Best Tent Camping near Henderson, NV

Free dispersed camping options surround Henderson, Nevada, with Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash in Lake Mead National Recreation Area providing accessible tent camping within day-trip distance. Valley of Fire Dispersed camping offers another primitive tent camping location where campers can pitch tents on undeveloped land without designated sites or amenities. Sandy Valley Road provides additional dispersed camping opportunities for tent campers seeking more remote experiences away from developed areas.

Tent campers at Lake Mead should prepare for challenging road conditions. Eight Mile Road features severe washboard surfaces that several campers describe as difficult to navigate. Most dispersed camping areas lack basic facilities such as toilets, running water, or picnic tables. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all trash. Many areas enforce a 7-day camping limit and require entrance fees to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. During rain, access roads may become impassable, particularly at Eight Mile Road which follows a wash and can be dangerous during wet conditions.

Primitive tent setups in these areas offer open desert landscapes with views of Lake Mead and surrounding mountains. A camper noted that Eight Mile Dispersed Camping provides "beautiful sunsets" and open space with views of the lake. Sites typically offer ample privacy and separation from other campers, though this varies by location. Many campers value the solitude and spaciousness available at dispersed sites. At Valley of Fire Dispersed camping, the terrain features hills on one side and open plains on the other, providing scenic views in multiple directions. Cell service is generally available at Eight Mile Road, with some visitors reporting strong signal strength suitable for remote work. Desert wildlife including coyotes are present in the area, requiring appropriate food storage practices.

Best Tent Sites Near Henderson, Nevada (15)

    1. Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Henderson, NV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8906

    "Did a day trip here, looking for other areas to be able to set up my mobile office. Awesome views, and half to full cell service/wifi all the way to the water!"

    "The road is primitive and i had issues with fishtailing in the sand so take it slow. The campsite i found was simple and spacious. You could see the lake and it was gorgeous."

    2. Road Runner Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Willow Beach, NV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8990

    "I just throw some blankets over it and instantly have shade. I tried to take it and fold it up and realized why the people before me abandoned it lol."

    "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."

    3. Vegas Glamping

    Be the first to review!
    Henderson, NV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 521-6642

    $99 - $299 / night

    4. Valley of Fire Dispersed

    26 Reviews
    Overton, NV
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5000

    "Found a flat spot next to a fire ring after traveling down a bumpy road"

    "Some rough road getting in and to some of the spots, but popular area with lots of fairly flat spots and fire rings."

    5. Mack's Canyon Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 441-2518

    $50 / night

    "Most of the campsites are accessible with a 2 wheel drive vehicle you can only get so far. The views are amazing and it’s just far enough away to see the Milky Way at night."

    "As we SUV camp (and not 4x4) we didn't head a long way in, but discovered numerous locations that were easy to get to, but still secluded.

    Very few cars, and a nice getaway."

    6. Rainbow Mountain Springs

    1 Review
    Blue Diamond, NV
    25 miles

    7. Desert Pass Campground

    9 Reviews
    North Las Vegas, NV
    43 miles
    Website

    "At an elevation of 6200 ft this is a great place to get away from it all. But there are some things that those coming here should know. There is NO RUNNING WATER."

    "Just a short drive away, you’re instantly transported into cooler mountain air surrounded by beautiful pine and juniper trees."

    8. Suite Spot LV

    1 Review
    Mount Charleston, NV
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 581-1692

    $220 - $400 / night

    9. Sandy Valley Road

    2 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    31 miles

    "34 foot rv no problem getting here and turning around."

    10. Carpenter Canyon

    5 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    41 miles

    "Ripped one of the side steps off the truck😬 High clearance is a must. Didn’t see a single person the whole way in and the scenery is very dull until you get into the canyon."

    "12 Mile Drive in.  Moderatley difficult trail without 4WD.  Small spring/pond nearby."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Henderson, NV

46 Photos of 15 Henderson Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Henderson, NV

652 Reviews of 15 Henderson Campgrounds



Guide to Henderson

Dispersed camping near Henderson, Nevada offers desert wilderness experiences at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 6,200 feet. The region experiences extreme temperature shifts, with summer highs often exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing at higher elevations. Road conditions frequently deteriorate after rainfall, with many access routes becoming impassable due to flooding in washes and low-lying areas.

What to do

Kayaking on Lake Mead: Accessible from dispersed camping areas, Lake Mead provides paddling opportunities. One camper at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash reported "We Camp in the roofnest tent ⛺and Kayaking the next morning. What a epic experience."

Wildlife observation: The desert ecosystem supports diverse wildlife including coyotes and fish. At Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, a visitor noted "Water was clear and could see decent sized fish in the shallows" while exploring the lakeshore.

Stargazing sessions: Minimal light pollution at most dispersed sites creates ideal astronomy conditions. A camper at Valley of Fire Dispersed mentioned the "Dark, quiet, flat and easy to get to" conditions that make nighttime viewing optimal.

High-elevation hiking: For tent campers seeking cooler temperatures, higher elevation sites offer temperature relief. At Desert Pass Campground, located at 6,200 feet, a visitor shared that it's "a great place to get away from the heat and bustle of Las Vegas" where "you're instantly transported into cooler mountain air surrounded by beautiful pine and juniper trees."

What campers like

Cell service reliability: Many dispersed sites around Henderson maintain adequate connectivity. A camper at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping reported "half to full cell service/wifi all the way to the water!" and noted it was suitable for setting up a "mobile office."

Temperature variations: Higher elevation camping provides relief from valley heat. A reviewer at Mack's Canyon Dispersed observed "It was 104 in the valley and 78 on the peak. An easy choice in the summer."

Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies support fishing activities. A camper at Road Runner Cove described catching "a huge carp that snapped my pole and a pretty large Bass" and noted seeing stripers in a nearby fish sanctuary.

Low population density: Many campers value the lack of crowds at dispersed sites. A visitor to Mack's Canyon Dispersed reported "Most of the time, they are near the front entrance, as the road and openness for large rigs are more friendly" with plenty of privacy options available.

What you should know

Road condition warnings: Many access routes require high-clearance vehicles. A camper at Carpenter Canyon warned "12 miles down a very rocky dirt road. Ripped one of the side steps off the truck. High clearance is a must."

No water sources: Most dispersed sites lack potable water. At Desert Pass Campground, a reviewer emphasized "There is NO RUNNING WATER. Be prepared to bring your own if you are staying for any length of time."

Temperature extremes: Prepare for significant day-night temperature differences. At Mack's Canyon Dispersed, a camper noted "Weather was pleasant & dry. Nights were cold to cool. Lots of sun. Pack the sunscreen - ask me how I know."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Henderson, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Henderson, NV is Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area with a 3.3-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Henderson, NV?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Henderson, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.