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Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Boat-in access is the practical reality at Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping, a free NPS site within Lake Mead National Recreation Area reached most commonly by kayak or canoe along Black Canyon south of Hoover Dam. Road access exists but requires navigation skills and rappelling gear, as one reviewer learned the hard way on a rocky dirt road that defeated a 4x4. The site has two distinct camping areas: a larger clearing near the river that fits roughly ten people, and a smaller spot with a fire ring about a half mile further toward Moonscape Hot Springs. Campfires are permitted, but ground fires are not, so campers need to bring a wok or baking pan. Pack everything out, including waste. Arizona Hot Springs is a nearby alternative along the same river route.

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Map & DirectionsMoonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping is located in Nevada near Willow Beach

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

35.96759773 N
114.73690082 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • 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.

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping

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3.5

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 20, 2021

*NOT ACCESSIBLE BY VEHICLE*

I was planning to camp here for the night while on a road trip. Clicked to get directions to this spot. Drove my 4x4 Toyota 4Runner about 3 miles down the dirt road it routed me to (Black Canyon Rd.), and had to turn around. Far to many rocks poking out and portions of the road turn to a rock shelf that I wasn’t comfortable taking my vehicle through, wasn’t worth the risk of popping a tire.

Reviewed Jan. 11, 2021

Best stopover on the Black Canyon River Trail

NPS allows about 2 dozen outfitters to rent you kayaks or canoes for guided or self-guided tours down Black Canyon south of Lake Mead (see NPS website for more info). Permits and boat costs differ by vender.

Do a 2-3 day from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach or longer to Placer Cove.

Arizona Hotsprings (about a mile down the river) is a popular place to camp on this river route, but I'd check out Moonscape first! There was a big-ish group right off the river where there is a clearing big enough for 10 and we hiked about a half mile past them toward Moonscape Hotsprings where there is another clear campsite with a fire-ring to the left. Totally secluded & closer to the hot springs!

River levels change a LOT so make sure to tie your boats down to something before exploring any canyons / hot springs.

You *can* get to this site without a boat but only with some solid nav and rappelling skills and gear. We saw a small group who had rapped in with tiny inflatable boats and floated out. Very cool, also looked exhausting.

BYO everything - including firewood - and pack EVERYTHING out (including poop and no ground fires allowed, so bring a big wok or baking pan).

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area by Dan X., January 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area by Dan X., January 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area by Dan X., January 11, 2021
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area?

Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located at 690 feet.

Are fires allowed at Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

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