Top Free Dispersed Camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, look no further. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Lake Mead National Recreation Area just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV (29)

Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Lake Mead National Recreation Area

222 Reviews of 29 Lake Mead National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

    Sure bet on saving money

    Didn't have to drive as far aspin. Saw RV and others on left after signs. Few turnouts then none. Big dump trucks coming out. One flashed brights at me idk why. After seeing no more turnouts for half mile I turned around and parked a little north from others. Bit of highway noise and truck traffic on road. Maybe gravel mine. Lake definitely had water so maybe not good hence flashing brights by the truck. Saves time, but would like more quiet far the away from highway. Will explore next time

  • Karen D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from W Big Wash Road Dispersed
    Oct. 6, 2024

    W Big Wash Road Dispersed

    Beautiful and wild

    We loved it here, stayed the one night to break up the journey. The directions are great, and there are two sites here, we stayed in the second. It was nice and level. The views were beautiful, and having all the space and quiet to ourselves was magical. Didn't see any snakes or other critters.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Government Wash

    Permanently closed

    We loved using government wash when we came in to Vegas to visit family but starting August 1st 2024 they have permanently closed government wash.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from W Big Wash Road Dispersed
    Aug. 20, 2024

    W Big Wash Road Dispersed

    Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

    Seems like a beautiful setting but we ran into a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake within feet of the campsite. They are aggressive and fatal. We left to go find somewhere else. Be careful.

  • ShiftN’Reset
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Government Wash

    GOVERNMENT WASH CLOSED INDEFINITELY - STARING 8/1/2024

    Due to the number of homeless encampment, trash and crime, the Government Wash and 8.0 Mile Road is now closed indefinitely. Barriers are being raised. Park Rangers are clearing any remaining persons. Please do not go there with RVs or vehicles.

    Hiking and biking are available but you will not be able to take a RV or vehicle in. 

    REFERENCE: https://www.nps.gov/lake/government-wash-area-information.htm#:~:text=Key%20information%20for%20visitors,beginning%20Aug.%201%2C%202024.

  • Ayumi N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kingman Wash
    May. 24, 2024

    Kingman Wash

    A Little Oasis in the Desert

    There’s a lake at the end of the sketchy road that makes it all worth while especially in the heat. Water is clear and plenty of space to park if you’re just there to visit. May feel too crammed if you have a camper though. I thoroughly enjoyed staying here for 2 nights.

  • Ryan N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from W Big Wash Road Dispersed
    May. 10, 2024

    W Big Wash Road Dispersed

    Perfect for a quick overnight stay

    The two spots are about 1.5 miles off the highway on a dirt road, you'll see a spot off the right on a narrow trail. BLM property. Free-roaming cows, didn't bother us at all. Beautiful sunset on our nights stay. The second spot is just around the first corner after the first one, less used, but probably flatter. Could hear the highway, but wasn't bothersome.

  • Terry O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley of Fire BLM Dispersed Site
    May. 7, 2024

    Valley of Fire BLM Dispersed Site

    Great view from the top of the hill.

    Short drive to furthest sites but viewable from the main road. Road out to sites is a little rough but easily passible. On top of the hill with excellent views of the valley below but exposed to the wind. Some rough roads around for biking/walking. Maybe 8 or so sites available.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from W Big Wash Road Dispersed
    Apr. 21, 2024

    W Big Wash Road Dispersed

    Pull off spot

    Great little pull off camp spot. I wouldn’t spend more than one night here. The cows are super cute to wake up to. I didn’t smell them at all. The road is a little washboard and there aren’t a lot of good turn around spots. Overall very happy with the spot. It was quiet and perfect for a road trip camp spot.

  • Sheri C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Logandale Trails
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Logandale Trails

    Great place!

    So beautiful and such a fun place to ride our sxs. We camped for 3 nights. Look forward to going again soon.

  • Liz Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from W Big Wash Road Dispersed
    Apr. 13, 2024

    W Big Wash Road Dispersed

    Beautiful remote spot

    Gave only 3 stars due to sketchy cell (AT&T) and no internet. Only 2 spots, but there was a fire ring and free roaming cows. Great for an overnight stay.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kingman Wash
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Kingman Wash

    Beautiful location

    The location was nice, quick drive In. Directly in the flight path for Vegas. Light pollution from the city

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley of Fire Dispersed
    Mar. 20, 2024

    Valley of Fire Dispersed

    Amazing views

    Really cool campground just outside of the valley of fire. Hills on one side and an open plain on the other. Rocky road probably requires higher clearance. Road was slightly flooded when I was there but cleared up by the morning. Plenty of spaces, no services. Very beautiful place

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kingman Wash
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Kingman Wash

    Amazing

    This was an amazing campsite. The drive there was a bit choppy especially towards the end, but the view of the lake was worth it. There were wild donkeys that were friendly and a beautiful view of the lake. The weather was very nice too.

  • Jeff H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Mead NRA - Stewart’s Point Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 14, 2024

    Lake Mead NRA - Stewart’s Point Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping Right on Lake Mead

    Road in is a little bumpy but there were rigs from a massive 5th wheel pulled by an HDT, class a, down to car campers and everything in between. Numerous places to camp spread out over a very large area. Pit toilets. Free water and dump station 12 miles away at Echo Cove. Pretty peacefull and decent night sky except for the lights of Las Vegas coming over the mountains. Lots of services in Overton (grocery, hardware, laundry, gas station, couple of restaurants, post office). There are burros, cows, and could hear coyotes in the distance but never saw one

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Mine Road #110 Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 5, 2024

    Sand Mine Road #110 Dispersed Camping

    Easy to find and relax after seeing the valley of fire

    Easy to find spot right off the main road. If you go through the valley of fire watch for mountain goats. Pretty open spots, fire rings made of rocks, and if you like to walk around looking at rocks there are some neat ones lol Side note: Valley of fire does not take some park passes fyi, at the time they said no America the beautiful passes. I had to go through there to get here but it was beautiful.

  • Connor Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Highway 93 Dispersed
    Feb. 2, 2024

    Old Highway 93 Dispersed

    Secluded & great views

    Apple Maps wouldn’t get me here. Use google maps instead.

    This is just a little pull off from Old Highway 93. Had to level my truck because there isn’t any flat ground and there unfortunately is a fair amount of trash.

    That being said the views are amazing and it’s extremely secluded if that’s your jam!

    Decent Verizon and T-Mobile coverage. Made it up here in 2wd but there are a few spots where clearance will be your friend.

  • Sarah M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Dec. 15, 2023

    Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

    A lot of trash, people shooting guns day and night

    The space was nice and there’s several places to park but it’s filled with trash. Also, there’s people constantly shooting guns in the BLM so I didn’t feel super safe and couldn’t let my dog off the leash. However, it’s pretty close to Vegas and the surrounding area. Also literally behind the seven magic mountains!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jean Roach Dry Lakebed Camp
    Dec. 6, 2023

    Jean Roach Dry Lakebed Camp

    Great access but noisy

    I wanted to make it to the Mojave and ended up here. Looks like it could be pretty but I didn’t find out cause I came in after dark and left by 4a. Near constant truck traffic on the main access road from the mine mean it’s a very difficult place to sleep.

    If you’re a heavy sleeper, go for it. I am not.

  • Jennifer B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash
    Nov. 27, 2023

    Government Wash

    Love the options cover's all scenarios

    Was very interested from the beginning of reading for what applies to the camping app

  • kevin J.
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM dispersed camping west of Valley of Fire
    Nov. 27, 2023

    BLM dispersed camping west of Valley of Fire

    Dispersed camping struggles

    This spot is about 4 miles from the more frequented and popular dispersed camping spot. This spot has at least 4 to 5 fire ring spots but a lot of garbage. Not a good place if you are looking to level a 20’ plus camper. We ended driving west about another 4 miles to the more “formal” dispersed camping on BLM.

  • Jack R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Mohave - North Telephone Cove
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Lake Mohave - North Telephone Cove

    My heart

    This place is special to me. My family used to come here every year, and 7 days free camping right on the river. The road is windy and narrow, but drivable, there is our house and no running water, but they do have a dumpster



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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake Mead National Recreation Area?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Mead National Recreation Area is Arizona Hot Spring Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area?

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.