Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed, near Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a unique camping experience in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This area is perfect for those looking to escape the city and enjoy the beauty of the mountains, with plenty of space to spread out and explore.

Visitors rave about the stunning views and the peaceful atmosphere, especially during the week when it’s quieter. One camper mentioned, “The views are great, and it’s a fun place to explore,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds you here. The area is also known for its wild donkeys, which add a bit of charm to your stay.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or restrooms, many appreciate the freedom that comes with dispersed camping. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pack out what you bring in. A reviewer noted, “The whole area is very quiet and peaceful,” making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy solitude and nature.

For those venturing out, the location is just a short drive from Las Vegas, making it easy to enjoy both the excitement of the city and the tranquility of the mountains. Whether you're looking to hike, explore, or simply unwind, Harris Springs offers a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed camping allows you to “get away from it all.” Peace, solitude and adventure are some of the advantages to choosing an undeveloped campsite. Since there are no facilities, you must bring your own water, camp at least 100 feet from all water sources and dig a hole at least six inches deep for disposal of human waste. Remember all Forest rules and regulations apply even in dispersed sites.

Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed

Mount Charleston, NV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Mount Charleston. Find the best campgrounds near Mount Charleston, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Mount Charleston

The Best Camping Near Mount Charleston, Nevada

We made it to this spot easily in our 26ft class c.  Don't let the big steep road fool you.  Harris Springs Rd isn't paved but it's very nice and wide, no washboard, and easy to drive on.  There are several spots in this whole area to choose from, though some are blocked off by boulders to allow for restoration.  This appears to be an OHV area but we didn't see any while we were here.

  

Lots of wild donkeys in this area!

  

Also, a dog adventure company hauls in van loads of dogs from Vegas to run free here which is a fun thing to see!

  

Good cell reception for both ATT and Verizon.  

  

The whole area is very quiet and peaceful, and there are plenty of paths to walk along.  Some trash in the area but if all of us pick up some of it it can be cleaned up easily.

  

This area is cooler weather than Vegas even though it's not at super high elevation.

Wide Open Spaces

Spent the night in a campervan here. Keep an eye on the GPS, the coordinates are correct, but Google maps switches the location on you once you start the directions. Ended up at the ski resort at Mt. Charleston and had to backtrack to the campground. There is one parking area right off the entrance that could fit a couple vehicles. There are more spots further back, make sure to take a right when the road splits. Sunset and sunrise were spectacular!

Nice spot outside of Vegas

I have been here for 3 weeks and I love the wildness and a beautiful desert enjoyed the sights the donkeys seen a couple of wild dogs other than that is very quiet and peaceful and I will recommend to return next time I come back to Vegas

Beautiful sexy

Very quiet during the week. Busier on weekends.

Decent boondocking

This was a short drive north of Vegas, and it’s worth it to get up into the mountains! The views are great, and it’s a fun place to explore. There’s a spot right off the road and then a few spots as you go up the road. 

Lots of space, easy to get to, nice views!

None of the other reviews mention that there's a rehab center compound located here with lots of in and out traffic at all hours. We spoke with a local ranger and that's how we learned about it because it's hidden. We then looked it up online and read scary reviews about it. Others need to be aware and make their own decisions. We also found questionable items in our site here.

Safety issues here

For an rv like 3 spots not even spots just turn arounds at start of shitty road 
other than that do not go unless you have dirt bike..etc  stayed maybe 1 hr barely cooler than vegas went 

Donkey poop and dirt

When you pull up to the campsite, you will immediately be intimidated by the steep and windy road up the cliff to access the campsites. It's actually quite wide, smooth, and easy to drive up without any issues (27ft travel trailer). Don't let that deter you. 

Stayed here in January, so the 10 degree difference from Vegas wasn't necessarily a good thing. Probably a huge plus in the summer.  At the top of the hill there are a few boondocking spots that are featured in most of the pictures. About a mile back I found a hilltop spot along one of the side roads with great views. However, it was VERY windy exposed at the top of a hill like that, with winds rushing down the main mountain. 

  

Other reviewers mentioned the rehab camp, which I visited while exploring the back roads one day. It's not ideal to have that nearby, but didn't have any issues throughout my stay. There are employee cars and companies providing services driving back there all day, but it's not a big deal. 

  

Couple miles away is the visitor center for the mountains, along with a resort with a restaurant. Only services are back down the mountain towards Vegas so come completely filled up when you make the trip up the mountain. Also a ski hill if you wind around the mountain, but probably 20-30 miles away. 

  

Did see a few burros grazing around the area, but didn't make it to my campsite. There is a cool slot canyon at the entrance. You can either park at the lot by the road and walk about 1/2 mile, or drive back down the single track to park closer.

Decent boondocking to cool off from Vegas

Directions led me right to it. Gravel road up the side of a hill. It wasn't too hard in an old 92 Chevy van.
Campsites are far apart but I only found about 6 camping spots here. It is very quiet and very scenic. It sure beats sleeping in Sam's Parking lot. ;) 
I couldn't figure out if a permit is needed. No signs but the dyrt writeup leads me to believe one is needed. 

Photos of Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed

Real photos from real campers