Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
This is closed 10/26/26
Horse-friendly campgrounds near Boulder City, Nevada are limited. None of the campgrounds in the provided data specifically feature horse corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities. Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash in Lake Mead National Recreation Area permits camping with tents and offers free access in a primitive setting. This area provides open space where visitors might accommodate horses, but lacks formal equestrian amenities such as corrals, wash stations, or designated trailer parking. The dispersed camping areas allow fires and permit pets, which may extend to horses, though specific equestrian regulations are not detailed in available information.
Trail riders seeking backcountry camping experiences near Boulder City should contact Lake Mead National Recreation Area for current equestrian policies before arrival. Las Vegas Bay Campground, while more developed with flush toilets, picnic tables and fire rings, doesn't specifically advertise horse-friendly features. The washboard road leading to Eight Mile can be challenging for vehicles pulling horse trailers according to visitor accounts. Riders should prepare for self-sufficient camping by bringing water for horses, temporary containment systems, and waste management solutions. The desert terrain offers riding opportunities, but requires careful planning for both horse and rider safety in the arid environment.
"All sites has prefect views of the surrounding mountains. All sites that are situated on the outer rim of the campground, be weary. Most have a good steep decline not to far away from the pavement."
"Quiet beautifully maintained campground with a dump station, portable water, spigots near restrooms and flush toilets. Firings and picnic tables at each site. Very few sites for rigs over 26’."
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $12 - $80 / night
"It’s very isolated and secluded and it surrounded by trees. If you can make it you can camp and have A whole lake to yourself. Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from."
"While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in there campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock."
"You could see the lake and it was gorgeous. This particular spot was free, but you still have to pay the fee to get into Lake Mead."
"I got number 38 in the Trees, next to a beautiful desert garden. Long pull-thru, level concrete, FHU, picnic table."
"Near I-15. Lots of room to walk the dogs, short drive to downtown or the strip."
"Need to drive some gravel roads to get there. We were all alone when we went to sleep and the only light or noise was from the nearby highway."
"There was a small group that parked here and went off to ride, then zoomed back and zipped around the hills and jumps in this spot before packing up and going home."
"Very friendly host a few tent sites but mostly geared towards rv and horse camping"
"Large pull thoughts Horse, pet & desert toy Friendly... Owners are amazing and Scarlett (the Boss) is the cutest kid on Earth."
Available next weekend
from $18 - $95 / night
"We usually stay near Lake Mead on our way back to CA from Utah trips but it was too flipping hot and we don't have AC in our rig."
"My 2 wheel drive ford transit barely made it. I wouldn't return without a 4wd truck. There is also no service on t mobile or Verizon. Cool to see the joshua trees, though! GPS: 35.441418, -115.507145"
"I was looking for a remote Cove to set up for a couple nights on Lake Mead and found this little gem off the beaten path but still accessible on a rugged and steeply graded access road."
"The drive off the paved road isn’t as long/bad as you’d expect."
from $50 / night
"Perfect place to ride bikes and it’s a good walking distance to the pier with restaurant, grocery store, fishing and boat rentals. This is like a village in its own."
This is closed 10/26/26
Easy after hours check-in. I made a reservation about a month ago requesting Trees. They assign your site when you arrive. I got number 38 in the Trees, next to a beautiful desert garden. Long pull-thru, level concrete, FHU, picnic table. About half the park has small trees with no shade, the other half mature trees with shade. At 2 PM, 97° outside with a breeze. Will stay here again.
We usually stay near Lake Mead on our way back to CA from Utah trips but it was too flipping hot and we don't have AC in our rig. It was significantly cooler up here and we were pleasantly surprised at how nice this spot is. The road was fine for our sprinter 4x4 although I think we probably didn't need it. There's a few hilly spots and turns but it didn't feel sketchy (it was dry). Good signage for camp area and there were a few distinct open areas amidst the Joshua trees. Super peaceful. We had cell service right up until the camp area which was a dead zone, but you could easily walk back if necessary. We were treated to a jackass sighting. So cool! This might be our regular stopover from now on.
It is hot and beautiful. I might stay again if passing through, it was 35$. 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
Pulled in late at night after a long trip to San Diego. Road in was okay. Mild 4x4 IMO, I did just fine in my 2025 Sprinter EKKO.
Joshua Trees everywhere All alone Beautiful night skies Temps in high 40’s at night in middle of May. I’ll definitely stay here again!
Nice Campground with multiple options for those on a budget. Premium sites run at only $30 per night. Wagon Wheel sites are around $3 a night without hookups. Premium sites have trees for shade as well as lots of space. There was a ton of noise from the air base with frequent flyovers from Jets starting around 6:00 a.m. and running well into the night. This site does not receive mail so if you need to receive mail or packages you will have to make other accommodations. This site has a nice walking trail as well as designated dog areas.
We camped in one of the group sites and it was pleasantly surprising! Neighbours at the other group sites but they’re so far from us it still felt like we had the place to ourselves. We had our own toilet, was clean, there are no showers but water was available by a tap outside. Abundant Parking. Huge Covered picnic area with 4 long tables with seating - especially beneficial as it rained while we were there. We only used the fire ring on night 1, when it rained we used our own grills under the covered area. The little sites for setting up tents were all paved and outlined by rocks it had a cute little nomad community feel. there is no cell service but once you hike up the little hill cell service comes back - incase you need to be in contact for emergencies. Pretty close to the Scenic Drive also and closest store was the Walmart. Would come back and bring a bigger group next time. The only downfall is that you have to park away from your tent, so un/loading is a bit of work. I wished parking was right next to the covered picnic area at least.
Busy campground. No privacy at the sites but they are quite spaced out so you don’t feel watched. We were here in December and there was zero assistance or availability from camp host. We have near zero cell service (AT&T). Lots to do in the area. Hiking and mtb. The scenic route is great and tons of hikes from each stop. We did Kraft Mountain loop one day which is free (4-5 minutes drive from campground) - very busy but lots of parking.
The sites are awesome. Beautiful views. Pit toilets are well maintained. There was running water but filling of tv tanks not allowed.
Equestrian camping near Boulder City, Nevada centers primarily on dispersed locations rather than developed facilities with dedicated horse amenities. The area sits at approximately 2,500 feet elevation and experiences desert conditions with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Winter camping provides more moderate temperatures in the 60-70°F range during daylight hours, dropping significantly at night.
Explore desert trails: Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash offers access to open desert terrain suitable for day rides. "We love camping at Las Vegas Bay campground at Lake Mead. The campground is very close to the wash that comes from Lake Las Vegas. Lots of wildlife!!" notes Bonnie C., highlighting the natural features riders can explore.
Visit Lake Mead shorelines: When bringing horses to the Las Vegas Bay Campground, you can access scenic lake views. "A short walk to the bathroom (hundred yards maybe?) but they were clean and the toilets were the flush kind, not pit kind. Drinking water was available too," explains Amy G., describing amenities that benefit both riders and horses requiring water access.
Enjoy night astronomy: The clear desert skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities after riding. "Nice campsite for tents or RVs. Flushing toilets and running water in the bathroom was nice. Beautiful sunset views, and the hills block all signs of civilization. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere even though you are 20 minutes from Vegas," writes Trevor J. about Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Privacy between sites: At Las Vegas Bay Campground, natural vegetation creates separation. "We had site 23 - very shaded and 'green' - site 24 (not ours) was very open to the desert... Lot of palms and oleander that gave a lot of privacy," notes Amy G., describing features that help contain horses away from other campers.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Red Rock Canyon provides chances to observe desert creatures. "If you're patient enough and have a quick eye, you can spot wildlife. We were fortunate enough to see a Kit Fox running around," reports John W., highlighting encounters riders might have on trail rides.
Water access points: For equestrians needing to water their horses, locations near shorelines are valuable. "Quail are everywhere. Close to the water and it's peacefully quiet," notes Robin P. about Las Vegas Bay Campground, pointing out both wildlife and water proximity that benefits equestrian campers.
Challenging road conditions: The approach to dispersed camping areas can be difficult with horse trailers. "We saw some awesome sunsets here, but I wouldn't say this spot had anything unique about it. The road is rough, you definitely cannot camp here in the rain. It's a wash...so that would get dangerous," warns Jamie H. about Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Limited dedicated equestrian facilities: No developed horse-specific amenities exist in the immediate Boulder City area. "The best parts of this campground is that there is cell service, restrooms, and an RV dump station. It's a very dry and sad campground, with no view of the lake as it has receded too far with the low lake levels," notes Colette K. about Las Vegas Bay.
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures make horse camping difficult without shade. "Temps were at 102 during the day and 70s at night," reports SpentBrassOffroad B. about Las Vegas Bay Campground, highlighting temperature extremes that affect equestrian camping comfort and horse care.
Prepare for desert exposure: Searchlight BLM offers space but limited amenities. "This is a good spot if you just need to stop for the night. It's a great alternative to a truck stop or a Walmart because a) apparently there's an ordinance and Vegas Walmarts don't allow overnight parking and b) it's so quiet here / no idling trucks all night," advises Laura M.
Consider developed options for amenities: Facilities like bathrooms and showers make horse camping with children easier. "The campground is very close to the wash that comes from Lake Las Vegas. Lots of wildlife!! Sites are small. RVs larger than 31 ft will have a hard time fitting. This is dry camp only. No hookups or dump station. Portable water is available. Sites are well developed," Bonnie C. explains about Las Vegas Bay.
Plan for limited shade: Bringing portable shelter for both horses and humans is essential. "Site was in the middle of a turn around, so we were in the 'donut center' so to speak and it was quiet, shaded and beautiful. Lot of palms and oleander that gave a lot of privacy," Amy G. details about Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Trailer parking challenges: Katherine Landing Campground offers more space for larger rigs with horses. "Really a nice campground, nice big spots, tables and a fire pit as well as a laundry room and did I mention clean bathrooms!!! Oleander trees space out each camp spot which give you all the privacy anyone could need," says Brittney C.
Water management: All equestrian campers must bring adequate water supplies. "Clean bathrooms. Showers and laundry on site. Water available. Great T-mobile service, wifi available. If you are looking for a place to stay the night or a few days, this is recommended," mentions Honeymooners O. about Katherine Landing.
Consider campground layout: Finding sites that accommodate both RVs and horse trailers requires planning. "My trailer is a 31 ft tt somewhat windy but trees break up the wind. 24 a night, 12 with senior access. Decent size sites, clean bathroom showers," notes G.A. about Katherine Landing Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Boulder City, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Boulder City, NV is Las Vegas Bay Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Boulder City, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Boulder City, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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