Are you in need of a campground near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV? Lake Mead National Recreation Area is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$20 / night
"Being Nevada it was pretty hot and humid next to the lake, but it was actually a good place to camp with plenty of birds, nice flowers and easy access to the lake for swimming, boating, and such."
"Took 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."
"You can camp close to the interstate or 3 miles away at the lake. The lake shore gets crowded. The road is bumpy but we saw cars all the way down to the lake."
"Took my 2wd on the road there a couple times, ok if youre an experienced driver but still rough on suspension...Was able to get a shady in AM spot off the shore of the lake, away from the hustle and bustle"
"Arizona Hot Springs is located at Mile Marker 4 US 93 South Of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City, NV 89005. Those directions will take you to the parking lot trailhead."
"You can either hike in or boat in to get to this location. We kayak in to set up camp for the night. There is a rustic toilet you can use, no water available other than the river."
"Beautiful sunsets near waterline. Tent and/or vehicle camping only in this lower area. RV camping up on hill side. Fishing good. Hiking good. Lots of birds and some coyotes. Watch your small pets!"
"There are trash dumpsters at the entrance to the dispersed camping area and we saw BLM folks out patrolling. Many off road paths around to take your jeep or side by side. "
"These are closest to the lake, but when we visited, lake mead was very low, so the shoreline was about 1/4 mile away. Sites had decent spacing."
"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."
$80 / night
"The pin took us off-road to a private BLM spot that went to a dead end in which you can get out of your vehicles and hike .8 miles down to the river."
"Located 45 minutes outside of Vegas, Emerald Cave is an absolute beauty. If you’re looking to get out of the city, enjoy the nice weather and warm lake water, this is the place for you."
"We came in December and even with the cold weather we really enjoyed the MTB trails directly behind the RV park. Short walk to shopping. The park was very clean and the people super nice."
"Prefect midway stop between Vegas and Lake Mead. The park is extremely clean and has everything you need. The front office staff is very friendly and helpful."
"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. Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from."
"All sites has prefect views of the surrounding mountains. All sites that are situated on the outer rim of the campground, be weary. Most have a good steep decline not to far away from the pavement."
"Quiet beautifully maintained campground with a dump station, portable water, spigots near restrooms and flush toilets. Firings and picnic tables at each site. Very few sites for rigs over 26’."
TravelerIt’s a 30 minute walk to the Strip, you even have a pool (which is very nice when it’s that hot)
ScoutUsed this as my base camp for exploring other nearby areas such as Arizona Hot Springs and Goldstrike Canyon. I prefer to camp naked and everyone was cool with it. It has vault bathrooms, amazing sunsets, safe water, great skinny-dipping/snorkeling. Great spot to paddleboard to nearby Hoover Dam. Great for SCUBA. The burros rarely bite. They just want food, if you ignore them, they'll go on to the next car.
GuideCheck in was easy staff friendly. The spite was level and had FHU. The site was long enough for our MH and tow.
TravelerAfter a bumpy drive down a chopped up paved road you will go past a few houses that may or may not be lived in, some of them give off a bit of a suspicious feeling if you’re not from around the area.
There is a spot you can walk down to the water and go for a nice swim with a little beach, great when you’ve got it to yourself. We didn’t stay because of the sketchy feelings being international travelers. Due to the nearby buildings with sketchy people and remote location. Close by valley of fire park which is a plus!
TravelerHave been coming here for a couple years now, usually spend two weeks camping. It used to never have much visitors but the traffic has picked up a bit. They added garbage cans because there was so much litter it was getting gross and even the garbage cans get overly filled. I usually pick up garbage around the area to keep it nice.
Most the time I’m alone here with the lake, in a giant fishbowl surrounded by mountains.
GuideI stayed the max time on and off. 30 days. This is where it all started. In that time I have toned my camping skills.
Bathrooms where good to do your morning necessaries. Views of the lake, roadrunners, quails and a bird I don't know.
I wish more people "packed out what they packed in" but what ever.
TravelerWe love it here! Some sites have a gazebo. Handicapped sites are available, all sites have a picnic table, firepit, accessible well water, clean restrooms and concrete pads to park rv's.
ScoutThe stay here was great, I went during the week so it was not busy. I had a great time but it isn’t called the Valley of Fire for no reason it was boiling even at night. However the bathrooms were clean and I felt safe.
RangerWe stayed here back in November 2021 and really enjoyed this campground. It was clean and well kept. The sites were paved and level. No electric at site but a dump station and fresh water was available and use of generators was allowed
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.
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
What campgrounds are available at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers diverse camping options. Developed campgrounds include Boulder Beach Campground and Katherine Landing North Campground at the south end of Lake Mohave. For dispersed camping, options include Government Wash and Kingman Wash. The recreation area also encompasses Lake Mohave with Cottonwood Cove Campground, Willow Beach Campground, and several free boondocking areas. Many campgrounds provide waterfront access perfect for swimming and boating.
Do I need reservations for camping at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
Reservation requirements vary across Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Cottonwood Cove Campground offers a mix of first-come, first-served sites and reservable spots. Similarly, at Katherine Landing North Campground, some sites require reservations while others are FCFS. For dispersed camping areas like Kingman Wash and Government Wash, no reservations are needed. During peak seasons (spring and fall) and holidays, reservations are highly recommended for developed campgrounds to ensure availability.
What do reviews say about camping at Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
Reviews highlight Lake Mead's spectacular scenery and diverse camping experiences. Arizona Hot Springs receives praise for its 6-mile round trip hike leading to natural hot springs, though hikers are advised to bring plenty of water. Valley of Fire BLM Dispersed Site is appreciated for free boondocking on a short but rough road less than two miles from the park's north entrance. Campers note the excellent fishing, hiking opportunities, wildlife viewing (particularly birds), and stunning sunsets over the water. While summer heat can be intense, the proximity to water activities makes it worthwhile. Road conditions to dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles.
What amenities are provided at Lake Mead camping areas?
Amenities vary widely across Lake Mead camping areas. Boulder Beach Campground provides raised tent platforms, access to the lake for swimming, and basic facilities. Government Wash offers beautiful waterfront dispersed camping with no facilities. Developed campgrounds typically include picnic tables, trash collection, water spigots, flush toilets, and sometimes showers. Some campgrounds like Katherine Landing North offer RV hookup sites with power and water for an additional fee. Dispersed camping areas such as Arizona Hot Springs and Kingman Wash have no amenities, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.
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