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Best Camping in Nevada: Desert Sites, Mountain Campgrounds & Free BLM Land

3,074 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Nevada's diverse camping landscape spans from full-service RV resorts in Las Vegas to remote dispersed camping in the high desert, covering more than 500 campgrounds and campsites across the state. Atlatl Rock Campground at Valley of Fire State Park offers established sites with electric hookups and modern amenities, while Lovell Canyon provides free dispersed camping in more primitive settings. The region includes a mix of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, state parks, and private campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations offering year-round access despite Nevada's extreme temperature variations.

Road quality varies considerably throughout Nevada's camping areas, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds like Cathedral Gorge State Park and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area maintain paved access roads, while backcountry camping often involves navigating unmarked dirt roads. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F at lower elevations, while mountain campgrounds offer relief with temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler. Fire restrictions are common during the dry summer months, particularly in desert areas. A visitor noted, "Roughly 30 minutes from the main highway, tucked away in a canyon past some quarry work and ranch land. Roads in the campsite are slightly overgrown, but 4WD should not be needed though consider high clearance."

Campers consistently mention Nevada's dramatic landscape views as a primary attraction across various sites. Those seeking solitude appreciate dispersed camping options like Water Canyon Recreation Area, which provides a more secluded experience than developed campgrounds. Valley of Fire and Cathedral Gorge receive particularly high ratings for their striking geological features. Several reviewers highlighted the contrast between daytime heat and comfortable evening temperatures at higher elevations. A camper described one mountain location: "Visited June 22nd it was 110 in the city but up here at 7700 feet it was a nice 85-90 during the day and a cool 65-70 at night." Many Nevada campgrounds also feature minimal light pollution, creating exceptional stargazing opportunities throughout the state.

Best Camping Sites in Nevada (498)

    1. Atlatl Rock Campground — Valley of Fire State Park

    93 Reviews
    Overton, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 397-2088

    $10 / night

    "The fee system feels a little confusing but it's basically $15 park entrance fee, $10 more dollars to camp, and another $10 for hookups (50&30&20 power and water only, free dump and water (and"

    "Next time we are in Nevada we will be back here!"

    2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground

    75 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5387

    $12 - $80 / night

    "Summer time might not be the best time to try to camp in southern Nevada but with mild fall and winter this campsite leaves a lot of options for those looking for an outdoor adventure."

    "We had our own toilet, was clean, there are no showers but water was available by a tap outside. Abundant Parking."

    3. Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    70 Reviews
    Henderson, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8906

    $20 / night

    "Being Nevada it was pretty hot and humid next to the lake, but it was actually a good place to camp with plenty of birds, nice flowers and easy access to the lake for swimming, boating, and such."

    "Took my kids and my mom camping for a little vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. I chose Boulder Beach campground as it was our first time and didn't want to be too far from home."

    4. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    60 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5000

    "It's a beautifully rugged area, lots of pull of camp sites spread around. Can be busy and harder to find spots, but further back should have spots."

    "Quiet, secluded spot between Las Vegas and Pahrump Nevada. First come, first served but it was very quiet when we were there."

    5. Water Canyon Recreation Area

    48 Reviews
    Winnemucca, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 623-1500

    "Sites are well layed out and sit right next to a small creek.  Nice play to stay when driving through Nevada."

    "This was a roadside pull off close to a little stream. The road was busy throughout the night and morning. I arrived at 10:30pm and got one of the last two spots on a weekday."

    6. Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort

    43 Reviews
    Henderson, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 260-2000

    "Oasis is a great location to spend a night or two if you want to jaunt into Vegas for bit. It’s also very central as an overnight for heading into Utah or Nevada from SoCal."

    "This place is an Oasis, away from the hustle and bustle. Refill propane on-site. The only negative thing is they do not provide valet trash pickup(as mentioned by a staff member)."

    7. Welcome Station RV Park

    37 Reviews
    Wells, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 752-2736

    $25 - $42 / night

    "Compared to the surround areas, this place was truly an oasis in the desert as others have said. The hosts were super nice."

    "In the middle of the Nevada desert along I80, there's a nice RV oasis for a stopover for travelers. "

    8. Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town

    41 Reviews
    Henderson, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 454-8055

    "During our recent trip to Las Vegas, we chose to stay at KOA Sam's Town, and our experience was positive overall."

    "Sorry tent campers Nevada doesn’t allow us!!! So make sure you are prepared for a different option such as lake mead or red rock."

    9. Upper Campground - Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

    37 Reviews
    Alamo, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 725-3417

    "Stopped here short of intended destination due to lateness of the hour and long drive. Great sites along the lake with tables and fire rings and fireplaces."

    "We got in on a Thursday night right around 6:30 pm."

    10. Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Panaca, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 728-4460

    $10 - $25 / night

    "One of the best hidden gems in Nevada! Great camping with clean restrooms and well maintained campgrounds. Plenty of good trails nooks and crannies to explore. Highly recommended!!"

    "Nice little campground located in the Cathedral Gorge State Park in Eastern central Nevada. Sites are first come first serve. Each has Electrical hook ups, but no sewer/dump facilities."

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3074 Reviews of 498 Nevada Campgrounds

  • Peter N.
    Aug. 25, 2026

    Six Mile Cove — Lake Mohave

    There was no campground

    We were just there in August of 26 having looked at the road on YouTube videos and sing campers big rigs on the beach we assumed it was no problem with a big pickup truck. Boy were we wrong. Not only did we get stuck on the beach. Took about an hour to get out but on the way out we got stuck in soft sand. Trying to avoid a second vehicle that was stuck in this end. By the time we left there were three vehicles all stuck in sand on the exit road. I would not recommend this unless you have high clearance and four-wheel drive and even then it's iffy also, I had no signal with Verizon and my friend had no signal with T-Mobile and we seen no signs of a campground. It was just the beach. A really  nice beach but if you go there, don't think about going anywhere close to the water with your truck. I would not think about going back here. We spend a lot of time. Off-road going to locations to kayak on our very careful on where we go and watching The terrain. We were able to get to the beach because of gravity. I believe we did some fish darling through South Sand but eventually ended up at the beach but it's a lot more difficult to fishdale in South Sand coming uphill and not get stuck like we did on our way out again. I would absolutely positively not recommend this unless you had high clearance and four-wheel drive

  • Sabrina D.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 24, 2026

    Water Canyon Recreation Area

    Nice sort of oasis

    Easy to get to, nice clean spots near the creek. This time of year the creek is really small but still running puddles. Shaded spots with fire pits and tables near bathrooms. Decent sizes. The road is dirt but well maintained. The flies are a little too friendly for my liking. But a rechargeable portable fan kept most of them from landing on my legs. While the spots are great. We were here on a Monday night and it was very busy. It also appears to be the local hangout for people to drink and be obnoxious. At about 10:30 some ATV's rolled through with all their lights on and radios full blast. Otherwise it's a nice stop over place for us.

  • George G.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 22, 2026

    Hickison Petroglyph

    One night in Hickison

    Wonderful spot. Arrived about 6:00 p.m. on a Friday evening and multiple sites were available to choose from. Get up early to watch the sunrise. View to the east is across the valley to the next mountain range about 15 to 20 miles away. In the evening you can watch the car lights crawl across the valley. Have not gone up to the petroglyphs yet so will review that separately.

  • George G.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 22, 2026

    Bob Scott Campground

    August 21 2026

    Unfortunately the campground was closed and there was no indication on dyrt of that. It would be nice if there was a place to indicate the status of a campground. those of us trying to use it could keep it updated.

  • Mary Ann H.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 20, 2026

    Bird Creek Campground

    Small and on the creek

    This is the second time we have been here. Great sites 4-8 on a creek. Lovely to listen to. Last year there were a few campers but it was never full. This year the cows have been through - rounding them up today But we had to check all sites to find a minimum of sh*t.

  • DThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 19, 2026

    Palm Creek Ranch

    These campgrounds are nuts to charge $75 a night for a piece of dirt.

    Not sure who is more crazy.  The owners of the property or the people that would pay this.  I just can't justify paying $75 a night for a parking spot.

  • SThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 19, 2026

    Hidden Valley Road

    Car camping

    We pulled in at 11:30. Tough dirt patch easily accessible. Set up to sleep had to leave the car on due to the heat

  • Erin G.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 18, 2026

    Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    Remote

    Very remote and wild, but the sites are very developed. Firm level pads, grills, picnic tables, horse pen, clean toilets, trash can. We passed the first group of sites, went up to the top and so glad we did. Trails everywhere. Views amazing! It snowed in May- be ready!

Guide to Nevada

Camping in Nevada offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, Nevada has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Check out the beautiful scenery at Clark Park. One camper mentioned, “Located just around the corner from a full service Maverick truck stop, this quiet RV Park is a convenient stop along I80.”
  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: At Mill Creek Recreation Area, you can enjoy walking around the lake and spotting local wildlife. A visitor noted, “Was nice to walk the lake & hang out on the dock.”
  • Hot Springs: Don’t miss the chance to soak at Spencer Hot Springs. One reviewer said, “Beautiful views and love the Burro visits at dusk.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Bob Scott Campground stated, “Flush toilets, some shade, BBQ grills and picnic tables.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of places like Hickison Petroglyph. One camper shared, “Good for 2 days. Trash, and pit toilets available. Free for 14 days.”
  • Convenient Locations: Campgrounds like Austin RV Park are appreciated for their accessibility. A visitor mentioned, “Convenient and cheap in the middle of Nevada.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mill Creek Recreation Area, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A camper noted, “Showers had hot water but were kinda gross.”
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, such as Big Creek Campground, are only open from May 15 to November 1. One reviewer said, “Gets busy on holiday weekends but decent during the week.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Spencer Hot Springs mentioned, “We woke up to the sound of wild burrows and coyotes.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area that have amenities for kids. A reviewer said, “Plenty of space for the kids to run around and bike around the campsite.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One camper at Coyote Cove noted, “The area offers opportunities for water sports of all kinds.”
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Since some campgrounds lack markets, it’s smart to bring your own food. A visitor at Bob Scott Campground mentioned, “Water is listed as non-potable.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric hookups. A reviewer at Clark Park said, “The sewer, water, electricity and cable TV hookups are all in great working order.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV parks, like Austin RV Park, have tight parking. One camper noted, “Tight parking spaces. Full hook up.”
  • Consider Off-Peak Times: To avoid crowds, try camping during the week. A visitor at Big Creek Campground shared, “Gets busy on holiday weekends but decent during the week.”

Camping in Nevada can be a fantastic adventure if you know what to expect and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What desert camping options are available in Nevada?

Nevada's desert landscape offers numerous camping opportunities across the state. Front Sight Campground provides a massive flat area for dispersed camping on BLM land, though campers should be aware of the adjacent active gun range. Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping offers a remote desert experience with views of snow-capped mountains and marshes where wildlife like white pelicans can be observed. For those seeking amenities in the desert, RV resorts like Desert Skies in Mesquite provide full hookups with spacious sites. Other desert camping options include Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Lovell Canyon for cooler high-desert camping, and numerous BLM lands throughout the state that allow free dispersed camping with varying levels of accessibility.

Where are the best places to camp in Nevada?

Nevada offers diverse camping experiences across the state. For those seeking an escape from Las Vegas heat, Fletcher View provides cooler temperatures just 40 minutes from the city, with temperatures ranging from 64°F at night to 78°F during the day. Water enthusiasts will appreciate Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which offers beautiful waterfront dispersed camping, fishing opportunities, and scenic sunsets. Other notable options include Valley of Fire State Park for dramatic red rock formations, Cathedral Gorge for unique erosional features, and Big Creek Campground near Austin for creek-side camping surrounded by aspens. Nevada's camping options range from developed campgrounds with amenities to remote dispersed sites on public lands, providing something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

What are the differences between northern Nevada camping and other regions?

Northern Nevada camping differs significantly from the southern region in several key aspects. In northern Nevada, Humboldt National Forest Angel Creek Campground represents the more mountainous terrain and forested landscapes typical of the region. These higher-elevation campgrounds offer relief from summer heat and showcase aspen groves and creek-side settings. Big Creek Campground near Austin exemplifies this with its location in a beautiful canyon filled with aspens. Northern Nevada generally experiences cooler temperatures and more seasonal variation than the southern desert regions. While southern Nevada camping often centers around Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, and desert landscapes with year-round accessibility, northern sites may close seasonally due to snow. The north also offers more opportunities for creekside camping, wildlife viewing, and fall foliage experiences compared to the stark desert beauty of southern Nevada.

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