Desert Pass Campground, near Moapa, Nevada, is a unique retreat that offers a chance to escape the heat of the city and immerse yourself in nature. With a handful of sites primarily suited for tent camping, it’s a great place to unwind under a blanket of stars, far from the hustle and bustle.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire in the evenings. Visitors have noted the clean vault toilets, which, while basic, provide a necessary convenience in this remote area. As one camper put it, “The nights were beautiful,” highlighting the stunning night sky filled with stars.

For those looking to explore, the surrounding high desert offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its rugged beauty, with rocky paths and diverse vegetation that make for a scenic backdrop. Just be prepared for the lack of running water and cellular service, as this spot is all about disconnecting and enjoying the great outdoors. 

While some campers have mentioned the bumpy roads leading in, a capable vehicle will get you there just fine. If you’re seeking a peaceful getaway where you can truly escape, Desert Pass Campground is worth checking out.

Desert Pass Campground

North Las Vegas is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. North Las Vegas is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near North Las Vegas, reviewed by campers like you.

North Las Vegas

The Best Camping Near North Las Vegas, Nevada

For those who enjoy a good FREE campsite, this is a great site for getting away from the hustle of the city of Las Vegas and being able to enjoy the natural side of this area of Nevada. Close to lots of hiking or boondocks sites this site is a great place for the person who is wanting to set up a tent but have the comfort of a toilet.

This area is a great place to check out!

I found this space when wandering around close to Red Rock. I had sought out some camping in the area and found the Fish and Wildlife area and had to check it out. A lot of times I have found these free lands to be great for camping, well patrolled and lots of other like minded people enjoying the spaces. This one was the same!!

The campsite had a picnic table and fire ring so it was a pretty standard primitive dry camp. But what set it apart from some in the area was the friendly nature of those patrolling. We were there a while and a ranger pulled into camp and since we were outside of the tent he spoke to us about the grounds. You can stay here for up to 14 days they just ask that you respect the area and carry out all you carry in. He was very helpful in telling us the areas best for hiking and gave us a few ideas as to what to expect in way of wildlife in the area. SUPER HELPFUL!!

This campground itself is kinda small, only a few sites but they are spread far enough apart that you don't feel stacked on your neighbors. Throughout the area you will find boondocks in RVs and rigs all abiding by the same 14 day policy.

I will go back here during the cooler season for some more great camping. I LOVED it here!

There were only a few negatives I did find as a tent camper. High winds roll across this area and can create a lot of dust storms which were a problem on one of the days we were there, that made it a little difficult to enjoy the camp because there is no real shelter from this. Although this isn't an every day occurrence when it does happen it can completely ruin the day.

The only other negative was that it is kind of far from any civilization and with AT&amp;T I had no signal, so this could make for some issues in case of an emergency.

TIPS:

*   If you have a booster for cell signal make sure to bring it!
*   Pack an outdoor shower booth as there are few places to set up a make shift shower area, bringing your own unit can make it a lot easier and private.

FREE camping!!

Desert pass campground is not in the desert and is actually up in the mountains between US route 93 &amp;95. It occasionally snows on this site and is great to get away from the heat of Vegas. There is a self pay of $5 and only a hand full of sites.  There is no sand or desert plant life, but instead lots of trees, wildlife, and some bugs. The road here is unpaved and long, but in good weather a 2WD can make it up here. There is no cell reception of any kind.

First review and pics are not accurate.

So I haven't camped out in this area, I usually drive past when going off-road and hitting the trails around the National Wildlife Refuge. There are a handful of sites and every time I came through during midweek, only seen 1 or 2 people camping. Either tent or truckbed camping. Roads will tear up a pull trailer and you can mostly get to this campsite with 2WD, but highly recommend 4WD.

Not many sites, but many don't know about this place

At an elevation of 6200 ft this is a great place to get away from it all.  But there are some things that those coming here should know.  There is NO RUNNING WATER. Be prepared to bring your own if you are staying for any length of time.

There is NO CELLULAR SERVICE.  The "toilets" are vault toilets (fancy outhouses) that are not regularly maintained, but were also reasonably clean.

There are 7 sites total.  Two up one side on a small hill,  two by the first vault toilet, one in the middle, and then a group site with two tent pads by the second vault toilet.

Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and tent pad.  Bring your own firewood. Pack out your trash.

I was there for 3 nights, when we arrived we were the only people there until late in our second day.

The roads were passable with a hearty 2wd truck/SUV, but 4wd is recommended.  You will NOT  get to this campground in a car.  You need ground clearance to make it up the rough roads.

Weather was pleasant &amp; dry.  Nights were cold to cool. Lots of sun.  Pack the sunscreen - ask me how I know.

Overall a great place to getaway to if you need a break from civilization. 

Great getaway in the high desert. 

We got eaten alive!! It's a beautiful area and the nights were beautiful but never again. Its definitely just for a day trip to getaway from the heat for a few hours. The road is rocky and bumpy so air down if you have a system or just go slow. 

Buggy

Fun trip out of Vegas during the 100+ days. Show up early grab your site and spend the day exploring the area. 

Too many starts to count, you’ll be up all night. 

Remote camping

Need a capable vehicle to get here. Toilets were clean and there was paper but don't count on it. There are about a half dozen sites mostly geared towards tent camping. Kind of dispersed. 

Nice to escape heat

First things first, the road out to the site can be a little rough. We made it out with a Subaru Outback Wilderness with no issues, so as long as you have AWD or 4WD, and decent ground clearance, you shouldn’t have any issues. The sites were clean and decently spaced apart. In March, temps dropped to below freezing, but we were spared the bugs so at least there was that. There is no running water, cellular service, or firewood, so come prepared. The surrounding area was beautiful and there were plenty of stars at night, although I’m pretty sure you still get some light pollution from Las Vegas. All things considered, I would definitely come back.

Nice and Remote

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the heat and bustle of Las Vegas, this campsite Desert Pass in the Mormon Pass is the perfect getaway. 

  

Just a short drive away, you’re instantly transported into cooler mountain air surrounded by beautiful pine and juniper trees. The elevation makes a huge difference in temperature—what feels awful and unbearable in the valley becomes a refreshing and comfortable summer retreat here. 

  

The site itself is well-maintained, with clean and convenient pit toilets that make camping much more pleasant for families. The grounds are spacious, with plenty of room to spread out and set up camp comfortably. The trees not only provide shade but also add to the serene, scenic setting. Be smart, bring water, there is NO water available at this location. During the summer months also be cautious of the bees. We had a MASSIVE presence of bees once we brought the water and cups out, they are just as thirsty as you are up there! 

  

Whether you’re relaxing at camp, exploring the trails, or just enjoying the cooler mountain air, this spot offers the kind of quiet and beauty that feels like it’s worlds away, even though it’s only about 25 miles from Las Vegas. 

  

A great location for families, adventurers, or anyone wanting a quick but refreshing reset in nature!

Photos of Desert Pass Campground

Real photos from real campers