Looking for dispersed camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
A network of backcountry roads has been developed within the park to provide access to the lakeshore and other areas of interest that are off the beaten path. Approved roads are signed with a yellow arrow. The black number in the center of the arrow designates the road number. Driving on roads or trails not marked with the yellow arrow is prohibited. With hundreds of miles of backcountry roads, conditions can change without notice. Please travel on backcountry roads with caution. Driving off roads, in washes or cross country damages the fragile desert soil and is prohibited by National Park Service regulations. Please help preserve the park by staying on approved roads, respecting the rights of other visitors and carrying out all trash and litter.
From the Lake Mead Visitor Center, follow US Hwy 93 east 8.4 miles (4.2 miles past Hoover Dam). Watch for the sign to the trailhead. If you are coming from Kingman, Arizona, the trailhead is .2 miles before the mile marker 4.
8 Mile Rd Dispersed camping area is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada. This rustic campground offers a backcountry camping experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The campground does not provide any amenities, so campers must come prepared with all necessary supplies, including water and firewood.
Reservations are not accepted at 8 Mile Rd Dispersed camping area, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is important to note that there are no designated campsites, so visitors can choose their own spot within the designated camping area.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Jean Dry Lake provides hundreds of miles of trails to the casual and expert Off-highway vehicle enthusiast alike. At the center of the area is the area's namesake, Jean Dry Lake. Although the name implies that the lakebed is dry, it has the potential of flooding and holding water long after a rainfall. After substantial precipitation events, the lakebed can hold several inches to several feet of water. Travel on the lakebed after a precipitation events is not recommended. Outside of the dry lakebed, motorized vehicle use is limited to existing roads and trails.ADA Access: No accessibility
Traveler
This is a perfect dispersed camping spot! Dirt road in was about 4 miles long from the highway but pretty well graded and easy to drive, big rig friendly.
Plenty of camping spots along the water with some shade trees. Dumpster onsite and a few vault toilets for the tent campers. Very safe crowd.
Guide
Dark, quiet, flat and easy to get to
TravelerA great spot before visiting Valley of Fire. Leveled, gravel, Fire pits. On the other hand, busy all year round with people running their generators all night, be aware.
Scout
Beautiful scenery but under flight path for airport and motorcycles up early on weekend.
Guide
Numerous spots although quite busy. Lots of cars driving around. Our Class B van had no problems but we did not venture out too far. Very spotty cell signal. Great view of lake Mead and mountains. The sunset was incredible!
GuideWe stayed for one night, loads of space, fairly level as well. Just a little bit off the road and really quiet.
TravelerI spent 3 days and nights here at Kingman Wash in August and was nude the entire time. There were several other people camping there who were nude as well, and any neighbors nearby weren't really all that near at all and they didn't seem to mind. I did some nude hiking and spent most of the time just enjoying the area. It was hot here, but it was not uncomfortable when nude. ;) I love the Lake Mead area and I love the fact that nudity seems to be fairly common and accepted on the lake and the surrounding area. The burrows were a very welcome plus that added to the enjoyment of the trip. I'll definitely be back.
Traveler
What a bummer. Govt. wash is closed permanently. It used to be a great place to spend a nude week or two since there always seemed to be a spot that was somewhat secluded from neighbors, and those who were nearby didn't mind, or were nude themselves. Nothing lasts forever I guess.
Traveler
I've spent a few all nude days here while traveling to various other locations in the area. (I'm just now getting around to publishing some reviews of those). I found that this place was ok for a few days' stay. Not too crowded and like other boondocking places in the area, my neighbors were not too close and didn't seem to mind if I was nude all the time. I was happy to see that several of them were nude the entire time as well. That fortunately seems to be quite normal for the entire Lake Mead area (which is why I spend so much time there). I'll be back soon.
Guide
A very short but kind of rough road right off of Valley of Fire Hwy less than two miles from the Parks north entrance. Free boondocking with no amenities. Follow the road and find your spot! You can see the traffic going to and from the park, but it is not a nuisance. The park is technically closed from sunset to sunrise so the only traffic is the occasional camper, arriving at the campground within the park. There are so many trails and points of interest to visit inside and outside the park. I highly recommend paying the price to drive through the park and then through the Lake Mead national recreation area into Henderson, Nevada near Las Vegas. The road along Lake Mead is as beautiful as Valley of Fire is!
TravelerNice, quiet, flat areas that are perfect for big rigs. 14 day limit. Road coming in a tad bumpy but not horrible if you take your time. Beautiful view of the Lake! Will come back here for sure.
GuideAccess to lake mead, plenty of little pull offs scattered throughout a small valley to set up camp in, a vault toilet, and a herd of Burros roaming around. Incredible views of lake mead and the surrounding elevation! Road was gravel and decently accessible for my van!
GuideThis area is amazing Between the rocks, the lake, the burros, the vault toilets, and the open space it’s beautiful!!! The burros are NOT wild 😂 & they get into everything. But we loved it. It definitely is a bumpy drive and I would not recommend trying to take a large rv down the wash road. I brought my 5x8 converted cargo trailer down and would do it again, but it was rough.
Guide
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
Traveler
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.
TravelerVery close to the water. Very few people. Gorgeous scenery!. The road is a little rough getting a camper down there but they do have volted toilets.
TravelerWe loved using government wash when we came in to Vegas to visit family but starting August 1st 2024 they have permanently closed government wash.
ScoutSeems 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.
ScoutDue 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.
ScoutPerfect out of grid compert tu vegas xd
GuideGreat spots for rv Close to lake Lots of people fishing Road is graded with camping spots or drive further rough road wild spots
TravelerGreat little spot to stop on the way. Far enought from main road. Fantastic sky at night.
TravelerVery windy, but large area so tons of room to spread out and camp. We drove closer to the water in our awd car
ScoutThere’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.
TravelerWe have a 37’ class A diesel pusher. The road in wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Go slow. Some tight spots so watch for oncoming vehicles. Beach is first come first serve. 7 day camping limit. Free. Restrooms and dumpsters available. Boat launch area. No wake zone for swimming. Shallow water is great for kids and dogs.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerShort 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.
Dispersed camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning desert landscape. With various locations available, campers can find spots that suit their preferences for solitude and adventure.
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 Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 dispersed camping locations near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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