Dispersed tent camping near Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans over 750 miles of shoreline across Nevada and Arizona, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. The arid desert landscape receives less than 10 inches of annual rainfall, creating challenging conditions for campers during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 100°F. Winter months (November through March) offer more moderate temperatures, though overnight lows can drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking and boating: Access Lake Mohave's clear waters from several dispersed camping areas, particularly along the eastern shoreline. "Dude that's funny that EZ up is still there. Someone abandoned it so I dragged it to thoes rocks and I've been back four times and use it... That is a sweet little spot I caught a huge carp that snapped my pole and a pretty large Bass," reports one camper at Road Runner Cove.
Hiking nearby mountains: Valley of Fire offers distinctive red rock formations within a short drive of tent camping areas. "This place was off the charts Cool! The red rocks were beautiful. Just an amazing place. We dispersed camped outside of the park at snowbird Mesa. Great place for views and sunsets," notes a visitor at Valley of Fire Dispersed.
Nude recreation: Some remote areas permit clothing-optional activities. "I was here in August... Of course it was hot then, but that's perfect weather for me since I'm nude all the time when I travel, camp and hike. Did some nude hiking and pretty much had the area all to myself," explains a camper at Gregg's Hideout.
Off-road adventures: Access remote areas with proper vehicles and preparation. "I found this campsite on a map when living in Vegas and wanted to check it out, but when I actually went out there in my car, well needless to say I was cringing the entire trip. I would recommend a 4 Wheel Drive especially after any weather," warns a visitor to Windy Point Campground.
What campers like
Isolation from crowds: Many tent campers at Lake Mead seek solitude in primitive camping areas. "This place is hard to get to but worth it. 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," reports a visitor to Road Runner Cove.
Seasonal advantages: Winter brings cooler temperatures while spring offers wildflower viewing opportunities. "We camp in the roofnest tent ⛺ and Kayaking the next morning. What a epic experience 😎," shares a camper at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping during spring weather.
Cost benefits: Most dispersed camping remains free beyond the recreation area entrance fee. "This is a quick easy location to get to off the interstate. There's tons of places to pull off and set up camp. RV friendly and good cell phone service," notes a visitor to Valley of Fire Dispersed.
Dark skies: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Dark, quiet, flat and easy to get to," notes a camper about Valley of Fire Dispersed, highlighting benefits for night sky observation.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles and careful driving. "Awesome Spot, Awful Road. I've driven down other washboard roads but even with some speed this road was so tough on my van. We made it and the views and solitude were worth it but it was a loud, bumpy, stressful 2 mile ride," cautions a visitor to Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Seasonal closures: Flash floods can make certain areas inaccessible without warning. "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," notes a visitor to Windy Point Campground.
Basic facilities: Most dispersed tent camping at Lake Mead offers no amenities. "Mid-Basin cove is more secluded than its sister site up the road but much more secluded and enjoyable. Dispersed camping on the beach, fires and pets allowed," explains a camper at Mid-Basin Cove.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with limited shade. "The drive down to the campground wasn't bad just dusty. The water level was way down. They still did have a road all the way to the water... Also it was 109F in the canyon during this time and there is no shade in the park," reports a camper at Gregg's Hideout.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Lake levels fluctuate significantly, creating changing shoreline conditions. "The water level was very low so access there was a hike," notes a visitor to Gregg's Hideout.
Wildlife awareness: Coyotes actively patrol many camping areas. "Coyotes are very present so I personally wouldn't tent camp anywhere here but I saw several people with no problems tent camping," advises a visitor to Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Safety considerations: Abandoned mines dot the landscape near some camping areas. "Check out some of the abandoned mines scattered throughout this area. If you look hard enough as your drive you will find some great little places to check out. Just be safe and DO NOT try to go inside them," warns a visitor to Windy Point Campground.
Trash management: Pack out all waste, as facilities are minimal. "Only caveat is the trash! Come one fellow campers, whatever happened to picking up and leaving no trace?" comments a visitor to Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Finding level spots requires planning at most dispersed camping areas. "Found a flat spot next to a fire ring after traveling down a bumpy road," notes an RVer at Valley of Fire Dispersed.
Seasonal timing: Plan trips for spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures. "We saw some awesome sunsets here, but I wouldn't say this spot had anything unique about it. The road is rough, you definitely cannot camp here in the rain. It's a wash...so that would get dangerous," cautions a visitor to Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Generator etiquette: Some areas have noise issues from inconsiderate campers. "A 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," warns a visitor to Valley of Fire Dispersed.
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads demand appropriate vehicles. "While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in there campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock. When you are inside Lake Mead you are able to use the dump station and freshwater to fill up your tanks at Boulder Beach campground," advises an experienced boondocker.
