Tent camping near Las Vegas, Nevada offers remote desert experiences at elevations ranging from 1,200 feet near Lake Mead to over 7,000 feet in the Spring Mountains. The temperature differential between these areas can exceed 25°F, making mountain sites significantly cooler refuges during summer months. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles to access, with rocky, unpaved roads that deteriorate further after rain events.
What to do
Explore mountain trails: At Carpenter Canyon, campers can hike to small ponds and streams. "There's a beautiful little stream with fish in it!" notes one reviewer who appreciated the seclusion despite the challenging access.
Fish in hidden waters: The higher elevation sites near Carpenter Canyon provide rare desert fishing opportunities. "As you go farther you'll see water and sun. Sometimes you can go down there with a bathing suit if it's hot enough and you can swim in those little ponds," explains a visitor who enjoyed the natural pools.
Stargaze from elevated sites: Valley of Fire Dispersed offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Dark, quiet, flat and easy to get to," reports one camper about the conditions for stargazing.
What campers like
Temperature differences: Desert Pass Campground offers a significant temperature reprieve. "Fun trip out of Vegas during the 100+ days. Show up early grab your site and spend the day exploring the area. Too many starts to count, you'll be up all night," shares one camper who appreciated the climate change.
Privacy between sites: Mack's Canyon Dispersed Camping provides well-spaced campsites in a forested setting. "There were some nice spots. We enjoyed our 2 nights there. Beautiful forest area," explains a reviewer who valued the natural surroundings.
Cell service variability: Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash offers surprisingly good connectivity. "Awesome views, and half to full cell service/wifi all the way to the water! Water was clear and could see decent sized fish in the shallows," reports a day visitor.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Most dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "Need a capable vehicle to get here. Toilets were clean and there was paper but don't count on it," warns a camper about Desert Pass Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads can be extremely rough. "I was FREAKED out on the way in. 12 miles down a very rocky dirt road. Ripped one of the side steps off the truck. High clearance is a must," cautions a Carpenter Canyon visitor.
Water planning: No reliable water sources exist at most sites. "There is NO RUNNING WATER. Be prepared to bring your own if you are staying for any length of time," emphasizes a Desert Pass Campground visitor who stayed for multiple nights.
Tips for camping with families
Insects and wildlife awareness: Some areas have significant pest issues. "We got eaten alive!! It's a beautiful area and the nights were beautiful but never again. It's definitely just for a day trip to getaway from the heat for a few hours," warns a visitor to Desert Pass.
Bathroom facilities: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. "The 'toilets' are vault toilets (fancy outhouses) that are not regularly maintained, but were also reasonably clean," notes a Valley of Fire Dispersed camper about the basic amenities.
Safety considerations: Be aware of road traffic at popular sites. "The area seems to attract a fair share of rowdy 'hold my beer, watch this' drivers. I noticed some campsites with remnants of donuts, not the edible kind, but the ones left by thrill seeking drivers," reports a visitor to Mack's Canyon.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Many areas restrict where larger vehicles can go. "Since we did have a trailer with us we couldn't get all the way to the stream. Ended up pulling off the side of the road, very secluded with a lovely view," shares a Carpenter Canyon visitor.
Road roughness ratings: Eight Mile Road is particularly challenging. "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," explains a reviewer at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Level site scarcity: Finding flat spots can be difficult. "34 foot rv no problem getting here and turning around," notes a camper at Sandy Valley Road who was able to maneuver a larger RV despite the terrain limitations.
