A dirt road climbing into the Spring Mountains sets the tone for Mack's Canyon Dispersed, a free camping area within Toiyabe National Forest where campers spread out along a rough forest road rather than pulling into assigned spots. The first mile is accessible to most vehicles, including standard SUVs and even the occasional small trailer, but the road grows progressively rougher beyond that point, with ruts and steep drops that make four-wheel drive or high clearance increasingly useful. Elevation sits around 7,700 feet, which translates to temperatures running 20 to 30 degrees cooler than Las Vegas on summer days, a practical reason many visitors make the drive up.
Sites are distributed along the road rather than concentrated in one area, which keeps things spread out. Steven B. notes that "sites are spacious and set far away from each other," and multiple reviewers describe finding private nooks without much searching. Weekday visits tend to be quiet, with the campground often nearly empty mid-week, while holiday weekends draw noticeably more traffic. Wind picks up at night, so securing gear before sleeping is worth the extra effort.
Fire restrictions apply throughout this area. Campfires are prohibited, and despite what the listing amenities suggest, open fires are a recurring issue that rangers actively monitor. Stoves only. There is no natural water source on-site, and at least one reviewer notes no toilets on the ground, so campers should plan to bring everything they need and pack out all trash. Cell service is limited or absent deeper into the canyon.
Mack's Canyon Dispersed Camping and Champion Road Dispersed Campsites provide nearby alternatives with similar dispersed setups in the same general area. The Sawmill trailhead sits roughly a mile down the road from the main camping zone, giving access to hiking without a separate drive. Bat colonies emerge at sunset and the bristlecone forest canopy stays open enough to give clear sightlines toward the Milky Way on dark nights. This campground suits self-sufficient campers comfortable with rough roads, no hookups, and carry-in, carry-out logistics.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMack's Canyon Dispersed is located in Nevada near Mount Charleston
Coordinates
36.35943392 N
115.67338536 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Toilets
- 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
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mack's Canyon Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 29 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 2 hrs 8 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 57 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 4 hrs 38 min from Bakersfield, CA

























