Planning a dispersed camping trip near Boulder City? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
A network of backcountry roads has been developed within the park to provide access to the lakeshore and other areas of interest that are off the beaten path. Approved roads are signed with a yellow arrow. The black number in the center of the arrow designates the road number. Driving on roads or trails not marked with the yellow arrow is prohibited. With hundreds of miles of backcountry roads, conditions can change without notice. Please travel on backcountry roads with caution. Driving off roads, in washes or cross country damages the fragile desert soil and is prohibited by National Park Service regulations. Please help preserve the park by staying on approved roads, respecting the rights of other visitors and carrying out all trash and litter.
A large part of the Spring Mountains is remote and undeveloped. Visitors can venture out and set up camp in these remote areas with just a little planning from the guidelines below The best known areas in the Spring Mountains include Mack's Canyon, Champion Road, and Lovell Canyon but those can get crowded in warm weather. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive or hike out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot with a nice view or good shade. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed outside a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream or spring. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines. - Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 100 feet of any water source, as plants near water are especially fragile. - Do not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting - Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage. Going to the Bathroom in the Woods Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six (6) inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. A ziplock bag is helpful for this. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground since it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Treating Your Water We used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of the sparkling creek, a rushing waterfall, or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water source anymore. With an increasing population and visitation to the Spring Mountains, water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting and wild animals to many water sources. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems. The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating.
Jean Dry Lake provides hundreds of miles of trails to the casual and expert Off-highway vehicle enthusiast alike. At the center of the area is the area's namesake, Jean Dry Lake. Although the name implies that the lakebed is dry, it has the potential of flooding and holding water long after a rainfall. After substantial precipitation events, the lakebed can hold several inches to several feet of water. Travel on the lakebed after a precipitation events is not recommended. Outside of the dry lakebed, motorized vehicle use is limited to existing roads and trails.ADA Access: No accessibility
8 Mile Rd Dispersed camping area is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada. This rustic campground offers a backcountry camping experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The campground does not provide any amenities, so campers must come prepared with all necessary supplies, including water and firewood.
Reservations are not accepted at 8 Mile Rd Dispersed camping area, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is important to note that there are no designated campsites, so visitors can choose their own spot within the designated camping area.
From the Lake Mead Visitor Center, follow US Hwy 93 east 8.4 miles (4.2 miles past Hoover Dam). Watch for the sign to the trailhead. If you are coming from Kingman, Arizona, the trailhead is .2 miles before the mile marker 4.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Traveler
I often stop here when I’m near Vegas. It’s mostly quiet except for holiday weekends. Places to hike and wonderful views. No amenities, pack it in and Pack it out.
Traveler
Nice, quiet, flat areas that are perfect for big rigs. 14 day limit. Road coming in a tad bumpy but not horrible if you take your time. Beautiful view of the Lake! Will come back here for sure.
Guide
Access to lake mead, plenty of little pull offs scattered throughout a small valley to set up camp in, a vault toilet, and a herd of Burros roaming around. Incredible views of lake mead and the surrounding elevation! Road was gravel and decently accessible for my van!
GuideThis area is amazing Between the rocks, the lake, the burros, the vault toilets, and the open space it’s beautiful!!! The burros are NOT wild 😂 & they get into everything. But we loved it. It definitely is a bumpy drive and I would not recommend trying to take a large rv down the wash road. I brought my 5x8 converted cargo trailer down and would do it again, but it was rough.
RangerThis is my third night of 5. Every night has been very quiet. There are campers around but you barely hear them or see them during the day. At night you could sometimes catch a light. T-Mobile cell service for the phone calls is great for data it's. Almost done existent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
Scout
For an rv like 3 spots not even spots just turn arounds at start of shitty road other than that do not go unless you have dirt bike..etc stayed maybe 1 hr barely cooler than vegas went
Guide
Didn't have to drive as far aspin. Saw RV and others on left after signs. Few turnouts then none. Big dump trucks coming out. One flashed brights at me idk why. After seeing no more turnouts for half mile I turned around and parked a little north from others. Bit of highway noise and truck traffic on road. Maybe gravel mine. Lake definitely had water so maybe not good hence flashing brights by the truck. Saves time, but would like more quiet far the away from highway. Will explore next time
Traveler
We loved it here, stayed the one night to break up the journey. The directions are great, and there are two sites here, we stayed in the second. It was nice and level. The views were beautiful, and having all the space and quiet to ourselves was magical. Didn't see any snakes or other critters.
TravelerVery close to the water. Very few people. Gorgeous scenery!. The road is a little rough getting a camper down there but they do have volted toilets.
Traveler
We loved using government wash when we came in to Vegas to visit family but starting August 1st 2024 they have permanently closed government wash.
ScoutSeems like a beautiful setting but we ran into a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake within feet of the campsite. They are aggressive and fatal. We left to go find somewhere else. Be careful.
ScoutDue to the number of homeless encampment, trash and crime, the Government Wash and 8.0 Mile Road is now closed indefinitely. Barriers are being raised. Park Rangers are clearing any remaining persons. Please do not go there with RVs or vehicles.
Hiking and biking are available but you will not be able to take a RV or vehicle in.
ScoutPerfect out of grid compert tu vegas xd
Ranger
This used to be an area where you can camp but it is closed off now. You can maybe park 3 cars and then walk to a spot to setup a tent. About 1:30 in the morning, at least 20 OHVs came by blasting Mexican music and waving Mexican flags. Just ruined the experience.
GuideGreat spots for rv Close to lake Lots of people fishing Road is graded with camping spots or drive further rough road wild spots
TravelerGreat little spot to stop on the way. Far enought from main road. Fantastic sky at night.
ScoutThere are several spots to camp. Beautiful sight.
TravelerVery windy, but large area so tons of room to spread out and camp. We drove closer to the water in our awd car
ScoutThere’s a lake at the end of the sketchy road that makes it all worth while especially in the heat. Water is clear and plenty of space to park if you’re just there to visit. May feel too crammed if you have a camper though. I thoroughly enjoyed staying here for 2 nights.
Traveler
We have a 37’ class A diesel pusher. The road in wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Go slow. Some tight spots so watch for oncoming vehicles. Beach is first come first serve. 7 day camping limit. Free. Restrooms and dumpsters available. Boat launch area. No wake zone for swimming. Shallow water is great for kids and dogs.
ScoutStayed for one night during the week and wasn't surprised by the higher traffic based on the other reviews. Nice spot to get out of the heat and enjoy the beautiful terrain.
Traveler
After climbing the giant hills out of Baker, my 1984 Vanagon was ready for a rest. We pulled off at Bailey Road and it was quickly dirt road, but certainly manageable for any SUV or Truck. After about 10 minutes (3.1 miles) there were campsites. Plenty of spaces and spread out. HOT in the late spring but overnight temperatures were excellent at about 65F.
ScoutThe two spots are about 1.5 miles off the highway on a dirt road, you'll see a spot off the right on a narrow trail. BLM property. Free-roaming cows, didn't bother us at all. Beautiful sunset on our nights stay. The second spot is just around the first corner after the first one, less used, but probably flatter. Could hear the highway, but wasn't bothersome.
Traveler
Short drive to furthest sites but viewable from the main road. Road out to sites is a little rough but easily passible. On top of the hill with excellent views of the valley below but exposed to the wind. Some rough roads around for biking/walking. Maybe 8 or so sites available.
TravelerWe arrived before sunset, full of small spots along the road, which allows everyone to have their own space surrounded by vegetation. We have a van, it is easy to leave the main concrete road to enter the pitches, some are bumpier than others. The sites I saw were clean with leftover campfire pits. I recommend this spot, it is specific to Death Valley and located 30 minutes from Red Rock or 1 hour from Las Vegas. For the night of May 2, no problem with the wind, very good weather conditions
ScoutNone of the other reviews mention that there's a rehab center compound located here with lots of in and out traffic at all hours. We spoke with a local ranger and that's how we learned about it because it's hidden. We then looked it up online and read scary reviews about it. Others need to be aware and make their own decisions. We also found questionable items in our site here.
RangerGreat little pull off camp spot. I wouldn’t spend more than one night here. The cows are super cute to wake up to. I didn’t smell them at all. The road is a little washboard and there aren’t a lot of good turn around spots. Overall very happy with the spot. It was quiet and perfect for a road trip camp spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Boulder City, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Boulder City, NV is Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Boulder City, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 dispersed camping locations near Boulder City, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
