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 camping areas feature minimal light pollution, creating exceptional stargazing opportunities throughout the state.
$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!"
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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)."
"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."
"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 - $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."
$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. "
$10 - $25 / night
"June: Picked out a nice spot on W side with shade, but neighbor had obnoxious generator going constantly so we moved to site 2, which was quite nice with shade, access to bathrooms, showers, a water tap"
"The entrance and overnight fees are not obviously stated on the entrance shack. We learned this on our return stay."
TravelerConvenient to all the trailheads. Bathrooms are super clean and campground overall is well-maintained. Very quiet. And if you like dark skies…WOW!!!
TravelerThe campground is no longer managed by Esmeralda Market. They gave us the number for the campground host. Her name is Charlene. 760-920-0409. She will only be there during the summer. She met us at spot 20 & signed us in. No charge for the spot. If you want a shower it’s $15/person. The bathrooms were clean & the area was quiet. We stayed only one night. I would camp there again!
GuideIf you use 30 amp Service, don’t park in #9. The outlet is upside down. Other sites look correct. Sites are right next to each other, but there are mature Trees, so shade. Self check in FHU $40/night. Needed slight leveling side to side. When you leave, if headed west, GPS has you turning from Water Street left onto East Street then right onto Main Street. If you are towing, make a wide right turn onto Main Street from East Street to avoid the deep drop from the pavement at the corner of this narrow street.
GuideEasy after hours check-in. I made a reservation about a month ago requesting Trees. They assign your site when you arrive. I got number 38 in the Trees, next to a beautiful desert garden. Long pull-thru, level concrete, FHU, picnic table. About half the park has small trees with no shade, the other half mature trees with shade. At 2 PM, 97° outside with a breeze. Will stay here again.
GuideJust here for an overnight but I would choose to stay here again if passing through this area. The park is clean and nicely laid out with gravel ground cover. The park is on a hill above the city of Mesquite, overlooks the freeway and a beautiful green river valley. You cannot hear any traffic noise! The location is convenient to stores, gas, and restaurants. It’s laid out with lots of flowering bushes and trees arranged as borders around the sites. The utility posts are in excellent condition.
TravelerIt is hot and beautiful. I might stay again if passing through, it was 35$. I originally gave it four stars, but as the sunset, I appreciated the natural beauty around me. there is a climbing area and tonight the stars will be amazing. I think if you really need it a layover on a long trip you should be able to find a parking space here, there are about 15 parking lot spaces forbovernighters along with more spacious campsites some have sun shelter. Bathrooms are clean, limited water and no trash disposal
RangerShady and Creekside ambiance. Around 12 clean sites. 3 Pit toilets. Hiking trails. Awesome sunset view. 3 day limited. Close to I80. No bugs in May.
TravelerStopped here for the evening. Cost $3. The view is untouchable. Campsites are spaced very well and give you a lot of space. The next morning, though, till I left, a fog of mosquitoes came in, and we were all starving. Haha!
TravelerPulled into here for a shower and to spend the night. Cost me $19 due to me being a veteran. Showers and bathrooms were clean and shower was very nice. No hookups though.
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.
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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