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Dean M.
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ScoutEight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
This is closed 10/26/26
Equestrian Camping near Las Vegas, NV
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers camping near Las Vegas with primitive sites suitable for horse camping, though no dedicated horse corrals are present. The campground provides toilets, picnic tables, and trash disposal, with camping permitted for tents, RVs, and walk-in visitors. The area attracts climbers and hikers with its natural beauty located just 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Campers should note that AT&T cellular service is unavailable, and sites are frequently at capacity, requiring advance booking.
Trail access from Red Rock Canyon connects riders to numerous scenic routes through the conservation area's distinctive red sandstone formations. Located approximately 40 minutes from Las Vegas Airport, the campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding desert landscape on horseback. Riders should be prepared to bring all necessary horse supplies as no dedicated equestrian facilities exist on site. Many campsites feature covered picnic tables that provide welcome shade during hot weather. The campground is most comfortable for equestrians from October through May, as summer temperatures can be extreme with limited natural shade at some sites. Daily trail rides connect campers to diverse terrain and spectacular views of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Las Vegas (6)
1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground
"This offers a nice and quick getaway from the city of Las Vegas. You get a better view of tge nightsky and its quiet."
"This is my favorite location to Camp. Campsites are locate at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, an about 20 mile from, The Las Vegas Strip. ..."
from $12 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Desert Eagle RV Park - Military Only
"Conveniently located in North Las Vegas..the park has had recent upgrades..well maintained.. clean, nice bath houses."
"The location is excellent, and the facilities are generally well-maintained and clean."
3. Las Vegas Bay Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
"Easy access from Las Vegas, but feels a world away. Lots of big trees and bushes make the campground feel like an oasis. I’ve come out here on holiday weekends and was always able to find a site."
"We love camping at Las Vegas Bay campground at Lake Mead. The campground is very close to the wash that comes from Lake Las Vegas. Lots of wildlife!! Sites are small."
4. Blue Tree Group Camp
"For just being under an hour outside of Las Vegas this campsite met our needs beautifully. It wasn't very crowded when we went in early March. Still had patches of snow on the ground."
"Small pieces of trash left behind from other people here and there. Some hikes are located very close to camp as well."
5. Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
"While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in there campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock."
"You could see the lake and it was gorgeous. This particular spot was free, but you still have to pay the fee to get into Lake Mead."
6. Road Runner Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 42 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 27 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 3 hrs 41 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 51 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Las Vegas, NV
1 Photos of 6 Las Vegas Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Las Vegas, NV
139 Reviews of 6 Las Vegas Campgrounds
- MMary H.
GuideDesert Eagle RV Park - Military Only
Oasis in the desert
Easy after hours check-in. I made a reservation about a month ago requesting Trees. They assign your site when you arrive. I got number 38 in the Trees, next to a beautiful desert garden. Long pull-thru, level concrete, FHU, picnic table. About half the park has small trees with no shade, the other half mature trees with shade. At 2 PM, 97° outside with a breeze. Will stay here again.
- bbill H.
TravelerRed Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground
Clean campground, high desert
It is hot and beautiful. I might stay again if passing through, it was 35$. I originally gave it four stars, but as the sunset, I appreciated the natural beauty around me. there is a climbing area and tonight the stars will be amazing. I think if you really need it a layover on a long trip you should be able to find a parking space here, there are about 15 parking lot spaces forbovernighters along with more spacious campsites some have sun shelter. Bathrooms are clean, limited water and no trash disposal
Matthew W.GuideDesert Eagle RV Park - Military Only
Clean,Safe, Affordable
Nice Campground with multiple options for those on a budget. Premium sites run at only $30 per night. Wagon Wheel sites are around $3 a night without hookups. Premium sites have trees for shade as well as lots of space. There was a ton of noise from the air base with frequent flyovers from Jets starting around 6:00 a.m. and running well into the night. This site does not receive mail so if you need to receive mail or packages you will have to make other accommodations. This site has a nice walking trail as well as designated dog areas.
- Stephanie S.Traveler
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground
Great spot, views, near Vegas and Scenic Red Rock Canyon drive
We camped in one of the group sites and it was pleasantly surprising! Neighbours at the other group sites but they’re so far from us it still felt like we had the place to ourselves. We had our own toilet, was clean, there are no showers but water was available by a tap outside. Abundant Parking. Huge Covered picnic area with 4 long tables with seating - especially beneficial as it rained while we were there. We only used the fire ring on night 1, when it rained we used our own grills under the covered area. The little sites for setting up tents were all paved and outlined by rocks it had a cute little nomad community feel. there is no cell service but once you hike up the little hill cell service comes back - incase you need to be in contact for emergencies. Pretty close to the Scenic Drive also and closest store was the Walmart. Would come back and bring a bigger group next time. The only downfall is that you have to park away from your tent, so un/loading is a bit of work. I wished parking was right next to the covered picnic area at least.
Julie F.
RangerRed Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground
Close to Vegas, lots to do
Busy campground. No privacy at the sites but they are quite spaced out so you don’t feel watched. We were here in December and there was zero assistance or availability from camp host. We have near zero cell service (AT&T). Lots to do in the area. Hiking and mtb. The scenic route is great and tons of hikes from each stop. We did Kraft Mountain loop one day which is free (4-5 minutes drive from campground) - very busy but lots of parking.
Deborah C.TravelerRed Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground
Christmas at Red Rock Canyon Campground
The sites are awesome. Beautiful views. Pit toilets are well maintained. There was running water but filling of tv tanks not allowed.
- AAngee S.Guide
Desert Eagle RV Park - Military Only
Location Location
Right off vegas blvd but not right off the strip, perfect. Easy to access, price isn't bad at $29/night. No privacy and must be able to enter the base.
Cathy H.GuideBlue Tree Group Camp
Nice site
I got to the site on a Thursday and not many people there just a few sites taken. But a few days after I came more people started showing up. There are rock firepits all over. Camp sites are spaced out. The cell reception for Verizon is nonexistent. But about 10 minutes down the road you can stop and have service.
Guide to Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area sits approximately 20 miles west of Las Vegas at elevations ranging from 3,600 to 7,600 feet. The conservation area's unique desert ecosystem features distinct geological formations with temperatures varying dramatically between seasons, often dropping 30 degrees at night compared to daytime highs. The surrounding public lands offer multiple options for equestrian camping near Las Vegas with varying levels of facilities.
What to do
Stargazing experiences: Las Vegas Bay Campground offers clear night skies away from city lights. "At night, you could still see the light from Vegas but we had a pretty awesome view of the sky regardless," notes Alexa S. about Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The desert landscape hosts diverse animal species. "Quail are everywhere. Close to the water and it's peacefully quiet," reports Robin P. about Las Vegas Bay Campground. The area near the wash allows you to "hear a river while you sleep! At night I've always heard coyotes and owls," according to Lance E.
Mountain biking access: Several trails connect to campgrounds. "The access to mountain bike trails was nice, even though we had to cross into some disallowed spaces to access them," shares Twindaddy at Red Rock Campground. For equestrian activities, several unmarked trails around the conservation area accommodate horse riding and camping.
What campers like
Temperature relief from Vegas heat: The mountain areas provide significant cooling. "Clean bathrooms, 10-15 degrees cooler than Vegas. Some trash left around campsites, but nothing disqualifying," notes Abraham K. about Blue Tree Group Camp.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation. "Lots of palms and oleander that gave a lot of privacy. A short walk to the bathroom but they were clean and the toilets were the flush kind, not pit kind," Amy G. explains about Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Accessibility for horse camping: While dedicated facilities are limited, several areas accommodate equestrian needs. "Lots of open areas with flat grounds for tents and plenty of greenage between other spots and if you have 4 wheel drive you can go pretty much anywhere and find a neat camp spot," Brittney C. mentions about Blue Tree Group Camp, making it suitable for horse camping near Las Vegas.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some access roads require careful navigation. "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," warns Kiley S. about Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat impacts camping comfort. "For me I like the water so it's not an ideal spot for me," comments Brittney C. about Eight Mile Dispersed Camping. The best time for equestrian camping in Las Vegas is typically October through April when temperatures are moderate.
Site availability challenges: Popular areas fill quickly. "Unfortunately, we went to visit at prime climbing time so the campground was full of climbers. Instead, we had to camp at the overflow area which is about 10 minutes away," shares Leah W. about Red Rock Canyon.
Tips for camping with families
Shade importance: Look for sites with natural coverage. "We had site 23 - very shaded and 'green' - site 24 was very open to the desert," recommends Amy G. about Las Vegas Bay Campground. When bringing horses, prioritize sites with natural shade for animal comfort.
Safety awareness: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. "Coyotes are very present so I personally wouldn't tent camp anywhere here but I saw several people with no problems tent camping," mentions Michele M. about Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Activity planning: Consider nearby attractions. "Vegas is great, but it's not really my kind of town. I prefer getting out of the city and getting back to nature. Red Rocks is a great place to make that happen," suggests John W. about Road Runner Cove, which offers "cliffs to jump from" according to Overland Pioneer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Identify your specific needs. "To call these RV spaces would be a stretch. It was a gravel parking lot with picnic tables and a few fire pits. And again, with no views at all since it's in a bit of a bowl shaped recess," cautions Twindaddy about Red Rock Canyon.
Utilities and services: Understand limitations. "While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in their 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 Michael B. about Desert Eagle RV Park.
Ground conditions: Prepare for staking challenges. "But don't count on getting your stakes into the ground. There were a lot of small rocks around the site - obviously used by many campers to 'stake out' the tent with," suggests Amy G. about Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find horse camping opportunities near Las Vegas?
Where can I find horse camping opportunities near Las Vegas?
For equestrian camping near Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground offers excellent opportunities just 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The surrounding conservation area features trails suitable for horseback riding. Another option is Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where the spacious dispersed camping areas can accommodate horse trailers and provide access to riding trails along the lake's shoreline.
What facilities are available at Las Vegas horse camps?
What facilities are available at Las Vegas horse camps?
Horse camps near Las Vegas offer varying levels of amenities. Las Vegas Bay Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area provides potable water, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station. The sites are separated by oleander trees for privacy, though the campground doesn't offer hookups. Desert Eagle RV Park - Military Only features well-maintained facilities including clean bathhouses and perimeter trails ideal for horse activities, but is restricted to military personnel.
What are the best times of year for horse camping near Las Vegas?
What are the best times of year for horse camping near Las Vegas?
The optimal seasons for horse camping near Las Vegas are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and comfortable for both horses and riders. Blue Tree Group Camp, less than an hour from Las Vegas, offers pleasant conditions in early March with occasional snow patches still visible. Summer months (June-August) can be dangerously hot, potentially exceeding 100°F, making it difficult for equestrian activities. Winter camping is possible at Road Runner Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area with milder temperatures, though evening temperatures can drop significantly.
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