Best Campgrounds near Blue Diamond, NV

Mack’s Canyon Campground is a convenient and easily accessible spot just outside of Las Vegas, making it a popular choice for campers looking for a quick escape from the city. 

The sites themselves are quite spacious, which is a big plus if you’re setting up multiple tents or bringing along larger vehicles and gear. That said, campers relying on tents should be prepared for a bit of a challenge. The terrain can be rocky and is almost always uneven, with limited flat ground, so finding a truly level spot for a tent can take some extra effort. It’s definitely doable, but requires some patience and creativity. 

Because of the easy access, this campground does see more people than one might desire in a mountain canyon. More people unfortunately more noise—music, vehicle noises and voices tend to carry through the area, amplifying the sound beyond a single campsite. 

On top of that, the area seems to attract a fair share of rowdy “hold my beer, watch this” drivers. I noticed some campsites with remnants of donuts, not the edible kind, but the ones left by thrill seeking drivers, which can disrupt the peace and quiet. While there, there were also some drivers driving far faster than what any driver should be on those roads, just be careful! 

Overall, Mack’s Canyon offers beautiful mountain surroundings and roomy sites, but comes with trade-offs: less seclusion, more noise, and some challenging terrain for tents. Great for groups or quick getaways, but those seeking solitude and serenity may want to look elsewhere.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the heat and bustle of Las Vegas, this campsite Desert Pass in the Mormon Pass is the perfect getaway. 

Just a short drive away, you’re instantly transported into cooler mountain air surrounded by beautiful pine and juniper trees. The elevation makes a huge difference in temperature—what feels awful and unbearable in the valley becomes a refreshing and comfortable summer retreat here. 

The site itself is well-maintained, with clean and convenient pit toilets that make camping much more pleasant for families. The grounds are spacious, with plenty of room to spread out and set up camp comfortably. The trees not only provide shade but also add to the serene, scenic setting. Be smart, bring water, there is NO water available at this location. During the summer months also be cautious of the bees. We had a MASSIVE presence of bees once we brought the water and cups out, they are just as thirsty as you are up there! 

Whether you’re relaxing at camp, exploring the trails, or just enjoying the cooler mountain air, this spot offers the kind of quiet and beauty that feels like it’s worlds away, even though it’s only about 25 miles from Las Vegas. 

A great location for families, adventurers, or anyone wanting a quick but refreshing reset in nature!

This campsite, based on view, seclusion and amazing-ness in general gets 5 stars for sure.  Getting there is something you really have to want to do. The road is about 3 miles, but takes about 25 minutes to traverse. It's hilly, bumpy and holey. High clearance vehicle suggested, but we made it in a Kia Soul!  Yes we did.

Suggestion: Very long bumpy road - so do this in the daytime unless you have a high clearance vehicle. You need to be able to see the road, the holes and the edges. 

The road is long, but very worth it if you want to have an amazing sun set, sunrise, water view and "peace". As a side note - there are wild burros in the area left over from mining many years ago - the miners "let them go" and they thrived in the area! We had two that visited us (please don't feed them!) and were a delightful change of wildlife from the bears and deer we are used to back home.  You could hear them "talking" near the water later that eve.

There IS a bathroom here!  Very rare for dispersed camping.  And this is truly dispersed.  Although there are suggested spots based on fire ring location, you can drop anywhere. The bathroom is a vault toilet with a door (take your own TP) and there is men's and women's sides. Even a trash can. 

Close to the water you may be on a slope if you are not sleeping in a van or RV.  But up higher (we could see the water, but were up the hill) it was flat for a tent.  No issues. 

I'd love to come back here again - but maybe next time not in a Kia Soul.