Camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Are you in need of a campground near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV? Lake Mead National Recreation Area is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Mead National Recreation Area (110)

    1. Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    67 Reviews
    Temple Bar Marina, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8906

    $20 / night

    "Being Nevada it was pretty hot and humid next to the lake, but it was actually a good place to camp with plenty of birds, nice flowers and easy access to the lake for swimming, boating, and such."

    "Took my kids and my mom camping for a little vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. I chose Boulder Beach campground as it was our first time and didn't want to be too far from home."

    2. Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    50 Reviews
    Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV
    12 miles

    "You can camp close to the interstate or 3 miles away at the lake. The lake shore gets crowded. The road is bumpy but we saw cars all the way down to the lake."

    "Took my 2wd on the road there a couple times, ok if youre an experienced driver but still rough on suspension...Was able to get a shady in AM spot off the shore of the lake, away from the hustle and bustle"

    3. Arizona Hot Springs — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Willow Beach, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8990

    "Arizona Hot Springs is located at Mile Marker 4 US 93 South Of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City, NV 89005. Those directions will take you to the parking lot trailhead."

    "You can either hike in or boat in to get to this location. We kayak in to set up camp for the night. There is a rustic toilet you can use, no water available other than the river."

    4. Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Nellis Air Force Base, NV
    22 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful sunsets near waterline. Tent and/or vehicle camping only in this lower area. RV camping up on hill side. Fishing good. Hiking good. Lots of birds and some coyotes. Watch your small pets!"

    "There are trash dumpsters at the entrance to the dispersed camping area and we saw BLM folks out patrolling.  Many off road paths around to take your jeep or side by side.  "

    5. Lake Mead RV Village — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Henderson, NV
    16 miles
    Website

    "These are closest to the lake, but when we visited, lake mead was very low, so the shoreline was about 1/4 mile away. Sites had decent spacing."

    "Store, propane and great views of Lake Mead. If you are able to reserve a rv pad nearest the lake, you will be in for a treat. All spots have full hookup and picnic table."

    6. Willow Beach Campground and RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Willow Beach, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 767-4747

    $80 / night

    7. Emerald Cave Dispersed — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Willow Beach, AZ
    4 miles
    Website

    "The pin took us off-road to a private BLM spot that went to a dead end in which you can get out of your vehicles and hike .8 miles down to the river."

    "Located 45 minutes outside of Vegas, Emerald Cave is an absolute beauty. If you’re looking to get out of the city, enjoy the nice weather and warm lake water, this is the place for you."

    8. Canyon Trail RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Boulder City, NV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-1200

    "We came in December and even with the cold weather we really enjoyed the MTB trails directly behind the RV park. Short walk to shopping. The park was very clean and the people super nice."

    "Prefect midway stop between Vegas and Lake Mead. The park is extremely clean and has everything you need. The front office staff is very friendly and helpful."

    9. Road Runner Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Willow Beach, AZ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8990

    "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."

    10. Las Vegas Bay Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Nellis Air Force Base, NV
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8906

    "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’."

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Recent Reviews near Lake Mead National Recreation Area

1050 Reviews of 110 Lake Mead National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    W Big Wash Road Dispersed

    Not for a big rig

    With all the resent rain the 2nd spot to camp the road has washed out a bit….very uneven ground. We decided to head back toward the highway to see if the spot closer to the road would be better

  • Terrie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Hitchin' Post RV Park

    Nice!

    Has nice amenities, including a bathtub in the bath house! Pool, 2 dog areas, full hookups including wifi.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Arizona Charlie's Boulder RV Park

    Vegas...

    Closely spaced pads, backing up to the (open) parking garage. Frequent airplanes. 28 dollars extra for "early check in" (12:40). Bathrooms close at 10pm due to walk-ins and they mentioned they normally didn't take popups (we have a self-contained A-frame but prefer to use bathrooms when the kids are sleeping inside). Bathrooms are nice "family" bathrooms though. Very strict regulations (e.g. sewer hose needs to be supported as in the picture, why!?). Mostly aimed at self-contained big rigs as most places in Vegas. It is that we needed a stopover, and was a nice opportunity to visit Vegas , but wouldn't recommend staying in a smaller RV in Vegas

  • teresa D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    King's Row RV Park

    Kings row rv camp

    Good spot, the manager is very Nicea and helpuful. Too far from the city main attractions.

  • Angelo V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    Good views

    Rough road getting in, but I managed it in my 2020 ford transit extended length. Keep it under 10mph and was able to get in. There are a few sections with heavy bumps ripples and potholes on hills that take care navigating. Not likely to come back now that Ive been once. Worth the trip, not the repeat

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    KOA Sam's Town Las Vegas Nevada

    Vegas

    Great location for Vegas. Store, pool, jacuzzi, laundry and propane for sale. Dog runs and sites. Sam's Town Casino for food, drinks and gaming.

  • H
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Circus Circus RV Park

    Perfect place to explore Las Vegas

    It’s a 30 minute walk to the Strip, you even have a pool (which is very nice when it’s that hot)

  • Jenny W.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    Beautiful location . . .

    Used this as my base camp for exploring other nearby areas such as Arizona Hot Springs and Goldstrike Canyon. I prefer to camp naked and everyone was cool with it.   It has vault bathrooms, amazing sunsets, safe water, great skinny-dipping/snorkeling.  Great spot to paddleboard to nearby Hoover Dam.  Great for SCUBA.  The burros rarely bite.  They just want food, if you ignore them, they'll go on to the next car.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Hitchin' Post RV Park

    Clean level sites

    Check in was easy staff friendly. The spite was level and had FHU. The site was long enough for our MH and tow.


Guide to Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: The area is filled with trails that lead to breathtaking views. One camper mentioned, “The landscape views are huge but vegetation is gray and dead looking,” which gives you a sense of the rugged beauty you can expect.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many visitors enjoy fishing and boating. One review noted, “We live in Vegas and took a day trip to fish a little and check out the RV sites,” highlighting the recreational opportunities available.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper shared, “We had a herd of desert big horn sheep come through munching on shrubbery,” making it a memorable experience for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Boulder Beach Campground said, “It’s beautiful here. Peaceful, roomy, and beautiful landscape.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and amenities. A visitor at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort remarked, “Friendly staff, quick check-in, very clean, great pool.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of the sites. One review from Government Wash noted, “It was pretty peaceful and decent night sky except for the lights of Las Vegas coming over the mountains.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Willow Beach RV Park, have few amenities. A camper complained, “Total crazy stupid ripoff by a private hospitality company leasing the NPS camping area.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Kingman Wash mentioned, “I tried to book a space but this place is so popular they didn't have any open weekend spots until March 2024.”
  • Weather Considerations: The area can get hot, especially in summer. A visitor at Arch Rock Campground advised, “Beware that in the summer months temperatures can be up to 120 Fahrenheit.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One family at Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town enjoyed the pool and spa area, saying, “Our children spent hours enjoying these facilities.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at Thousand Trails Las Vegas noted, “Traffic is crazy bad,” so having activities on-site can keep kids entertained.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. One reviewer at Circus Circus RV Park mentioned, “The only real highlight is being on the strip,” suggesting that convenience is key.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort said, “Nice comfortable parking for RV any size with restrooms, showers, electric and water sources!”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Las Vegas mentioned, “Spaces are tight and only 2 pull-throughs in the park.”
  • Use Local Resources: Take advantage of nearby stores and services. A camper at Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town highlighted the convenience of being close to a casino for entertainment.

Camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?

Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers diverse camping options. Developed campgrounds include Boulder Beach Campground and Katherine Landing North Campground at the south end of Lake Mohave. For dispersed camping, options include Government Wash and Kingman Wash. The recreation area also encompasses Lake Mohave with Cottonwood Cove Campground, Willow Beach Campground, and several free boondocking areas. Many campgrounds provide waterfront access perfect for swimming and boating.

Do I need reservations for camping at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?

Reservation requirements vary across Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Cottonwood Cove Campground offers a mix of first-come, first-served sites and reservable spots. Similarly, at Katherine Landing North Campground, some sites require reservations while others are FCFS. For dispersed camping areas like Kingman Wash and Government Wash, no reservations are needed. During peak seasons (spring and fall) and holidays, reservations are highly recommended for developed campgrounds to ensure availability.

What do reviews say about camping at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?

Reviews highlight Lake Mead's spectacular scenery and diverse camping experiences. Arizona Hot Springs receives praise for its 6-mile round trip hike leading to natural hot springs, though hikers are advised to bring plenty of water. Valley of Fire BLM Dispersed Site is appreciated for free boondocking on a short but rough road less than two miles from the park's north entrance. Campers note the excellent fishing, hiking opportunities, wildlife viewing (particularly birds), and stunning sunsets over the water. While summer heat can be intense, the proximity to water activities makes it worthwhile. Road conditions to dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles.

What amenities are provided at Lake Mead camping areas?

Amenities vary widely across Lake Mead camping areas. Boulder Beach Campground provides raised tent platforms, access to the lake for swimming, and basic facilities. Government Wash offers beautiful waterfront dispersed camping with no facilities. Developed campgrounds typically include picnic tables, trash collection, water spigots, flush toilets, and sometimes showers. Some campgrounds like Katherine Landing North offer RV hookup sites with power and water for an additional fee. Dispersed camping areas such as Arizona Hot Springs and Kingman Wash have no amenities, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.