blocks. Noise can be bad (climbers from all over the world having the time of their lives), but overall you can't complain being able to drive 5 minutes to the front gate to RRC.

Facilities are all ok and average compared to other state/national campsites. Multiple camp hosts are by the end of the entrance road. There are some walk in sites, but those are commonly taken up by the foreign climbers that are a bit more adventurous.

Closest food is a small strip mall about 10 minutes West on the main road. Albertson's supermarket is nicely stocked and has a great craft beer selection. Subway sandwiches, a pizza place, and a gas station make up a perfect refuel spot.

Its 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.