West Summit Road provides dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management land in the arid Nevada desert. Located at approximately 3,300 feet elevation, this primitive campsite experiences extreme temperature fluctuations typical of the Mojave Desert, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. The area receives less than 5 inches of annual rainfall, creating challenging conditions for unprepared campers.
What to do
Explore ghost towns: Visitors camping at Bonnie Claire Gold Mill Ghost Town can tour historical mining structures. Kenneth W. notes, "Camp there all the time. Very remote. Can easily be the only person there as it just opened. 100's of acres we camped on top of the old gold mill over looking the entire operation and was fabulous waking up to the view on top of the mountain."
Stargazing sessions: The remote location with minimal light pollution creates optimal conditions for night sky observation. The dark skies reveal the Milky Way on clear nights, with best viewing during new moon phases. Bring red-light headlamps to preserve night vision.
Desert hiking: Multiple unmarked trails extend from West Summit Road into the surrounding desert landscape. Hikers must carry sufficient water (minimum 1 gallon per person per day) and navigation tools as trails are not maintained or signed.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: West Summit Road offers genuine backcountry camping without crowds. Anthony R. comments that this is a "Quiet, remote BLM site. No amenities. 5 miles outside of Beatty, Nevada off of Death Valley Road."
Natural hot water: Bonnie Claire Gold Mill Ghost Town Camping provides access to thermal water. According to Kenneth W., it "Has a well and pump shoots hot water. Reason why I'm gonna do a hot thermal spring oasis."
Proximity to attractions: Guadalupe's State Line Nevada/California Camp Ground offers convenient access to regional points of interest. Paul L. states it is "the best price and close to all the action in Armargosa Valley."
What you should know
Zero facilities: West Summit Road has no potable water, toilets, or garbage service. All water, waste, and supplies must be packed in and out. Campers need to bring sufficient drinking water for people and animals.
Weather preparation: Sudden weather changes occur frequently in this high desert region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Shade structures are essential during warmer months.
Vehicle requirements: Guadalupe's State Line Camp Ground is more accessible than the BLM sites. Paul L. describes it as "off the highway and quick and the best price in town," making it suitable for those without high-clearance vehicles.
Horse management: For equestrian camping near Beatty, Nevada, visitors must bring portable containment systems. Unlike some Nevada equestrian sites, these locations have no permanent corrals, requiring portable panels or highline systems.
Tips for camping with families
Basic needs planning: When bringing children to these remote sites, pack extra water beyond your estimated needs. The dry desert air increases dehydration risk substantially.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about desert wildlife safety, including checking shoes and sleeping bags for scorpions and giving wide berth to any snakes encountered.
Alternative options: Families seeking more amenities might prefer Guadalupe's State Line Camp Ground which offers basic facilities. Melissa & Don M. simply state it is "Great" for their needs, while Paul L. notes it provides "breath taking views" along with being more developed than dispersed options.
Tips from RVers
Level parking challenges: RVers at West Summit Road must scout appropriate parking spots as the terrain is uneven. Bring leveling blocks and avoid setting up in washes or low areas where flash flooding occurs.
Limited maneuverability: Large RVs and trailers face significant challenges navigating the unpaved access roads to dispersed camping areas. Horse trailers require extra space for turning around and parking.
Roadside access alternative: For easier horse trailer and RV access, Bonnie Claire's expansive 100-acre property offers better maneuverability than tight BLM dispersed sites, particularly important for equestrian camping near Beatty with larger livestock trailers.
