Dave W.
Scout
ScoutMeadview RV Park
Just the basics
30 amp hookup plus water and dump at each site. Laundry on site from 0800 to 2000. Not much more than that - just a large gravel parking lot. A good place to replenish, reload, and move on.
Camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses multiple campground options for visitors seeking outdoor accommodations in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. Several established campgrounds provide amenities ranging from basic to full-service, including Boulder Beach Campground, Las Vegas Bay Campground, and Willow Beach Campground. The recreation area also supports dispersed camping at locations such as Government Wash, Kingman Wash, and Arizona Hot Springs. Tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and boaters can find suitable camping areas within this desert landscape bordered by the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
Road conditions vary throughout the recreation area, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping. As one visitor noted, "We drove down the narrow desert road into the dry mountains and were blown away by the water oasis hidden in the otherwise barren landscape." The National Park Service manages most camping areas, with some sites requiring reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service ranges from adequate near Boulder City to non-existent in remote areas. Campers should bring adequate water supplies, as drinking water is limited to developed campgrounds.
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers throughout Lake Mead Recreation Area. Boat-in camping allows visitors to reach secluded shorelines and coves inaccessible by road. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The campground set high above the water with perfectly level, absolutely immaculate sites tucked in the rocky surroundings." Facilities vary significantly between locations, with Boulder Beach and Willow Beach offering amenities like showers, drinking water, and dump stations, while dispersed areas like Government Wash provide minimal infrastructure. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bighorn sheep, which can occasionally be spotted near water sources. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though extreme summer heat drives many visitors to seek higher elevations or waterfront sites where swimming provides relief from temperatures.
Best Camping Sites Near Lake Mead National Recreation Area (116)
1. Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
70 ReviewsTemple Bar Marina, AZ12 milesWebsite+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. Willow Beach Campground and RV Park
39 ReviewsWillow Beach, AZ3 milesWebsite+1 (928) 767-4747$80 / night
"Between access to a bathroom, shower, and a nearby dock that serves food, what more do you need in the area? We even had access to WiFi! Good for a stargazing app I was using."
"Full hook ups for all drive thru and back in camp sites. There are tent sites also and everything is well maintained. There are tables and fire pits at all sites and lantern pole in all tent sites."
3. Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
53 ReviewsLake Mead National Recreation Area, NV12 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"
4. Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
32 ReviewsNellis Air Force Base, NV22 milesWebsite"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. Arizona Hot Springs — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
7 ReviewsWillow Beach, AZ9 milesWebsite+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."
6. Lake Mead RV Village — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
13 ReviewsHenderson, NV16 milesWebsite"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."
7. Emerald Cave Dispersed — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
4 ReviewsWillow Beach, AZ4 milesWebsite"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
10 ReviewsBoulder City, NV16 milesWebsite+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."
"Well maintained and there is a walking path just out the back gate."
9. Road Runner Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
2 ReviewsWillow Beach, AZ9 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsNellis Air Force Base, NV23 milesWebsite+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’."
Recent Camping Photos near Lake Mead National Recreation Area
226 Photos of 116 Lake Mead National Recreation Area Campgrounds
Leah W.
Willow Beach Campground and RV Park
Shari G.
Black Canyon of the Colorado Dispersed — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Cresta P.
Arizona Hot Springs — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Dan X.
Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Colette K.
Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Ariel F.
Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Michael C.
Lake Mead RV Village — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lane H.
Canyon Trail RV Park
DJ Jazzy W.
Boulder Beach Camp Grounds
Haley D.
Callville Bay Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Brittney C.
Callville Bay RV Park — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Dare To Everywhere .
Crawdad Cove Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Lake Mead National Recreation Area
1115 Reviews of 116 Lake Mead National Recreation Area Campgrounds
- AAllison
GuideBoulder Beach Camp Grounds
Nice stop
A very pleasant campground. Even on the weekend, campers were very respectful of their noise level. Check in was easy, bathrooms were clean and campsites are good sized with privacy. It’s great if you are a water recreation person.
- CChristie S.
RangerKingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Beautiful near the water and hiking
Yes, it’s crowded on the weekends and there is trash left behind. But if you’re here on weekdays it’s beautiful, peaceful and I enjoyed the burros and the big horn sheep!
- Imerie T.
LegendGovernment Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Opened back up!!
Okay so I am all for BLM, but people trashing areas are not ok! I love the new system they have built here It is still free, 14 days. But they have 51 sites, some are just tent sites, some are Rv, some are car. This is only phase 1 and they are still working on extending and leveling sites. Yea some are right on the road and others are tucked away. There are maps of where the sites are as they aren’t all Lumped together. Camp hosts were amazing and informative. Will be back we stayed in site 1. Huge and on our own, no through traffic.
- JJohn R.Legend
Don Laughlin Casino and RV Resort
Casino row.
Large park with laundry and showers. Shuttle to casino. Spaced out well.
James W.GuideArch Rock Campground — Valley of Fire State Park
Epic
If you like a campsite surrounded by cool geological features, this is the place. The park is amazing and there are many great hikes. The picnic table at our site was warped, but it was cool and windy so we didn't use it. We love this place!
- DDavid B.Scout
Overton Wildlife Management Area
Nice View
Sites are big, has a cover over picnic table. Grill to cook on. Only reason a 4 … people should pick up after they use a site. Some noise from business across road.
- ssusan G.Scout
Snowbird Mesa
Incredible view
Even though this place is very rocky it was a great place to stay outside of the park. It was $1 million dinner views
Beverley G.GuideBoulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Clean, good views, good amenities
Will definitely come back here when near Vegas. Great time of year to come, arrived Tuesday stayed two nights. Quiet at night, I’m sure it gets busy on weekends and not so peaceful as my experience. Short walk or drive to the beach, really nice place with dump and fill facilities; toilets and water spigots around camping areas.
Guide to Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area camping offers both primitive and developed options across elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet. The area spans 1.5 million acres with nearly 900 miles of shoreline when the lake is at capacity. Water levels fluctuate significantly, affecting beach access and boat launch availability throughout the year.
What to do
Hot springs exploration: 6-mile round-trip hike at Arizona Hot Springs leads to natural thermal pools. "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. A bathing suit and water shoes are highly encouraged as you will pass multiple hot springs (when I say they're hot, they're steaming hot)."
Kayak to hidden caves: 45 minutes from Vegas at Emerald Cave Dispersed for unique water exploration. "If it wasn't for one hill that had us question if we should chance it or not, we probably could have made it to the end of the road. Hiking the few miles down from our campsite with a kayak on my back was not fun but it was worth it once you get down to the water."
Wildlife observation: Free access to herds of wild burros near Kingman Wash. "I spent 3 days and nights here at Kingman Wash in August... The burrows were a very welcome plus that added to the enjoyment of the trip."
What campers like
Desert water contrast: Experience both environments at Kingman Wash. "This campground is amazing! There are bathrooms, but I did not use them. Donkeys roam around and the bugs are pretty extra. The 3 mile off road was a little intimidating with my 20ft camper but we made it! So worth it!"
Sunrise/sunset views: Perfect photo opportunities at Las Vegas Bay Campground. "Wonderful! Free dump station and potable water. Dispersed spaces asphalt pads, concrete picnic tables, fire rings and gorgeous views. What more can we ask? It's quiet except for the birds. Quail are everywhere."
Isolation with amenities: Feeling remote while near civilization at Las Vegas Bay Campground. "Beautiful sunset views, and the hills block all signs of civilization. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere even though you are 20 minutes from Vegas."
What you should know
Road conditions vary drastically: Vehicle requirements differ by location. Road Runner Cove is "hard to get to but worth it. It's very isolated and secluded and surrounded by trees. If you can make it you can camp and have a whole lake to yourself."
Seasonal considerations: Avoid summer for hiking-focused trips. At Arizona Hot Springs, "the hike itself is closed during the summer months."
Water access changes with levels: Research before arrival at Government Wash. "Access limited due to low water. And covid 19. Great temp great sunsets."
Park entry fees separate from camping: Budget accordingly. "We decided to stay outside Vegas this time and I'm so glad we did. This place is so nice and quiet. Also there are hiking trails galore here."
Tips for camping with families
Shade is essential: Choose tree-covered sites for summer camping. "We love camping at Las Vegas Bay campground at Lake Mead. The campground is very close to the wash that comes from Lake Las Vegas. Lots of wildlife!! Sites are small."
Bring water shoes: Rocky shorelines and hot surfaces require proper footwear. "Consider water shoes. While the hot springs themselves are quite smooth on the bottom the path to and from the campsite is not as smooth and easy on the bottom of your feet."
Plan educational side trips: Hoover Dam is nearby to Boulder Beach Campground. "Great views and close to the strip and hover dam. We had an amazing lake view site with full hookups for our rv. It was only 7 minutes to the hover dam and 5 minutes into Boulder City."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Plan for areas with specific rules or bring solar power. "There is a section dedicated to no generator use if you want the extra quiet. Temps were at 102 during the day and 70s at night."
Site spacing: Research specific loops at Canyon Trail RV Park for more privacy. "Park was clean with mostly level gravel pull thru sites. Dog areas and common areas were clean. Did not use the facilities but other campers were enjoying the pool and spa."
Utility connection planning: Bring extra hoses and cables for some sites. "The utilities were spaced a bit far from the site and towards the back so I needed about 22' of sewer hose and 25' of electric and water hose."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
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?
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?
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?
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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