Dispersed camping near Sloan, Nevada offers alternatives to developed RV parks at slightly higher elevations where temperatures can be 10-20 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley. The surrounding Spring Mountains and dry lake areas provide primitive camping options with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 feet depending on location. Regulations for dispersed camping vary across Bureau of Land Management areas, with most sites allowing 14-day maximum stays.
What to do
Hiking in Red Rock Canyon: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers multiple trail options of varying difficulties. A visitor noted, "This park is gorgeous with Red Rock mountains all around you. Impossible to take a bad picture and the lake was amazing for fishing we never caught so many fish." Several campers also mentioned the area is "right outside of Vegas and offers a huge amount of pristine desert beauty."
Off-road recreation: The Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes area provides various terrain for dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. "From dry flat lake bed, to bumps and jumps, to trails to the mountains- there is all kinds of terrain especially for starters," shares one reviewer. The hard-packed terrain allows for different skill levels.
Stargazing opportunities: Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping offers excellent stargazing due to its distance from city lights. A camper mentioned, "We often stop here when near Vegas. It's mostly quiet except for holiday weekends. Places to hike and wonderful views." Another noted, "Great views for sunrise and sunset. Dispersed camping with plenty of space between sites."
What campers like
Temperature differences: Lovell Canyon provides relief from Vegas heat with its higher elevation. "Needed a place to beat the heat while passing through Vegas, was a good 20 degrees cooler," reported one camper. This temperature advantage makes it popular during summer months.
Security features: Las Vegas RV Resort receives positive feedback for its security measures. "The resort is gated with a person at the gate 24/7," mentioned one reviewer. Another added, "Clean amenities, safe camp, good internet and phone reception."
Access to casino amenities: Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town provides easy access to casino facilities. "Excellent facility short walk to Sams Town Casino. Off strip old school casino," wrote one camper. Another appreciated that "you are within walking distance of Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, which is a great local place with movie theaters, large selection of dining options."
What you should know
Seasonal weather considerations: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 110°F in lower elevation sites, while winter nights can drop below freezing. For higher elevation sites like Lovell Canyon, a reviewer shared: "We had a good time here. Camp spots are fairly spread out and mostly flat... Temps cooler than in town."
Primitive site preparations: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic facilities. A camper at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area advised: "Unfortunately, we went to visit at prime climbing time so the campground was full of climbers. Instead, we had to camp at the overflow area which is about 10 minutes away and a little rough for a 2WD car to get to."
Cell service variability: Service can be spotty in canyon areas. At Lovell Canyon, one visitor reported, "Cell service was excellent," while others in more remote spots reported limited connectivity. Research your specific location before counting on reliable service.
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to amenities: Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort provides family-friendly facilities. One camper described it as having "Easy drive/stroll this campground, large sites with full hookups and concrete pads for easy level setup. Fun times at the separate swimming pool area for adults and kids which is open late for some night swimming."
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. "Easy taxi or uber ride to the strip. Not scenic by any means but comfortable, safe, quiet, and secure location," reported one family at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort.
Limited shade considerations: Most camping areas have minimal shade. A visitor to Red Rock noted, "This campground is located near the park, but unfortunately is not in the park itself. Sites are first come, first serve. The campground itself is not particularly scenic, but it has what you need (firepits, vault toilets, water faucets)."
Tips from RVers
Levelness of sites: Many RVers report variable site conditions. At Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town, a reviewer mentioned, "The spaces are large and mostly pull-through. There is lots of shade, which is very important in Las Vegas."
Road access challenges: Some dispersed sites have difficult access roads. At Lovell Canyon, an RVer cautioned, "We camp with travel trailer so we stay closer to the road but it's not busy. Trying to take it up the dirt roads was a bit rugged so we came back down."
Hookup availability: Many established RV parks offer full hookups, while dispersed sites have none. At Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort, a Class-A only facility, one RVer shared, "Sites range from simple pads with nice landscaping ($90 night) to premium sites with high end outdoor kitchens ($130 night)."
