Dispersed camping near Bunkerville, Nevada offers free overnight accommodations on public lands managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management. Located at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet, this desert region experiences winter lows around 30°F and summer highs regularly reaching 110°F. Most dispersed sites feature compacted clay soil with scattered creosote bush and occasional Joshua trees dominating the landscape.
What to do
Hiking in surrounding canyons: At Cedar Pockets Pass Road - Dispersed Camping, visitors can access nearby trails. "There is now a marked Cedar Pocket Wash Trail Head with a camp area setup just before the trail head where we camped in 2018," notes one camper who found enjoyable hiking opportunities within walking distance of their site.
Explore historic sites: Gold Butte Road near Whitney Pockets, Nevada offers access to cultural features. "The area also has several great petroglyph sites. Great for ATV or side by sides.. lots of equestrian riders in the area as well," according to a visitor who explored the historic mining region.
Swimming in Virgin River: While water levels fluctuate seasonally, Virgin River North provides river access points. Camping is available on "flat desert road going all over the hillside" with "lots of camping areas to choose from," making it convenient to find spots near water access points.
What campers like
Accessibility for quick overnight stays: Many campers appreciate how easy it is to access dispersed sites near Bunkerville for short stays. Near Dispersed Camping North of Logandale, one visitor noted, "We turned onto waterline made an immediate right onto dirt road. Drove 100 yards and pull off on the right," highlighting the convenience for travelers needing a simple stopover.
Proximity to Valley of Fire State Park: When the state park campgrounds fill up, dispersed sites offer alternatives. A camper at Sand Mine Road #110 Dispersed Camping shared, "This was the perfect overnight spot as we got in too late for a camp spot on Valley of Fire State Park. It was wide open with a fire ring and great views."
Solitude and separation from other campers: Despite being free public land, many sites offer privacy. "There are beautiful views. Lots of flat space parking," observed one camper at Virgin River Camp, while another at Sand Mine Road mentioned it was "less crowded and more spread out" than neighboring areas.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads deteriorate seasonally. At Stewart's Point Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, campers warn about "a bumpy drive down a chopped up paved road" and note that "the roads and sites get sketchy and soft further down you go to the water."
Wind exposure can be intense: With minimal natural windbreaks, sites experience strong gusts. At Snowbird Mesa, one visitor called it "hurricane ridge" and warned, "It is windy!" Another camper at Stewart's Point observed "white caps on the water because of wind" during their stay.
Trash management issues: Some areas suffer from improper waste disposal. A visitor to Virgin River North reported finding "lots of camping areas to choose from. Most near the entrance are surrounded by garbage. Areas further out are much cleaner."
Tips for camping with families
Scout for kid-friendly exploration areas: Several sites offer natural features children enjoy exploring. One family at Sand Mine Road #110 "camped next to a little canyon which was fun to explore with the kiddo when we were just hanging around the campsite."
Plan for extreme temperature fluctuations: Desert temperatures drop dramatically after sunset even in warmer months. Bring appropriate clothing layers and sufficient water for everyone. One camper noted the area is "harsh rocky and limited for other things to do like biking and hiking."
Choose sites away from shooting areas: Some BLM land near Bunkerville permits target shooting. A family camping north of Logandale mentioned, "This is an area where people come to shoot guns and ride 4-wheelers. That doesn't make it sound super peaceful and private but it was such a large area, everything was spread out."
Tips from RVers
Optimal positioning for solar and wind: When setting up at Snowbird Mesa, a reviewer advised, "Take a look at prevailing winds if you have slide toppers and park accordingly... Solar was greatly here. I would stay away in warmer seasons though."
Size limitations for deeper sites: While many areas accommodate large vehicles near entrance points, access becomes more challenging further in. At Whitney Pockets, an RVer warned "Most can accommodate around 30 feet or less. Must have good suspension... road into the area is partially paved but has many deep potholes."
Finding level spots: Several dispersed camping areas feature uneven terrain requiring careful site selection. One RVer at Poverty Flat (Snowbird Mesa) shared, "Ground is flat and rocky, so bring a camp carpet," suggesting preparation for the hard surface conditions common throughout the area.
