Camping near Las Vegas offers a stark contrast between bustling city life and quiet desert landscapes. Within 20-30 miles of the Las Vegas Strip, temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees at higher elevation camping areas, particularly in the Spring Mountains to the west. Summer nights often remain above 80°F while winter temperatures can dip below freezing at campgrounds above 5,000 feet elevation.
What to do
Mountain biking in Red Rock Canyon: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area provides numerous trails for mountain bikers of varying skill levels. "The access to mountain bike trails was nice, even though we had to cross into some disallowed spaces to access them," notes a camper at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground.
Rock climbing opportunities: Red Rock offers world-class climbing routes that attract climbers year-round. "Great camp sites with shade, fire pits, tables, water and bathrooms near by. Very popular spot in April and May, show up early so you don't end up with a walk up site," mentions Patrick L., highlighting the popularity among climbers.
Visit Valley of Fire State Park: Located about an hour's drive north of Las Vegas. "With a little over an hour's drive north you can visit Valley of Fire State Park for an amazing day of hiking and exploring. You can even catch a glimpse of petroglyphs scribbled on the vibrant red faces of massive boulders and cliffs," writes a reviewer at Thousand Trails Las Vegas.
Practice your golf skills: Some RV parks offer golf facilities for guests. "If you are an avid golfer they have not only a putting green for you to practice but also a driving range at this location," notes Crystal C. about the amenities available.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures in Lovell Canyon: The elevation provides relief from Las Vegas heat. "Needed a place to beat the heat while passing through Vegas, was a good 20 degrees cooler," shares one camper at Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping. Another notes, "I often stop here when I'm near Vegas. It's mostly quiet except for holiday weekends."
Secure facilities with 24-hour access: Many RV parks near Las Vegas prioritize security. "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," mentions a visitor at Clark County Shooting Park.
Access to casino amenities: Some RV parks connect directly to casino facilities. "You are within walking distance of Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, which is a great local place with movie theaters, large selection of dining options, gorgeous 10-story indoor atrium with the Mystic Falls Laser Light Show, and of course gaming," explains Colette K. about the benefits of staying at this location.
Free Strip transportation: Several RV parks offer shuttle services to Las Vegas attractions. "The shuttle bus is large, air conditioned and comfortable and you don't have to worry about parking and paying the high fees to do so," reports one camper, highlighting the convenience for visitors wanting to explore the Strip.
What you should know
Extreme noise levels from Nellis AFB: Several RV parks experience significant airplane noise. "Proximity to Nellis AFB flyovers. Started at 7 am and were on/off all day. If you want a place to sleep in, this is not it," warns Rachel H. at Hitchin' Post RV Park. During special training periods, the noise increases significantly.
Site spacing varies drastically: Many Las Vegas RV parks have very tight spaces. "The spaces are very tight together partially because the occupants don't follow the site lines on the ground. We saw several that parked on the line and extended their slide outs into the area of the next RV'er," reports one visitor describing the crowding at some locations.
Safety concerns in some areas: Location should be a consideration when booking. "You can hear gunshots in the middle of the night. I own a converted van and I like to walk or take my electric scooter to run errands. I did not feel comfortable walking about a mile to Walgreens," shares one camper about their experience in certain areas of Las Vegas.
Permit requirements for dispersed camping: Free camping options require proper documentation. "Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping in the Spring Mountain area offers free primitive camping where pets are welcome, requiring a permit for overnight stays," according to information about this pet-friendly camping near Las Vegas.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities during hot months: Pools provide necessary relief from desert heat. "The splash pad was actually not bad, and you get in without a fee. It was the only saving grace against the heat, and the pools were right next to the RV parking," notes Bo L. about their experience at Circus Circus RV Park.
Pet washing stations: Some RV parks offer specialized pet care amenities. "One of the neatest things about this place was they have a dog run with a place to wash your dog it's the coolest thing I've ever seen. BONUS FOR US DOG PARENTS!" exclaims Brittney C., highlighting this pet-friendly feature.
Family-friendly entertainment options: Many parks provide recreational activities for all ages. "There are full hook ups, a dog park, an 18 screen movie theater (first rate movies for $5). There is a TGIFridays and several other good restaurants in the casino," shares Elaine G. about the family-friendly amenities available at their campground.
Avoid cactus hazards with children and pets: Natural hazards require vigilance. "I would caution about the Cacti with your animals. Watch those paws," warns Kara about the pet-friendly camping areas near Las Vegas, Nevada, noting the importance of being careful with both children and animals in desert environments.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing affects spot selection: Booking strategies can improve your stay. "Very popular spot in April and May, show up early so you don't end up with a walk up site," advises Patrick L., sharing an important timing tip for Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town.
Vehicle leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some sites. "Our spot was very hard to get level in even with auto level... we had SO many leveling blocks under the back," reports one RVer about their experience at a Las Vegas area campground.
Air conditioning requirements: Desert heat demands sufficient cooling capacity. "Make sure you have good ac. It was 112°F and the sun was beating down, even at night it was 90+. There is no shade," warns an RVer about summer camping conditions.
Verify your reservation: Some parks have unreliable booking systems. "I made reservations 1-2mo in advance and called TWICE to make sure they had a spot saved for us and was reassured they did. And of course, we got there, and they 'had no record of our reservation,'" shares Laura P. about their experience, suggesting RVers double-check before arrival.
