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.
$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."
"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"
"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."
"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. "
"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."
$80 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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’."
GuideMy daughter and I are from Eastern Washington/North Idaho area (The Inland Northwest) so we had never really experienced a “real desert climate” before our trip. This was our first stop, and not knowing this area or what to expect, I booked a spot at Arches Campground. This place was really beautiful, and so different than anything I’ve ever seen. The campground is located in the Park, around the “main event” so our campsite was back up to the amazing red rocks that people come here to experience. There was also a covered picnic table and one of those iron BBQ’s that you find in public parks, and there was a water Spicket at the site.
There were also a couple of outhouses a short walk from the campsite. We loved exploring the park, and looking in the “caves”. The stars were so bright at night and we enjoyed taking photos of them the best we could. The park ranger was also very nice. I would recommend camping here because it is beautiful, quiet, and so unique and if someone needs a place that you know will have a space ready for your large vehicle/ camper and primitive amenities.
TravelerWe pulled in at night- which was a mistake on our end. It’s hard to navigate in the dark. But it was worth it because we woke up to the most amazing view of lake mead. I took a morning hike down to the water and found veins of selenite and quartz! Family friendly spot with plenty of space for each rig to spread out
ScoutOne of the most beautiful places we’ve stayed. We came in on the 9 mile route and came down on the 11 mile road. Both roads required AWD/high clearance. I’m When we came down (Oct 2025) the 11 mile route also required off road tires and lots of skill. A storm blew through a couple of weeks prior and did some damage. Pretty sure BLM would have had the gate closed if the govt wasn’t shut down.
GuideStaff personnel are very helpful and efficient. Las Vegas is spread out which makes it more convenient if you have your own vehicle to use. The option is to use a ride share (Uber or Lift). You do not want to use your Big Rig to get around. This park has approximately 75% long term residents, being here has converted us to stay at least, and probably we will stay even longer. The pool & hot tub are open year round.
GuideEasy access. Camping spots are spread out. Just outside Valley of Fire State Park.
TravelerBeautiful, quiet and clean spot with plenty of space and amazing views for both sunset and sunrise
GuideBeware you also need to pay entry to Lake Meade recreational area. View from campsite itself isn’t great, mostly gravel hills, but the campground is a short walk from the lovely lake Mohave. Campground has clean, flush toilets. Some issues with rusty/dirty drinking water taps and animal faeces in some of the pitches. Overall fairly basic for the cost
GuideEasy to access from vegas but feels remote to the city! Beautiful scenery. Would recommend for tents to have the walk in site which is 2 min walk from carpark. Drop Toilets were very clean. Plenty of drinking water. Make sure you drive further into red rock because it’s gorgeous!!
LegendThis place is great! It is super clean and the spots are big and level. Mike and Lori the owners are very friendly and really love having guest. They have some full time RVers but everyone here is polite and the park is very quiet. The laundry and bathroom facilities are clean and available 24 hours. The town of Chloride is rich with mining history and the locals are very friendly. We did a lot of ATV riding while here. Lots of rain recently made a couple roads a little scary but we went far enough to see some old mines. This is definitely a great spot to stop for a night or more, and at only $45 for full hook ups and WiFi worth the stop! We didn’t have any cell service but it wasn’t a problem since we didn’t have the WiFi
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.
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.
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