Dispersed camping near Sloan, Nevada provides opportunities in the Mojave Desert ecosystem at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 feet. Most sites sit on hard-packed desert soil with sparse vegetation dominated by creosote bushes and Joshua trees. Temperature differentials between sites can reach 20°F depending on elevation, with higher mountain sites experiencing significantly cooler conditions than lower desert locations.
What to do
Burro watching at Kingman Wash: Wild burros frequently visit campsites, particularly in early mornings. "A herd of Burros roaming around. Incredible views of lake mead and the surrounding elevation!" notes Tim R. at Kingman Wash.
Paddleboarding on Lake Mead: Several sites offer direct water access. At Kingman Wash, one camper reports "The water is great and is perfect for my paddleboard!" Water conditions vary seasonally, with calmer waters typically found in protected coves.
Stargazing from mountain locations: Higher elevations provide exceptional night sky viewing. At Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping, Mark D. mentions "Panoramic views for sunrise and sunset. Dispersed camping with plenty of space between sites."
What campers like
Natural hot springs access: Some locations offer unique geothermal features. At Arizona Hot Springs, Emmanuel L. describes "a dramatic slot canyon that joins the river just downstream of Ringbolt Rapids and the Arizona Hot Spring... several pools that are located about 1,000 feet from the river, where the canyon walls are nearly vertical."
Temperature refuge from Las Vegas heat: Many sites offer significantly cooler conditions. "Needed a place to beat the heat while passing through Vegas, was a good 20 degrees cooler," reports Cole P. about Lovell Canyon, where the higher elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer months.
Beach camping opportunities: Multiple sites feature sandy shorelines. "Once you reach the Colorado river, you will come across a beachy area. You can set camp here for the night," explains Alex B. about Arizona Hot Springs, noting it operates on "first come basis, no reservation. Free of charge, can stay up to 15 days."
What you should know
Rough road conditions require planning: Access roads deteriorate quickly beyond paved highways. At Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, Kiley S. warns "I've driven down other washboard roads but even with some speed this road was so tough on my van... it was a loud, bumpy, stressful 2 mile ride."
Seasonal timing affects experience: Summer conditions can be dangerous at lower elevations. "This site is not recommended during summer months as heats make for dangerous hiking and no freshwater stops are available," cautions Crystal C. regarding hike-in locations.
Variable crowd patterns: Weekday versus weekend visitation differs dramatically. At Jean/Roach Dry Lakes, Brenda mentions "After everyone settles down for the night it's nice and quiet." Weekends typically see 3-4 times more campers than weekdays.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra drinking water: No reliable water sources exist at any dispersed site. "Pack plenty of water!! There are NO places to collect potable water," emphasizes Crystal C., recommending a lifestraw for emergencies to filter river water where available.
Consider accessibility needs: Some sites require significant hiking. For Arizona Hot Springs, Alex B. notes "Although it's only a 6 mile round trip hike, make sure to bring plenty of water as it gets extremely hot in the canyon."
Wildlife awareness for children: Encounters with desert animals are common. "Beware of coyotes lurking around fire rings looking for food!!" warns Chelsea K., indicating pets should be closely monitored, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Tips from RVers
Solar setup advantages: Many sites have no shade, making solar power efficient. "We outfitted our travel trailer with solar so we can RR at dispersed sites like this," explains Jason M. at Government Wash, noting the excellent solar exposure throughout the area.
Size-appropriate site selection: Larger rigs require careful location choices. Regarding Harris Springs, Laura M. shares "We made it to this spot easily in our 26ft class c. Don't let the big steep road fool you. Harris Springs Rd isn't paved but it's very nice and wide, no washboard, and easy to drive on."
Water and waste planning: No hookups exist but dump stations can be found nearby. Michael B. advises "While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in their campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock. When you are inside Lake Mead you are able to use the dump station and freshwater to fill up your tanks at Boulder Beach campground."
