Mt. Charleston Dispersed, near Mt. Charleston, Nevada, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the sweltering heat of the valley. This area offers a unique camping experience where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the usual amenities, making it perfect for self-sufficient campers who appreciate a bit of solitude.

The location is known for its cooler temperatures, often 20 degrees lower than the surrounding areas, making it a popular summer retreat. Visitors rave about the stunning views and the quiet atmosphere, with one camper noting, “Dispersed camping is great - very quiet, not many other campers, and a great place for stargazing.” You’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to breathtaking vistas and even some wildlife sightings, like mule deer.

While there are no water sources or trash services, the natural beauty and peacefulness of the area more than make up for it. Just remember to pack in what you need and leave no trace. Some campers have mentioned the importance of timing your visit, as the scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, especially in the fall when the leaves change color. If you're up for an adventure and ready to embrace the wild, Mt. Charleston Dispersed is waiting for you.

Over 50 miles of maintained trails wind through the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, along with 4 campgrounds, 7 picnic areas, and remote areas for dispersed camping.

Mt. Charleston 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

My friend and I decided to hike Mt Charleston Peak in order to train for hiking Machu Picchu. Here’s a breakdown of the hike: 17 miles | 11,916 ft elevation | 8,241 ft prominence | Highest peak in Southern Nevada | 8th most prominent mountain in the U.S. | Most prominent mountain in Nevada. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

In terms of camping, we decided to avoid the crowds, and camp on our way back, along the trail. Primitive/ dispersed camping available. Fire is allowed depending on the season, so check their website before hand. Pack-in-pack-out type camp.

Uphill battle that leads to AMAZING VIEWS

Started in Parump on Wheeler Pass Road and headed up Northeast until the Wallace Canyon Road turnoff. Beautiful desert drive that ends in pines. Saw close to ten mule deer off the road. Could probably make it was 2wd but better off having 4x4 with decent clearance. 

Wallace Canyon Rd

Mt. Charleston overall is a nice play to visit for the day to get away from the Las Vegas heat.  As far as dispersed camping, come supplied and be ready to be self-sufficient.  There are no natural water sources for extra water, no cell service in most areas, and no services outside of the small town on the main road.  I prefer Mt. Charleston more as a day trip than an overnight trip.  The hiking is great, but there is not much else to do beyond hiking.  It does get snow in the winter time, which is a plus.  There is skiing and places to go sledding in the winter. 

Come prepared

If you can hike to it well than you can camp in it. The further you go the more stunning it is. If you hike far enough you can end up near Lovell canyon. Everything here is amazing and nice and cool.

  

Here are my star ratings based on my lifestyle and what I like. I'm also a mother, dog mama, and a wife so it's not just me it's my crew and i. 1 star- AUTOMATIC relocate… the property is no longer there, trashed or/and I could never have my children there and I wouldn't ever think about staying no matter what. 2 star- Not really my jam, and would NEVER go to again… It probably more of desert life and not really my style for sure…Being from Vegas I can't stand being in the desert and I love the Trees and the Green more than anything. 3 star- Would stay there again in a pinch, but not really my style, the reason its not is because not enough family things to do, the scenery, or the location… but I would go again and feel safe having my kiddos here but only if I needed to in a pinch. 4 star- a really good rating for sure, maybe needed some improvements, minor things like being on top of each other, not a lot of privacy, but honestly little cosmetic things that aren't anything to sweat and would be back again for sure. 5 star- MY FAVORITE… love the location, safety, the surroundings, big camp spots available to fit toys for my kids to play, hammocks to hang, our big family tent, cases of firewood, our suburban or RV, etcccccc….. I would not only come back but would live if I could!!! Anyway thanks for reading and enjoy every moment like it's your last! CHEERS!

Stunning 

September = BEAUTIFUL
Jan-March = too much snow to enjoy, if you can even find a spot that isn’t closed. 
1/2 the mountain shuts down when there’s too much snow, so just plan accordingly. You can see tons of leaves changing in the fall. Campgrounds are good, but make sure you have everything you need before you get up there. The visitor center isn’t much and your pretty far from any other store. 

Time of year = important

Mt.Charleston was a beautiful and little windy last week. We camp at McWilliams 🏕 camp ground. A lovely evening with my wife.

Mt.Charleston 

Charleston is always the go-to during summer, as it’s 20 degrees cooler than it’s surrounding area. Dispersed camping is great - no utilities of course, but very quiet, not many other campers, and a great place for stargazing. We even saw a mule walking around in the morning. Forgot my trekking poles to set up as tent poles, but luckily, Charleston is one of the few places in NV with literal trees. Can be around a 20 min drive to whatever trails you’re interested in.

Perfect getaway from the 110+ degree heat

Headed to the mountains from Hoover dam to get away from heat, about an hour drive. Don’t know if it’s usual, but was extremely windy, but dropped 40° by the time we got there. 


Photos of Mt. Charleston Dispersed

Real photos from real campers