Camping around Boulder City takes place on public land at elevations between 1,200 and 2,500 feet in a Mojave Desert environment. The area sits at the junction of several desert ecosystems, creating a unique landscape where exposed rock formations meet the receding shores of Lake Mead. Access roads into dispersed camping areas often require careful navigation, with many campsites reachable only via unpaved roads that deteriorate during monsoon season.
What to do
Hiking with burros: At Kingman Wash, wild burros from former mining operations roam freely near the campsites. "I spent 3 days and nights here at Kingman Wash in August... The burrows were a very welcome plus that added to the enjoyment of the trip," notes one visitor. These burros frequently visit campsites in early morning and evening.
Mountain biking on trail networks: Campers at Canyon Trail RV Park have direct access to mountain biking routes. "We originally stayed here as a layover on our way to Havasu. When we discovered the MTB and Downhill riding nearby, we stayed a couple more nights on our way back. A great place to use as a base camp for some serious riding (double-diamond)," explains one cyclist.
Paddleboarding on calm water: The protected coves around Boulder City offer ideal conditions for paddleboards. "The water is great and is perfect for my paddleboard!" reports a camper at Kingman Wash. These areas feature less boat traffic than the main lake channels, with morning hours providing the calmest water before afternoon winds pick up.
What campers like
Desert night sky viewing: The dark skies away from Las Vegas create prime stargazing conditions. "You could see stars in the nights sky for miles so if your a star watcher then this is the place for you," notes a visitor at Boulder Beach Campground. Stargazing is best between new moon phases when skies are darkest.
Off-grid solitude with lake access: Dispersed camping areas provide isolation despite proximity to urban areas. At Government Wash, a camper observed, "Is it a beautiful desert landscape or is it a semi-lawless post-apocalyptic landscape littered with broken glass? Both. Primitive camping, no services. It was great, 10/10 would stay again." Sites farther from access roads offer more seclusion.
Watching wildlife interactions: The transition zone between desert and lake creates diverse wildlife habitat. "Plenty of spots for fishing. Bring a chair, sunscreen, bug spray and water. I would recommend going around the sunrise or sunset because colors are quite stunning," advises a Government Wash visitor. Dawn and dusk hours provide peak wildlife activity periods.
What you should know
Road conditions require planning: Many access roads deteriorate significantly during monsoon season. A visitor to Kingman Wash cautions, "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."
Security varies by location: Some camping areas experience security challenges. "The problem is others also want to enjoy this location. I thought that camping during the week would be less crowded, but I was wrong. While having others camping or visiting near me isn't a big problem, the level of courtesy from others makes it unlikely I'll ever visit this site again," reports a Government Wash camper.
Shade availability impacts comfort: Tree cover varies dramatically between sites. Las Vegas Bay Campground offers natural shade: "Love this campground. Easy access from Las Vegas, but feels a world away. Lots of big trees and bushes make the campground feel like an oasis." Bring portable shade structures for exposed sites.
Tips for camping with families
Age restrictions apply: Some facilities limit younger visitors. "Not family friendly at all!! You must be 18 or older to come here so it's cool for people without kids or families," warns a visitor about Las Vegas RV Resort. Always check age policies when booking.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe desert wildlife safely from campgrounds. "We did get a visit from a burrow. Water is beautiful, views are beautiful. Lots of dogs and rocks so if mobility is an issue, the terrain is a bit challenging," notes a Kingman Wash visitor.
Swimming conditions change seasonally: Water levels fluctuate substantially. "The water is cool, clear and refreshing. Beware of coyotes lurking around fire rings looking for food!! I have two dogs that I take with me to run around, and swim and they love being able to play off of the leash," explains a Government Wash camper about spring conditions.
Tips from RVers
Ground conditions affect setup: The desert terrain varies from soft sand to hard-packed gravel. "We took our camper van down to the water. About 3 miles on the dirt road. Some spots are bumpy but we made it without ever getting stuck," reports a Kingman Wash visitor. RVers should bring leveling blocks as most dispersed sites have uneven terrain.
Battery management planning: Solar capacity becomes crucial without hookups. At El Dorado Dry Lake Bed, "There are some soft sand spots. Pretty wide open spots. No services. Cell service. It was very windy, and sand everywhere, so only stayed here for 2 nights." High sun exposure provides excellent solar charging conditions despite challenging terrain.
Water conservation strategies: Limited water access requires careful planning. "We are in a short skoolie and so clearance was not an issue - we stayed out of the sandier areas at the beach and did fine. It is a tricky road but slow is the key," advises a Kingman Wash camper who managed water resources for their stay.
