Are you planning a tent camping trip to Lake Mead National Recreation Area? We've got you covered. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Lake Mead National Recreation Area's most popular destinations.
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.
Located on the crest of the Cerbat Mountains, Windy Point Campground provides visitors scenic views of the surrounding valley and distant mountain ranges. Enjoy camping in a pinyon pine and juniper woodland as well as recreation opportunities nearby. The campground features a vault toilet and most picnic areas and campsites are equipped with a metal fire grill, rock masonry fire ring, trash can, picnic table, and a level parking site. Campsites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a 14-day stay limit. Fees for the campground are $8/night per site.
Vegas Glamping - Off-Grid Desert Sanctuary
Escape the neon and discover true desert solitude at Vegas Glamping, an off-grid sanctuary nestled in the rugged mountains just minutes from Nelson Ghost Town. Our remote location, accessible only by 4x4 vehicles (shuttle service available), ensures an authentic wilderness experience while maintaining comfortable amenities.
The Experience
Wake up to pristine desert views in our fully-equipped tents, featuring plush queen beds or comfortable cots. Here, luxury means disconnecting completely - no cell service, no WiFi, just the raw beauty of the Nevada wilderness. Perfect for stargazing, wildlife watching, and reconnecting with nature.
Amenities
- Furnished tents in various sizes
- Comfortable beds and cots
- Filtered water station at main hut
- Outdoor shower facilities
- Clean compost bathrooms
- Sustainable, low-impact camping
What to Expect
This is true off-grid camping - no electricity or running water. We provide the essentials while preserving the authentic desert experience. Bring your sense of adventure and readiness to embrace the basics. Our shuttle service runs from 6 AM to 10 PM for those without 4x4 vehicles.
Perfect For
- Digital detox seekers
- Stargazers
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Photography enthusiasts
- Those seeking solitude
- Adventure couples
- Small groups
Come experience the desert as it was meant to be - silent, serene, and spectacularly beautiful.
*Note: Advanced reservations required. 4x4 vehicle recommended or arrange shuttle service in advance.*
$99 - $299 / night
Traveler
Not sure why we would go to tent camp at Lake Mead in the middle of summer but we did, and we were not the only ones. It was 110 degrees during the day and 85 degrees at night. Quite miserable honestly. Tent sites were spacious and bathrooms were fairly clean. Ideal time to camp here would most likely be early Spring or late Fall.
Scout
Small town, big heart is what comes to mind when I think of Happy Trails. Extremely hospitable hosts, very welcoming, but will respect your space if you’re not feeling chatty. Free coffee in the mornings and clean bathrooms with a shower. I tent camped with 2 dogs, lots of space on the tent sites. Beautiful skies with visible starry nights, scenic Lake Mead is nearby. I would go out of my way to stay here again.
Legend
Nice CG at the south end of Lake Mohave, but inside the NPS Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Lots of campsites some are FCFS some are reserved. $24/$12 senior, other sites with power and water hookups are 73$ nite..crazy! 30 day stay limit. Tables, trash, water spigots, flush toilets, shower house and small laundry room. Marina is close by and there are some hiking trails around down by lake. Cell signal is very good.
Legend
Ranger Review: Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios at Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV
CAMPGROUND REVIEW
Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is located 14 miles east of Searchlight, NV, on the shores of Lake Mohave. The decent into Cottonwood Cove is quite dramatic (about 2900 ft), for which the roadside cactus can attest, as the types of cacti change even with the slightest elevation change.
The "lower" in Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground's name characterizes it's lower elevation compared to the "upper" campground, which naturally has higher elevation.
Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is included in Lake Mead National Recreation Area campgrounds, and keeping with their custom, all sites are first come first serve. The Cottonwood Cove area has low elevation, at about 650 feet above sea level, which means it gets very hot during the late spring, summer, and early fall months.
Only a few of the 45 sites have shady cottonwood trees, and there are only uncovered picnic tables, so come prepared with a shade canopy for much needed relief! There are beautiful views of Lake Mohave, three very clean restroom buildings (no showers), water on taps, and fire rings at every site. There is an RV dump station located near the entrance to the Upper Campground (although the Upper Campground is closed).
The Lower Campground is situated behind a hill, which obstructs cell service. Walking only a short distance to the marina area, you'll find a strong 4G signal. The park service provides fee-based internet at the campground, but we didn't try it.
Cottonwood Cove has a full service boat marina, gas, motel, RV resort (with full hook-ups), watercraft rentals/supplies, sandy beach, and shaded picnic tables with BBQs.
Here's a drive-along tour of Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground: https://youtu.be/s6AQ6KqtxPg
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at this campground. It was a peaceful place, with jackrabbits, a couple of hungry ducks, many songbirds, and the stars at night were bright & beautiful. 4 stars (not 5 stars due to lack of provided shade).
PRODUCT REVIEW
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. While camping at Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground, we tested Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios (model T51).
https://midlandusa.com/product/x-talker-t51vp/
Camping in an isolated area behind a large hill was the perfect place to review these radios. However, with the hill as an obstruction our range was limited. [Note: We also tried these radios at home, and our maximum range was 3 small neighborhood blocks. Perhaps to achieve the maximum range of "28 miles," you'd need to be on the open ocean on a calm day or out on a very flat prairie.]
Here's a video demonstration of the Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios:
As you can see in our review video, we compared the Midland radios with a very inexpensive set. Midland's quality is far superior.
The Midland's instruction booklet is easy to follow, buttons are easy to operate, radio is comfortable to hold, and the belt clip is very tight (exercise care unlatching to prevent breaking). And… the NOAA Weather Radio scan was our biggest surprise, as you'll see in this video:
The radios can be charged while positioned on the charging stand or via a charging cord plugged directly into the radio and to an electrical source (such as a portable power bank).
Overall, we are very impressed with the clear reception and convenience of the Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios. We are looking forward to using these radios during our future no-cell service camping, fishing, and hiking adventures. 5 stars
Scout
8 mile is just like Government Wash. Free boondocking with a 7 day limit. There is a dumpster at the front but no bathroom or other facilities. Hike out what you hike in. You could tent camp here or any size RV so long as you find a level spot to park.
Coyotes are very present so I personally wouldn't tent camp anywhere here but I saw several people with no problems tent camping.
There is a no break law in effect but some people still seem to leave broken glass around so be mindful. The water is close. I didn't go far enough to see of this road leads to the water. The road is very rough so I parked as soon as I was able in a class B. There were some fast trucks coming in and out as it was the weekend and the weather was perfect.
Legend
$80 RV, $45 tent camping with No shade, CG is not even on the lake. Total crazy stupid ripoff by a pvt hospitality company leasing the NPS camping area.
Legend
Stayed here in March when the weather was perfect. They have rv sites and tent camping. I typically pull my rig, but decided on tent camping for this adventure. Midweek there was plenty of sites to choose from. I was able to find a site that was situated between two large boulder areas, so I was completely secluded and had full privacy. The sites are already spaced out, but the extra barrier made me feel like I had the place to myself. The petroglyphs are a short drive or a good walking distance from the campsites. The facilities were clean and water spots throughout sites. Highly recommend camping at this place anytime but summer months, as it can get hot!
Traveler
it's inside lake mead. easy access and plenty of camping spots for trailer/rv and tent camping. Nice walk to the lake. There are restrooms. What I didnt like was no night attendant. We had someone parked in our spot. overall it's a good family camping spot.
GuideWe were tent camping in #21 which is a walk-in site and my fav of the three walk sites of this area. Only about a 45 second walk but there are only three campsite on this side of the rocks and it’s quiet. Once spigot for water. Trash cans. 2 mins walk to the bathroom. Tent pad, fire pit, grill, picnic table. It was perfect.
GuideStayed in site C3. A very clean and well maintained campground. Visited in December and spent 3 night. 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. Very quiet, within walking distance to Lake Mead, but all up hill on the way back. Great scenery, and a lot of recreational things at the marina. Boat, kayak, paddleboard rentals are available. Fishing dock close by. Can even visit the fish hatchery up river, which is a short walk. Store with about everything you need and a small restaurant. Campground has showers and laundry. They take passes and the price is going up next season. But still a good deal especially with a pass. Reservations thru the Campground website. No cell service, but internet is available. Will be going back.
TravelerI spent one night at this campground as I was passing through the area and assumed a campground this size would at least have shower facilities. It is a typical large more for RV than tent camping sites but was OK for a one night stay only because of the view (note only a few of the front sites have a decent view of the lake).
GuideIt’s a very large campground with a good amount of trees in some locations. There are plenty of bathrooms and places to get water, no showers though. Lots of places for RV’s to park, so keep this in mind when tent camping, there is a lot of people RV camping right next to you. I enjoyed the convenience of the location but it was not a quiet camp ground.
LegendThe Dyrt has the listing for the same spot. There are two completely different areas, the campground site is directly next to the RV village. The campground has potable water spots throughout and is completely shaded with lots of foliage. The RV village has a few permanent residents, but there are many spots in the front, rear and side of the village for rv campers. There was no tent camping in the RV village, but you can tent camp in the regular campground next to it. The best spots are right in front of the village, which had at least 20 spots that are able to be reserved. Full hookups in the RV village. All front spots are on concrete pads, so no guessing if your rig is balanced. There is a little general store on property and its also where you check in. Went in the spring, when the weather isn't too bad at Lake Mead. You can walk to the lake, but it is a looooong walk. You can drive your vehicle right onto the lake shore and park directly next to the lake. I did this a few times when there. It was great to back up the truck, open the tail gate and sit right on the lake shore. Boulder City is a short drive with plenty of food and activities to check out.
LegendVisited today and this campsite is open. The other site Arch Rock is still closed. This area has tent and rv spots, as well as walk in tent sites along the back against the boulders. Very clean campsite and facilities. Many rv sites appeared to be almost perfectly level. Plenty of space between sites and lots of room to easily park a trailer and park your vehicle. Had many pull thrus for those large rigs. Water and electric hookups. Dump site is located at the entrance.
Legend
This place has all the basic amenities you will need. There is no tent camping, only rigs. The prices start around $40 a night with hookups. They did have security patrolling through the park, so that is a plus for the location. Everything was clean and well kept. They do allow up to two pets, however, large dogs and aggressive breeds are not allowed. "Don't follow the GPS coordinates on The Dyrt app." It lead me right into the middle of the neighborhood next to the facility. Not cool when pulling a trailer.
GuideIf you stay here stay in an RV . The tent sites are exposed to the elements and you have to pitch your tent on sharp rocks. When we stayed in our RV it was a great experience. The way the campground is set up the rock formations block your views from your neighbors so you feel very secluded. The hikes we so much fun here. We hiked up to fire wave, the elephant, and hiked the prospect trail. Late fall is the perfect time to go so you don't melt.
LegendA really nice and clean park. Super impressed. They have a pool, laundry and dog relief areas. Nice designated parking for your vehicles as well. The staff is super nice and accommodating not to mention the sites are being totally sanitized after each use(the hook up boxes and grounds being raked) Please lock your belongings this is not the best part of town like I’ve said about Boulder highway before. Your about 10 minute drive to down town Las Vegas and about 15 minute drive to the strip. Oh and NO tent camping allowed either it’s a law here.
Legend
This campsite is on the Clark County Shooting Complex property. It has 62 RV spots with hookups. There is a 14 day max on staying with a 24 hour break before you can stay another 14 days. Ensures others get the chance to stay at this location. The cost is $30 per night. The place is secure and well-maintained. You have full access to come and go when the facility is closed if you are staying at the RV site. I didn't notice any tent camping areas, but all the RV sites were lined up with no shade/trees.
Ranger
Stayed the weekend, RV spaces are set apart from the tent sites in a semi-circle of 5 spaces in a quiet area. There are aluminum picnic tables, fire pits and BBQ’s but not hookups. Spaces are pretty deep but not very wide. Space 5 is at the end up near a slight hill so it was a bit more private than the others which are pretty close together. It was close to home which was nice. Great view of Red Rock in the distant to see the sun set.
Legend
First, there are two areas. The RV park and the campground. The RV park has all your amenities and full hookups. 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. You have full unobstructed view of the lake from these pads.
The campground is separate from the RV park, but located directly next to it...really adjoining. Separate fees go to the National Park for camping. Currently, showers are not running. Has many pull thrus for rigs, as well as tent camping. Plenty of shade and spaces are not to close.
Scout
Although you can make it to the campground in 2wd, I wouldn’t take a car. SUV/truck preferred. Tent camping/car camping only, no RV sites at all. The road is steep, winding, dirt with loose gravel 11 miles off the paved road. Camp sites have a great view because of the elevation. picnic tables and fire rings in each site as well as many trash receptacles and clean toilets. no other amenities. Rough off-roading in the areas surrounding the campground leading to old mining areas. Awesome views, we went in June when it was probably 110 degrees at the base of the mountain, mid 90s up at the camp site.
GuideIf you like camping this is a must go to spot. Landscape is unlike any other, millions of years of erosion to create a breathtaking environment. They have both tent sites and RV sites. It does cost but there’s a self kiosk you can pay at. You can’t go wrong with any spot to camp at but the one’s towards the back were better in my opinion. They do have three spots in the back that are tents only that are pretty sweet spots. But overall it was a experience I will never forget and I will definitely be returning multiple times, especially since it’s only an hour away from Las Vegas. 10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GuideThis is a fairly new camping area. Offers full hook ups as well as tent only camping. Landscaping and spacing is really nicely done. Camp ground also offers clean toilet and shower area accessible only by keycard. You get the key card when you check in. Also has a laundry facility. The Marina offers boat, kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals but reserve in advance!! Advance reservations for full hook up is also a must! Campground is quite. All sites have a picnic table and campfire ring. Tent sites also have poll for lamp. Small store at marina offers bait, food for camping souvenirs and firewood. Also a restaurant with a full service bar. Must wear face mask to go into either.
GuideThis campground was perfect for us. We stayed for a week while I worked remotely. Although there was very little cell reception, there was good WiFi at a reasonable price. The internet, power, water, and showers (even in December) were all steady. And while I worked, my husband hiked the park. Lots of beautiful trails to explore and rocks to climb (at all levels of difficulty)!
The only criticism I have is that I wish that some of the tent sites offered electric, too. We were just van camping and really didn't need a whole RV spot, but those were the only ones with power.
All in all, a great site!
ScoutTook 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. It was perfect!! It was quiet, relaxing and no one was around us so it felt really secluded. At night we watched the bats flutter about and heard a lot of coyotes far off. When we woke in the morning, we had the most beautiful view of the lake. We absolutely loved it and can't wait to go again!! Only thing I wish we had access to were showers. There are bathrooms all over and water spigots really close to the campsites, but if you're tent camping plan ahead for no showers.
GuideWe camp here when we rent kayaks to go on the river. They have showers, bathrooms and wifi which is really convenient due to spotty cell reception. I feel like the spots are a little tightly packed (I am a tent camper) and I also feel like its a little pricey - I think the last time I camped here I paid 30 dollars a night for a tent site. They do have online reservations and they tend to fill up quickly especially in the springtime which is the nicest time of year to camp here.
I've never seen coyotes here or have been bothered by any wildlife at all. I also really appreciate that people here keep their dogs leashed so they don't come roaming into my site. My dog likes people but she doesn't like other dogs.
LegendI had been staying in this area for a while searching for various campsites and had been to the Arizona Hot Springs a couple times, continually seeing people pulling in via boat and never knew where they were launching from, until I found this place. it seems like this place is where it all begins for those adventures.
With much of the area being desolate looking around, this was like an oasis just waiting to be discovered. It isn't that there is some magic lawn that spawns up out of the desert sands and makes it look like something it isn't, though there is grass that isn't what I am speaking on. Instead it is that this place is very commercial in comparison to almost every other campground in this area, much of which are barebones and basic. This site however has nice showers and bathrooms, a restaurant, gift shop, a marina, fishing dock, boat rentals and a laundry. Unlike so many campgrounds the sites here are also WIFI ready.
The tent site I checked out was $30 but included access to the ramp which is why a lot of people choose this site for their adventures. This is one of the best launch areas in way of well maintained sites you will find on this side of the Lake Mead Recreational Area.
I enjoyed a great shower here with amazing pressure, had awesome night sky views down by the water and finally was able to figure out just where all these people were getting their water fix. Not to mention there was some great access to rock scrambling along the shore line for some amazing peaceful places to relax and take in the clearness of the water.
TIPS:
Come early or call in advance, there are only 6 tent sites. Everything else is set up for an RV.
Check out their discounts available for veterans which is a great deal.
Tent camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Mead National Recreation Area is Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area with a 3.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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