Dispersed Jean/Roach Dry Lakes, near Jean, Nevada, is a unique spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This area offers wide-open spaces and plenty of dirt roads for parking, making it a great choice for campers who enjoy a bit of freedom in their outdoor adventures.

Visitors have noted the stunning dark skies, perfect for stargazing, with the glow of Las Vegas lighting up the horizon. The location is also close to the famous Seven Magic Mountains, adding a splash of color to your desert experience. As one camper mentioned, “Great views and not busy!” which highlights the tranquility you can find here.

While amenities are minimal—there's no drinking water, electric hookups, or restrooms—this spot is ideal for those who appreciate a more rugged camping experience. Campers have shared that the area is great for off-road activities, and if you're into dirt biking, you're in the right place. Just remember to pack out any trash you bring in, as some have pointed out the need for a little cleanup.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the vastness of the desert, Dispersed Jean/Roach Dry Lakes is worth considering. Just be prepared for the elements and enjoy the wide-open skies and the freedom that comes with dispersed camping.

Jean Dry Lake provides hundreds of miles of trails to the casual and expert Off-highway vehicle enthusiast alike. At the center of the area is the area\'s namesake, Jean Dry Lake. Although the name implies that the lakebed is dry, it has the potential of flooding and holding water long after a rainfall. After substantial precipitation events, the lakebed can hold several inches to several feet of water. Travel on the lakebed after a precipitation events is not recommended. Outside of the dry lakebed, motorized vehicle use is limited to existing roads and trails.ADA Access: No accessibility

Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

Looking for the best campgrounds near Jean, NV? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Jean, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Jean

The Best Camping Near Jean, Nevada

Just a short way outside of Las Vegas stands an area known for a very unique and signature piece of art "Seven Magic Mountains" just off I-15 toward California a small turn off leads to a huge piece of wonder at this site. People come from miles around to see it, but those real die hard also come here to camp in the wilderness surrounding the wonder itself. It has become an ATV an off road haven, a place to test your ability to camp fully removed from comfort and a nice way to change the pace of what people typically think of as coming to Las Vegas.

Its blistering hot during summer, spring sees an influx of snakes as the cool weather transitions and there are no creature comforts to rely on when camping here. But for those wanting an adventure, the is one of the best.

There is a large section of land to choose from when coming here and it is pretty much all fair game as it is a part of the BLM. You can drive in or hike depending on your desires however I wouldn't recommend a RV in many of the areas which get a little rough. Near the lake bed itself s a good place to do some off road vehicle camping or bringing a tent. This ares is known and you have probably seen it in more than a few fashion photo shoots you have seen because of its terrain. This is iconically a dry lake with large cracks in the soil and shifting small gravel strewn about. It is mostly hard packed and even. Ironically if there is a chance of rains however this is also the only area really prone to flash flooding so make sure to check the weather before an adventure here.

I found on my visit that the wind here was quite gusty as there is no break from the winds in way of taller standing vegetations. I went in late April and noted that there were several reports of Rattlesnakes in the area which start around this time so that was a major concern and I was much more cautious.

This is one of the few dispersed campgrounds I have visited in the Vegas area where I still had cell signal with AT&amp;T, it wasn't great but at least I was able to reach out if needed in case of emergency unlike other sites in the area.

TIPS:

* Check the weather before coming here for both winds and rain. if you are going to experience rain make your selection of site wisely a bit further away from the "lake"

* Stay on "roads" with your RV, some of the are, despite being hard packed also has a quick transition to a shifting sand, unless you are equipped for off roading try to avoid these areas.

Dry Camping Near A Signature Piece Of Las Vegas Art

I didn't have high expectations coming here. Just needed a spot to pull off for the night, and that is what this review is based off of. Nice paved road in, had no problem with finding a spot for a 38' Class A. Don't go off the main paths though unless your 4x4 (after rain you will be stuck). Lots of wind and wind with dirt in it and more wind. What else do you want? It's free and did I mention the wind with dirt? 😷
3 bars on MetroPcs :) 

Windy but free and fits a Class A 38'

This is honestly a very unique camping experience. There is absolutely nothing, yet it is so beautiful. Check out the panoramic picture and see the mountains behind and the full extent of the dried lake bed. 

Absolutely no water, electricity nothing. Pack everything you need and prepare for emergencies. It’s a very short drive to the beloved 7 Magic Mountains but it’s very quiet and peaceful. Do not attempt camping in the summer but the cooler months really shows off the stars and the Milky Way. 

Unlike any camping experience in the desert 

Dirt bike riding is a must out here. From dry flat lake bed, to bumps and jumps, to trails to the mountains- there is all kinds of terrain especially for starters. If you plan on camping out here, make sure the wind is minimal because it can get real dusty real quick. Also, it is dry camping so bring all that you need. The stars at night are a sight to see!

Desolate Beauty

We stayed overnight on our road trip, and there were only a few people camping when we arrived, very far apart. The spot we found was very large, but had some fire remnants from previous campers, probably a while ago. Some beer bottles and garbage were around the spot also. Great for a free spot. People were atving, so if you’re looking for something like that, it would be a great place that. 

Pretty spot not far from freeway, secluded

Nest place. There wasn't much traffic and the ca.limg area is pretty big so there is plenty of room to disperse yourself. I did encounter places where 4x4 were needed, but if you stay on the main gravel roads you should be good. I accidentally drove into the area of unforgiving dust. Didn't make it to the lake bed, but I could see the swath of white nearer the mountain base. I recommend this place for an overnight passing through. Or an RV pulling a side by side or dirt bike. 

Dispersed for sure

Great Spot!
After everyone settles down for the night it’s nice and quite. 
Some light pollution from Vegas, but the stars were phenomenal!!!
Only reason I say thread light is because we were not familiarJean and the dirt roads can be unpredictable if your vehicle is not suited for the terrain. 

Tread lightly at Night!¡

So it's Free, nothing too special and you know what you're getting. They do have a really dope corner store with white castle burgers which was good... my first time trying and the corner store has everything else you can think of, places to charge your smart cars and fill up the propane. This is dirt bike central so prepare to get dirty. You're also right next to a prison so be aware and don't get too close you would hate to set up shop and then they tell you to move. Your near to a casino that has the old Bonnie and Clyde car in it so that's also pretty cool.

dispersed camping

I never saw power, water, or sewer hookups but didn't expect to see them either.  If you want to ride, shoot, or just get away, this is the spot.

It is what it is

Wide open lands with plenty of trails to discover. We continued well past the GPS coordinates and found a perfect spot for us at the intersection of several trails. High winds at night so tie EVERYTHING down. Lots of trash on the ground so please take an extra bag out. There is a dumpster just before the exit near Jean. 

Wide open dispersed camping 

Stayed here two nights in our 2wd camper van on the way into the Vegas area. Easy to find a spot - just look for pull off roads from the paved road. Great views and not busy! Got enough Verizon and Google Fi service to hotspot and work (spotty in some areas but we're able to find places).

Beautiful and easy to access - some cell signal

Great spot as far as space goes. Plenty of dirt roads to pull off from the main road. Do yourself a favor and drive further down the dirt road than I did. Quite a bit of traffic the night I was there and the noise kept me up. 
I did not see much trash at all and there were several stone fire pits around. Not far outside South Las Vegas. 

Plenty of space and spots-Drive further out

There is lots of space. I only campt for one night and pulled off the freeway. It was quite a bit of drive on the Blvd to get there. And there was also a lot of traffic on that road. Lots of moths in the night and no shade in the day.

No facilities, but very convenient, as it is close to Vegas.

Had cell service.

campground in the middle of the desert

Arrived easily following directions on GPS. A storm was moving in as we approached lake bed, decided to find a spot along the road instead. Plenty of room for our truck camper towing a Jeep. Great dark sky, Vegas glows from the north. 

Unique Experience

The space was nice and there’s several places to park but it’s filled with trash. Also, there’s people constantly shooting guns in the BLM so I didn’t feel super safe and couldn’t let my dog off the leash. However, it’s pretty close to Vegas and the surrounding area. Also literally behind the seven magic mountains!

A lot of trash, people shooting guns day and night

Didn't have to drive as far aspin. Saw RV and others on left after signs. Few turnouts then none. Big dump trucks coming out. One flashed brights at  me idk why. After seeing no more turnouts for half mile I turned around and parked a little north from others. Bit of highway noise and truck traffic on road. Maybe gravel mine. Lake definitely had water so maybe not good hence flashing brights by the truck. Saves time, but would like more quiet far the away from highway. Will explore next time

Photos of Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

Real photos from real campers