Cathedral Canyon Dispersed Camping

Cathedral Canyon Dispersed Camping sits within a small canyon southeast of Pahrump, where a mid-20th century resident created an outdoor "cathedral" from the natural rock formations. The Bureau of Land Management manages this free dispersed camping area, which allows both drive-in and walk-in access along with campfires and pets.

Stone fire rings dot the canyon floor and surrounding areas where campers can set up above the canyon rim or down inside the cathedral itself. Cell service reaches the area, though visitors report finding trash and hearing gunshots from a nearby shooting range during daytime hours. Evidence of target practice appears throughout the site, including damage to the large Christ statue that anchors the makeshift cathedral. The location works as a stopover for travelers on Highway 95, particularly those curious about the site's unusual history and current condition.

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Map & DirectionsCathedral Canyon Dispersed Camping is located in Nevada near Pahrump

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

36.01297435 N
115.86393882 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Cathedral Canyon Dispersed Camping

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1 Review

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2020

Odd place with a sad story

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.

  • Review photo of Cathedral Canyon Dispersed Camping by Ariel & John  W., November 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Cathedral Canyon Dispersed Camping by Ariel & John  W., November 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Cathedral Canyon Dispersed Camping by Ariel & John  W., November 14, 2020
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can I do while visiting Cathedral Canyon?

Cathedral Canyon offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical interest. Visitors can explore the small canyon that was converted into an outdoor "cathedral" by a local resident in the mid-20th century. The site has an interesting history worth researching before your visit. While the area has an eerie, unusual atmosphere now, it still maintains a fascinating appeal. Activities include photography, hiking around the canyon, stargazing in the desert night sky, and simply enjoying the peaceful desert surroundings.

How do I get to Cathedral Canyon near Pahrump?

Cathedral Canyon is located just southeast of Pahrump, Nevada, off Highway 95. To reach this dispersed camping area, take Highway 95 and look for the turnoff that leads to the small canyon. The site is relatively easy to find from Pahrump and makes for a convenient stopping point when traveling through this part of Nevada. The roads leading to the canyon are accessible for most vehicles, though conditions may vary seasonally.

What camping options are available at Cathedral Gorge State Park?

It's important to note that Cathedral Canyon near Pahrump is different from Cathedral Gorge State Park, which is located in eastern Nevada. Cathedral Canyon offers dispersed camping with no developed facilities. Cathedral Gorge State Park, on the other hand, features a developed campground with 22 sites offering shade ramadas, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water and restrooms. The state park also has electrical hookups available at some sites and requires reservations through the Nevada State Parks reservation system.