Best Campgrounds near Mount Charleston, NV

Mount Charleston, Nevada provides a cool escape from Las Vegas heat with multiple campground options at elevations around 8,000 feet. The Spring Mountains Recreation Area contains several established campgrounds including Fletcher View, McWilliams, and Hilltop, alongside dispersed camping areas such as Lovell Canyon and Harris Springs. Developed campsites in Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering electrical hookups while others maintain a more primitive experience. Most established campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and toilet facilities, while dispersed sites on Forest Service land offer more solitude.

Access to camping areas varies significantly by season, with most established campgrounds operating from April or May through October or November. Winter weather and snow can close many camping areas and access roads during colder months. "It's a great escape from Vegas heat! Nice small campground with great views. Some noise from the road but not terrible. Deer every morning and evening come through the campground," noted one visitor about Fletcher View Campground. Elevation provides natural climate control, with temperatures typically 20-25 degrees cooler than Las Vegas, making these areas particularly popular during summer months when valley temperatures exceed 100°F. Several campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Campers consistently highlight the dramatic temperature difference and mountain scenery as primary attractions. Fletcher View stands out as the only campground with electrical hookups, making it particularly popular with RV campers despite its proximity to the main road. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "We came here for the first time. It's quiet and beautiful - great place to escape Vegas heat!" Fire restrictions are common during summer months due to wildfire danger. The region includes both family-friendly developed campgrounds with amenities and more remote dispersed sites for those seeking solitude. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the area but is generally better in Kyle Canyon than in more remote locations. Weekday camping typically offers more availability than weekends when Las Vegas residents seek relief from summer heat.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Charleston, Nevada (100)

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

    71 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    15 miles
    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)."

    2. McWilliams Campground

    32 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 872-5486

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Mount Charleston itself is quite sparse in trees but the few high pines shade the campgrounds below."

    "We love camping at Mount Charleston in the summer! It provides the perfect break from the Vegas heat! McWilliams campground was renovated in 2015 featuring paved parking areas at each campsite."

    3. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    56 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    14 miles
    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."

    "This is a great little getaway outside of las vegas and pahrump. After a few miles in, you hit some trees and cooler weather. Stayed for one night, but will definitely be going back."

    4. Fletcher View

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

    $33 - $58 / night

    "Our first time camping in Nevada, and first time camping for my son. It's only 40 mins away from us. We went there the weekend before my son's school starts as last hurrah."

    "Spent the weekend at Fletcher View campground at Mount Charleston just 45 minutes north of Las Vegas. This small camp ground has only 10 sights with at least two offering double capacity space."

    5. Champion Road Dispersed Campsites

    18 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    6 miles
    Website

    "Got up there around 10:30-11:00am on Sunday. “Champion Road” is a decently maintained dirt/gravel road and there are camp sites scattered on both sides, all different shapes and sizes."

    "When you pull into the empty turn around and onto the dirt road you could be immediately disarmed."

    6. Hilltop

    14 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 872-5486

    $19 - $67 / night

    "I had to drive back into town and buy Tent #2, which was watertight even when the rain came pouring down. There is no running water in the campground."

    "Stayed two nights with a few friends and we had two campsites next to each other."

    7. Mack's Canyon Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 441-2518

    $50 / night

    "The dirt road takes you far out of the way and away from everything. Some of the sites are situated on the side of mountains so the views (especially at sunset) are breathtaking."

    "As we SUV camp (and not 4x4) we didn't head a long way in, but discovered numerous locations that were easy to get to, but still secluded. Very few cars, and a nice getaway."

    8. Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 331-6444

    "It's actually quite wide, smooth, and easy to drive up without any issues (27ft travel trailer). Don't let that deter you. "

    "Harris Springs Rd isn't paved but it's very nice and wide, no washboard, and easy to drive on.  "

    9. Mt. Charleston Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 872-5486

    "Here’s a breakdown of the hike: 17 miles | 11,916 ft elevation | 8,241 ft prominence | Highest peak in Southern Nevada | 8th most prominent mountain in the U.S. | Most prominent mountain in Nevada."

    "Charleston is always the go-to during summer, as it’s 20 degrees cooler than it’s surrounding area."

    10. Blue Tree Group Camp

    8 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5400

    "Small pieces of trash left behind from other people here and there. Some hikes are located very close to camp as well."

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Mount Charleston, NV

829 Reviews of 100 Mount Charleston Campgrounds


  • e
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground

    Beautiful campground near vegas

    Easy to access from vegas but feels remote to the city! Beautiful scenery. Would recommend for tents to have the walk in site which is 2 min walk from carpark. Drop Toilets were very clean. Plenty of drinking water. Make sure you drive further into red rock because it’s gorgeous!!

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed

    Rugged terrain

    Beautiful weather and views. The drive in is rough but not so bad if you go slow. Any vehicle can make it. There are ample spots to park, though it is busy.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    King's Row RV Park

    Decent Place to Stay for a Good Price

    We stayed here for one night with our pop-up camper while passing thru Vegas. The park was about a 15-20 minute drive to The Strip depending on traffic. The park was quiet and we had no issues at all. We noticed security on the grounds at night. The manager was nice and helpful. We stayed in site 542 which was at the end of a row. The site was a little small but good enough for our stay. The bathhouse was clean and the showers were hot with good pressure. The laundromat was great. The park wi-fi had a good signal at our site.

  • Restituto F.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    McWilliams Campground

    Had everything I needed

    Great wooded area that gets way chillier than it is in vegas at any point during the year, has running water, flushable toilets, tp, A FIREWOOD DISPENSER THAT ACCEPTS TAP TO PAY (this was huge as someone who forgot their firewood at home as well as their wallet that holds the cards and cash) so i had such a comfortable overnight stay

  • Terrie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Hitchin' Post RV Park

    Nice!

    Has nice amenities, including a bathtub in the bath house! Pool, 2 dog areas, full hookups including wifi.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Arizona Charlie's Boulder RV Park

    Vegas...

    Closely spaced pads, backing up to the (open) parking garage. Frequent airplanes. 28 dollars extra for "early check in" (12:40). Bathrooms close at 10pm due to walk-ins and they mentioned they normally didn't take popups (we have a self-contained A-frame but prefer to use bathrooms when the kids are sleeping inside). Bathrooms are nice "family" bathrooms though. Very strict regulations (e.g. sewer hose needs to be supported as in the picture, why!?). Mostly aimed at self-contained big rigs as most places in Vegas. It is that we needed a stopover, and was a nice opportunity to visit Vegas , but wouldn't recommend staying in a smaller RV in Vegas

  • teresa D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    King's Row RV Park

    Kings row rv camp

    Good spot, the manager is very Nicea and helpuful. Too far from the city main attractions.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Desert Campsite The Pads

    On the way to Vegas

    It's actually no longer an official campground, but free camping on the grounds is possible without any problems. Nature is slowly reclaiming the individual spots, though. The pitches for RVs, cars, or tents are still available, so you can park horizontally relatively easily. Water and dump hookups are no longer in operation. In the distance, you can see mountain formations. Two-wheelers can access this area without any problems. We didn't have internet with T-Mobile.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    KOA Sam's Town Las Vegas Nevada

    Vegas

    Great location for Vegas. Store, pool, jacuzzi, laundry and propane for sale. Dog runs and sites. Sam's Town Casino for food, drinks and gaming.


Guide to Mount Charleston

Camping near Mount Charleston, Nevada, offers a fantastic escape into nature, with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around Mount Charleston. Many campers rave about the scenic hikes, with one reviewer noting, "We spent all afternoon driving around with our mouths hanging open, it was so gorgeous!" at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Nice spot to get out of the heat and enjoy the beautiful terrain," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Stargazing: The night sky can be breathtaking, though some campers at McWilliams Campground noted, "Don’t expect to see the desert night sky" due to light pollution from Las Vegas.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort said, "The bathrooms were super clean!" which is a big plus for families.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive high praise. A visitor at Red Rock Campground shared, "The hosts were great... they made daily rounds and were very friendly."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry friends along. A camper at Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping noted, "It is specific to Death Valley and located 30 minutes from Red Rock or 1 hour from Las Vegas."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like McWilliams Campground, do not have showers or water hookups. A reviewer mentioned, "No showers, no dump station," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Red Rock Campground advised, "Make sure you make reservations as the campground was full on a Monday night in mid-November."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town warned, "We were situated right by the main road and it was noisy all night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for places with clean bathrooms and showers. A family at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort enjoyed the "pool, hot tub, laundry, clubhouse," which made their stay more comfortable.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a plan for activities. One camper at Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town highlighted the pool and spa area as a hit with kids.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring items that make camping easier for kids, like portable games or outdoor toys. A reviewer at Fletcher View mentioned, "It’s quiet and beautiful - great place to escape Vegas heat!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your RV can connect to the campground's utilities. A visitor at Thousand Trails Las Vegas noted, "Spaces are tight and only 2 pull-throughs in the park."
  • Be Prepared for Heat: If camping in summer, be ready for high temperatures. One camper at Desert Eagle RV Park mentioned, "The power goes out for 2-3 hours at a time... it’s 115 degrees sometimes."
  • Use Local Services: Consider using Uber or Lyft for trips to the Strip. A camper at Las Vegas RV Resort found it convenient, saying, "20min with Uber to the Strip."

Camping near Mount Charleston, Nevada, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds at Mount Charleston?

Fletcher View is highly rated for its spacious sites with electric hookups, charcoal grills, and fire pits. This intimate campground has only 10 sites, including some double-capacity spaces, making it perfect for a more private experience. Kyle Canyon Campground is another excellent option, known for being well-maintained with beautiful surroundings. Both campgrounds offer access to hiking trails and a refreshing escape from Las Vegas heat. Fletcher View is just 45 minutes north of Las Vegas, making it conveniently accessible while still feeling remote. Reserve well in advance during summer months as these popular campgrounds fill quickly.

Does Mount Charleston have year-round camping availability?

Mount Charleston's camping availability is seasonal rather than year-round. McWilliams Campground typically operates during the summer months when it provides a perfect escape from Las Vegas heat. Temperatures at Mount Charleston are generally 25+ degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley. Winter conditions bring cold temperatures and potential snow, making most campgrounds unavailable during winter months. While some dispersed camping areas may be accessible during shoulder seasons, facilities like bathrooms and water sources are typically winterized and closed. Always check current conditions and reservations are highly recommended during peak summer season when campgrounds fill quickly due to their popularity as a heat escape.

What tent camping options are available at Mount Charleston?

Mount Charleston offers several tent camping options across its developed campgrounds. McWilliams Campground features renovated sites with paved parking areas and modern bathrooms (though no showers), making it comfortable for tent campers. The campground is surrounded by high pines providing welcome shade. For more primitive experiences, Mack's Canyon Dispersed offers free tent camping with more basic amenities. Most Mount Charleston campgrounds welcome tent campers with dedicated tent pads at many sites. The area provides the perfect escape from Las Vegas heat in summer months, with temperatures typically 25+ degrees cooler than the valley. Bring adequate warm clothing as mountain temperatures drop significantly at night, even in summer.

Is camping available in Lee Canyon near Mount Charleston?

Yes, camping is available in the Lee Canyon area near Mount Charleston. Mt. Charleston Dispersed offers primitive camping options in this region. For those seeking more established sites, Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed provides free camping opportunities in the greater Mount Charleston area. The Lee Canyon region offers a cooler alternative to Las Vegas temperatures, especially valuable during summer months. These camping areas provide access to the natural beauty of the Spring Mountains. Be prepared for primitive conditions at dispersed sites - bring your own water, pack out trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Check current conditions before heading out as seasonal restrictions may apply.