Las Vegas Bay Campground at Lake Mead National Recreation Area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet, where summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F from June through September. Winter brings milder 60-70°F days and nights that can drop below 50°F. The campground occupies former lakebed that's now exposed due to long-term drought conditions, creating a unique desert camping environment with distinctive geology and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: White Owl Canyon trail is located a couple miles from Las Vegas Bay Campground, offering desert exploration opportunities. As one camper notes, "The sites over looking the wash allow you to hear a river while you sleep! At night I've always heard coyotes and owls."
Wildlife viewing: The varied terrain around Lake Mead supports diverse desert wildlife. A visitor to Arrowhead Cove reported, "The water is the clearest I've ever seen and the water fowl dive freely along the banks. There is a treasure trove of wildlife here apparent just from the birds singing."
Water recreation: Boat rentals are available at multiple marinas throughout the recreation area. According to one reviewer at Katherine Landing, "It's a good walking distance to the pier with restaurant, grocery store, fishing and boat rentals. This is like a village in its own."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer natural separation from neighbors. At Katherine Landing Campground, "oleander trees space out each camp spot which give you all the privacy anyone could need. Perfect place to ride bikes and it's a good walking distance to the pier."
Desert oasis feeling: Despite the arid surroundings, many campgrounds feature unexpected vegetation. One camper at Las Vegas Bay Campground explained, "So from the highway you come in at, it looks like a little oasis in the middle of the desert. We arrived on Wednesday and had about 3/4 of the campground to choose from."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies make for excellent night viewing. A camper at Callville Bay RV Park mentioned that cell service is good thanks to "cell antennas by the NPS water tanks above the NPS campground," which helps if you need connectivity while enjoying the remote setting.
What you should know
Site selection timing: Weekends fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. One visitor advised, "We landed in Vegas and headed straight out of the city to this campground. I booked it online, not ever having seen it in person, but I'd stay again in an instant."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings between day and night can be extreme. A camper at Davis Camp Park warned, "The park was quiet in the evenings and the bugs weren't too bad. It was also really windy so be prepared."
Yurt camping considerations: Yurts at Lake Mead National Recreation Area provide shelter from extreme temperatures. A reviewer noted, "For a campground that doesn't remind you of a ghost town, try Boulder Beach Campground," suggesting better alternatives for those seeking active campgrounds with amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Site spacing awareness: When camping with children, select sites with adequate room. At Davis Camp Park, "The sites are mostly level but could use some maintaining. The grounds are very dusty and the roads are a mix of dirt and old pavement. The staff and fellow campers were all super nice!"
Wildlife education: Teach kids about desert wildlife safety before arrival. A camper at Packsaddle Recreation Site observed, "If your lucky you may find some bulls hanging around," highlighting the potential for wildlife encounters.
Shade importance: Look for sites with natural shade for midday breaks. "We had site 23 - very shaded and 'green' - site 24 (not ours) was very open to the desert," noted one Las Vegas Bay visitor, emphasizing the importance of shade in the desert environment.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer free dump stations for RVs. One visitor to Las Vegas Bay Campground shared, "Free dump station and potable water. Dispersed spaces asphalt pads, concrete picnic tables, fire rings and gorgeous views."
RV site leveling: Many sites require minimal leveling for comfortable setup. A visitor to Ridgeview RV Resort mentioned, "Some of the best spots were 122, 63, 55 they had some shade. They don't have tables so bring your own. They do have full hook ups and private little rentals if need be."
Size restrictions awareness: Some campgrounds have limitations on RV length. As one camper noted about Las Vegas Bay, "RVs larger than 31 ft will have a hard time fitting. This is dry camp only. No hookups or dump station. Portable water is available. Sites are well developed."
