Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, near [Lake Mead National Recreation Area](https://thedyrt.com/camping/nevada/near/lake-mead-national-recreation-area), is a rugged spot for those who enjoy the great outdoors without the frills. This area offers free camping with no reservations needed, making it a go-to for spontaneous adventures. 

The scenery here is stunning, with open spaces and breathtaking views of the lake that visitors rave about. Campers have noted the beautiful sunsets, which can turn the sky into a canvas of colors, perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots. Just be prepared for a rough ride on the washboard road leading in; it’s not for the faint of heart, but many agree the solitude and scenery make it worth the trek.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, this location allows pets and has plenty of room for them to roam. Some campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere, saying it’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. As one visitor put it, “We love coming here because it is not usually busy and we like our own quiet space.” 

If you’re looking to explore, you can take advantage of the nearby Boulder Beach campground for dump station access and freshwater. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as some have pointed out the litter left behind by others. Whether you’re setting up a tent or just passing through, Eight Mile Dispersed Camping offers a unique experience for those ready to embrace the wild side of camping.

8 Mile Rd Dispersed camping area is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada. This rustic campground offers a backcountry camping experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The campground does not provide any amenities, so campers must come prepared with all necessary supplies, including water and firewood.

Reservations are not accepted at 8 Mile Rd Dispersed camping area, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is important to note that there are no designated campsites, so visitors can choose their own spot within the designated camping area.

Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Henderson is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Henderson is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Henderson, NV. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Henderson

The Best Camping Near Henderson, Nevada

8 mile is just like Government Wash. Free boondocking with a 7 day limit. There is a dumpster at the front but no bathroom or other facilities.  Hike out what you hike in. You could tent camp here or any size RV so long as you find a level spot to park. 

Coyotes are very present so I personally wouldn't tent camp anywhere here but I saw several people with no problems tent camping. 

There is a no break law in effect but some people still seem to leave broken glass around so be mindful. The water is close. I didn't go far enough to see of this road leads to the water. The road is very rough so I parked as soon as I was able in a class B. There were some fast trucks coming in and out as it was the weekend and the weather was perfect. 



Boondocking

And very bad service. No one helps you there you are on your own. 

Very bad place

I’ve driven down other washboard roads but even with some speed this road was so tough on my van. We made it and the views and solitude were worth it but it was a loud, bumpy, stressful 2 mile ride. Cell signal is booming @ this site, more so than Govt Wash which is across the way. But Govt Wash has a better road. I’ll go back to 8 Mile when I earn my van’s trust back LOL 

Awesome Spot, Awful Road 

Note that this area is free camping, however Lake Mead has an entry fee, unless you have a Senior Pass. 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.  7 day limit free camping.  Cell signal great though.

Worse washboard road ever

Total boon docking and rough roads. But it’s free and you can literally canon where you want... sooo eyyy if you need it than it’s here. 
At this location you can stay 7 days. 
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. For me I like the water so it’s not an ideal
Spot for me. 

Note if you need an actual bathroom at the entrance of government wash you have a bathroom. Included the picture 

Free camping 

We saw some awesome sunsets here, but I wouldn't say this spot had anything unique about it.  The road is rough, you definitely cannot camp here in the rain.  It's a wash...so that would get dangerous.  I liked that there were some larger bushes than government wash because it broke up the terrain a little.   As other reviews have mentioned, the water isn't really accessible from this location.  There were no other people camping here when we were here, so the privacy was actually really nice.  You could literally walk around naked and it didn't matter.  :)

meh.  there are better spots at Lake Mead.

We Camp in the roofnest tent ⛺and Kayaking the next morning. What a epic experience 😎

Hoover Dam Kayaking 

There is no specific camp grounds in this area so yoy just have to keep going until you find a spot.  The road is primitive and i had issues with fishtailing in the sand so take it slow.  The campsite i found was simple and spacious.  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.

Free Spot, pay to enter lake area

Did a day trip here, looking for other areas to be able to set up my mobile office.
Awesome views, and half to full cell service/wifi all the way to the water! Water was clear and could see decent sized fish in the shallows. Another start in the boon-docking sash! 
Only caveat is the trash! Come one fellow campers, whatever happened to picking up and leaving no trace?

Another great spot!!

8 mile road is open to free dispersed camping for 7 days. There is a couple dumpsters about a 1/4 mile in but that is all for 2.1 miles of terrible washboard road down to the receding water line.  No water, toilets, trash cans at beach areas.  The limited beach areas tend to be hogged by folks trying to keep other campers at a distance.  I found floating trash all along the shore, styerfoam, plastic bottles, ect. Ugh

Long washboard road to trashy beaches

While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in there campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock. When you are inside Lake Mead you are able to use the dump station and freshwater to fill up your tanks at Boulder Beach campground. 

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.

8 Mile road dispersed camping Lake Mead

The road can be pretty rough but anyone can get down pretty far. Loved the open space and views of the lake. 

Photos of Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers