Best Campgrounds in Nevada

Leave the glitz and glam of the Las Vegas Strip behind and come camping in Nevada. Explore the petroglyphs and ancient cultures at the Valley of Fire State Park or relax in the high alpine along the eastern shores of Lake Tahoe. With over 80% of the state dedicated as public lands, there’s an adventure for everyone.

For some of the best camping in Nevada, head to Pyramid Lake. Located just 40 miles outside of Reno, the lake offers a variety of camping and recreation options. Keep in mind that the lake is located on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's Reservation. In order to camp here, you’ll need to obtain a permit first. Enjoy dispersed camping along the water’s edge. Don’t forget to bring your boat, SUP or kayak and cool off in the lake, be sure to check out the Pyramid Rock island and see how this awesome spot got its name.

The Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s largest state park, contains over 40,000 acres of stunning red rock formations peppered with ancient ruins and native artifacts left behind by the Ancient Puebloan People. Admire petroglyphs, climb the red rocks and uncover another world in this Mars-like landscape. Due to the sweltering summer temps, the Valley of Fire State Park offers perfect place for winter camping in Nevada.

Looking to climb a mountain? Consider hiking to the top of Mount Rose in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Although this area is quite popular and crowded during the summer months, it’s well-worth a trip to this sapphire, high-alpine oasis. Various camping options are available.

Located just outside of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is one of Nevada’s premier outdoor recreation areas. If you’re tired of the crowds, consider hiking up Black Mountain. This lesser-known trail can be done in a day and there is plenty of camping at nearby Lake Mead.

If you’re a national park lover, you’ve got to check out the quiet scenery at the Great Basin National Park. Dramatic mountain ridges meet sagebrush valleys at this little-visited park. Plenty of wildlife and excellent camp spots await you. With so many lakes, deserts and mountains, there are endless possibilities for Nevada camping. No matter where you choose to go in this great state, The Dyrt is here to help you find the perfect perch to pitch a tent.

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Best Camping Sites in Nevada (471)

    1. Atlatl Rock Campground — Valley of Fire State Park

    88 Reviews
    Overton, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 397-2088

    $25 - $35 / night

    "The fee system feels a little confusing but it's basically $15 park entrance fee, $10 more dollars to camp, and another $10 for hookups (50&30&20 power and water only, free dump and water (and"

    "Next time we are in Nevada we will be back here!"

    2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground

    70 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5387

    $12 - $80 / night

    "Summer time might not be the best time to try to camp in southern Nevada but with mild fall and winter this campsite leaves a lot of options for those looking for an outdoor adventure."

    "Great campground really close to Vegas (at night you can see that light beam from the Luxor)."

    3. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    55 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5000

    "It's a beautifully rugged area, lots of pull of camp sites spread around. Can be busy and harder to find spots, but further back should have spots."

    "Quiet, secluded spot between Las Vegas and Pahrump Nevada. First come, first served but it was very quiet when we were there."

    4. Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort

    42 Reviews
    Henderson, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 260-2000

    "Oasis is a great location to spend a night or two if you want to jaunt into Vegas for bit. It’s also very central as an overnight for heading into Utah or Nevada from SoCal."

    "This place is an Oasis, away from the hustle and bustle. Refill propane on-site. The only negative thing is they do not provide valet trash pickup(as mentioned by a staff member)."

    5. Water Canyon Recreation Area

    40 Reviews
    Winnemucca, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 623-1500

    "Sites are well layed out and sit right next to a small creek.  Nice play to stay when driving through Nevada."

    "This was a roadside pull off close to a little stream.

    The road was busy throughout the night and morning. I arrived at 10:30pm and got one of the last two spots on a weekday."

    6. Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town

    40 Reviews
    Henderson, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 454-8055

    "During our recent trip to Las Vegas, we chose to stay at KOA Sam's Town, and our experience was positive overall."

    "Sorry tent campers Nevada doesn’t allow us!!! So make sure you are prepared for a different option such as lake mead or red rock."

    7. Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Panaca, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 728-4460

    "One of the best hidden gems in Nevada! Great camping with clean restrooms and well maintained campgrounds. Plenty of good trails nooks and crannies to explore.

    Highly recommended!!"

    "Nice little campground located in the Cathedral Gorge State Park in Eastern central Nevada. Sites are first come first serve. Each has Electrical hook ups, but no sewer/dump facilities."

    8. Upper Campground - Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

    34 Reviews
    Alamo, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 725-3417

    "Stopped here short of intended destination due to lateness of the hour and long drive. Great sites along the lake with tables and fire rings and fireplaces."

    "We got in on a Thursday night right around 6:30 pm."

    9. Welcome Station RV Park

    32 Reviews
    Wells, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 752-2736

    $25 - $42 / night

    "Compared to the surround areas, this place was truly an oasis in the desert as others have said. The hosts were super nice."

    "In the middle of the Nevada desert along I80, there's a nice RV oasis for a stopover for travelers. "

    10. McWilliams Campground

    31 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 872-5486

    $25 - $50 / night

    "You can take that heat from Vegas and completely forget you are in Nevada when you travel just outside the city and to McWilliams Campground and Mount Charleston area."

    "Really peaceful and walking distance to the Bristlecone trails. Besides an incredibly rude group of people who didn’t understand quiet hours we had a great time!"

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Recent Reviews in Nevada

2631 Reviews of 471 Nevada Campgrounds


  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Rye Patch BLM Nevada

    No amenities, several flat areas

    We weren’t able to find this spot at the GPS coordinates listed. Definitely need high clearance 4WD to get here. Found a different spot a little further back the way we’d come, flat enough to pitch a tent. No amenities, no fire rings anywhere but several spots where you could pull off the road and camp.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mt Irish Campsite

    Not private property

    This is not private property Dyrt crashed when adding new place. This is BLM Campground with 4 established sites and a pit toilet. Very nice new campground with great views.

  • Kimberly Q.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area

    East fork RV campground

    Well maintained sites. BBQ, and fire pits. Free showers, flush toilets, covered picnic tables. Nice large sites. Always a breeze. A camp host is present as well as ranger station 1/2 mile down the road. 25$ per night with full electric hookups. Doggy clean up bags provided.

  • Briana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Angel Lake FS Road Pull Out

    Great mtn views

    Great spot, not far off the main road, flat, quiet, and great mtn view!

  • Brittany M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Rye Patch BLM Nevada

    Didn't make it

    The road is very steep, and you will need a true off-road vehicle to make to the site. I have a Ford escape, and I made it 1/2 way before the rocks on the road started damaging my undercarriage. Turned around and had to camp by the electrical poles near the dirt road you turned off of. Can't say how the site was because I didn't make it. Good luck!

  • Ryan F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Mack's Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Vegas' Secret is Getting Out

    Mack’s Canyon Campground is a convenient and easily accessible spot just outside of Las Vegas, making it a popular choice for campers looking for a quick escape from the city. 

    The sites themselves are quite spacious, which is a big plus if you’re setting up multiple tents or bringing along larger vehicles and gear. That said, campers relying on tents should be prepared for a bit of a challenge. The terrain can be rocky and is almost always uneven, with limited flat ground, so finding a truly level spot for a tent can take some extra effort. It’s definitely doable, but requires some patience and creativity. 

    Because of the easy access, this campground does see more people than one might desire in a mountain canyon. More people unfortunately more noise—music, vehicle noises and voices tend to carry through the area, amplifying the sound beyond a single campsite. 

    On top of that, 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, which can disrupt the peace and quiet. While there, there were also some drivers driving far faster than what any driver should be on those roads, just be careful! 

    Overall, Mack’s Canyon offers beautiful mountain surroundings and roomy sites, but comes with trade-offs: less seclusion, more noise, and some challenging terrain for tents. Great for groups or quick getaways, but those seeking solitude and serenity may want to look elsewhere.

  • Ryan F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Desert Pass Campground

    25 Miles away...But a world of difference

    If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the heat and bustle of Las Vegas, this campsite Desert Pass in the Mormon Pass is the perfect getaway. 

    Just a short drive away, you’re instantly transported into cooler mountain air surrounded by beautiful pine and juniper trees. The elevation makes a huge difference in temperature—what feels awful and unbearable in the valley becomes a refreshing and comfortable summer retreat here. 

    The site itself is well-maintained, with clean and convenient pit toilets that make camping much more pleasant for families. The grounds are spacious, with plenty of room to spread out and set up camp comfortably. The trees not only provide shade but also add to the serene, scenic setting. Be smart, bring water, there is NO water available at this location. During the summer months also be cautious of the bees. We had a MASSIVE presence of bees once we brought the water and cups out, they are just as thirsty as you are up there! 

    Whether you’re relaxing at camp, exploring the trails, or just enjoying the cooler mountain air, this spot offers the kind of quiet and beauty that feels like it’s worlds away, even though it’s only about 25 miles from Las Vegas. 

    A great location for families, adventurers, or anyone wanting a quick but refreshing reset in nature!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Carson RV Resort

    Clean, nice, loved the staff!

    laundry room, showers, bathroom, pool were all very clean! The staff was super helpful, friendly, and available whenever we needed them. Would stay here again!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Ward Mountain Campground

    Good for a quick night

    Nice place to sleep for a quick rest, otherwise it’s just a normal campsite.


Guide to Nevada

Camping in Nevada offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, Nevada has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Check out the beautiful scenery at Clark Park. One camper mentioned, “Located just around the corner from a full service Maverick truck stop, this quiet RV Park is a convenient stop along I80.”
  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: At Mill Creek Recreation Area, you can enjoy walking around the lake and spotting local wildlife. A visitor noted, “Was nice to walk the lake & hang out on the dock.”
  • Hot Springs: Don’t miss the chance to soak at Spencer Hot Springs. One reviewer said, “Beautiful views and love the Burro visits at dusk.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Bob Scott Campground stated, “Flush toilets, some shade, BBQ grills and picnic tables.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of places like Hickison Petroglyph. One camper shared, “Good for 2 days. Trash, and pit toilets available. Free for 14 days.”
  • Convenient Locations: Campgrounds like Austin RV Park are appreciated for their accessibility. A visitor mentioned, “Convenient and cheap in the middle of Nevada.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mill Creek Recreation Area, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A camper noted, “Showers had hot water but were kinda gross.”
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, such as Big Creek Campground, are only open from May 15 to November 1. One reviewer said, “Gets busy on holiday weekends but decent during the week.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Spencer Hot Springs mentioned, “We woke up to the sound of wild burrows and coyotes.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area that have amenities for kids. A reviewer said, “Plenty of space for the kids to run around and bike around the campsite.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One camper at Coyote Cove noted, “The area offers opportunities for water sports of all kinds.”
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Since some campgrounds lack markets, it’s smart to bring your own food. A visitor at Bob Scott Campground mentioned, “Water is listed as non-potable.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric hookups. A reviewer at Clark Park said, “The sewer, water, electricity and cable TV hookups are all in great working order.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV parks, like Austin RV Park, have tight parking. One camper noted, “Tight parking spaces. Full hook up.”
  • Consider Off-Peak Times: To avoid crowds, try camping during the week. A visitor at Big Creek Campground shared, “Gets busy on holiday weekends but decent during the week.”

Camping in Nevada can be a fantastic adventure if you know what to expect and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What desert camping options are available in Nevada?

Nevada's desert landscape offers numerous camping opportunities across the state. Front Sight Campground provides a massive flat area for dispersed camping on BLM land, though campers should be aware of the adjacent active gun range. Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping offers a remote desert experience with views of snow-capped mountains and marshes where wildlife like white pelicans can be observed. For those seeking amenities in the desert, RV resorts like Desert Skies in Mesquite provide full hookups with spacious sites. Other desert camping options include Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Lovell Canyon for cooler high-desert camping, and numerous BLM lands throughout the state that allow free dispersed camping with varying levels of accessibility.

Where are the best places to camp in Nevada?

Nevada offers diverse camping experiences across the state. For those seeking an escape from Las Vegas heat, Fletcher View provides cooler temperatures just 40 minutes from the city, with temperatures ranging from 64°F at night to 78°F during the day. Water enthusiasts will appreciate Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which offers beautiful waterfront dispersed camping, fishing opportunities, and scenic sunsets. Other notable options include Valley of Fire State Park for dramatic red rock formations, Cathedral Gorge for unique erosional features, and Big Creek Campground near Austin for creek-side camping surrounded by aspens. Nevada's camping options range from developed campgrounds with amenities to remote dispersed sites on public lands, providing something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

What are the differences between northern Nevada camping and other regions?

Northern Nevada camping differs significantly from the southern region in several key aspects. In northern Nevada, Humboldt National Forest Angel Creek Campground represents the more mountainous terrain and forested landscapes typical of the region. These higher-elevation campgrounds offer relief from summer heat and showcase aspen groves and creek-side settings. Big Creek Campground near Austin exemplifies this with its location in a beautiful canyon filled with aspens. Northern Nevada generally experiences cooler temperatures and more seasonal variation than the southern desert regions. While southern Nevada camping often centers around Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, and desert landscapes with year-round accessibility, northern sites may close seasonally due to snow. The north also offers more opportunities for creekside camping, wildlife viewing, and fall foliage experiences compared to the stark desert beauty of southern Nevada.