Top Free Dispersed Camping near Mount Charleston, NV

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Mount Charleston? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Nevada excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Charleston, NV (21)

Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Mount Charleston

208 Reviews of 21 Mount Charleston Campgrounds


  • Dan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Wheeler Pass

    Quiet stop after Death Valley

    Spent one full day and night here after spending about a week in the park. Absolutely amazing spots close to town but far enough at the same time. Minimal cover from the wind is the only drawback. 3 bars 5g with ATT and booster, pulling 300mbps with redzone wireless.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

    Sure bet on saving money

    Didn't have to drive as far aspin. Saw RV and others on left after signs. Few turnouts then none. Big dump trucks coming out. One flashed brights at me idk why. After seeing no more turnouts for half mile I turned around and parked a little north from others. Bit of highway noise and truck traffic on road. Maybe gravel mine. Lake definitely had water so maybe not good hence flashing brights by the truck. Saves time, but would like more quiet far the away from highway. Will explore next time

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Champion Road Dispersed Campsites

    Shaded private camping

    Was so nice to get out of Vegas and have trees around! We enjoyed a relatively cool day and just enjoyed the nature.

    Keep in mind that as other have mentioned, many people leave trash, ride ATVs, play music, etc.

    You can not have fires, only propane, fuel stoves with a shut off.

    T-Mobile has no signal here.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Government Wash

    Permanently closed

    We loved using government wash when we came in to Vegas to visit family but starting August 1st 2024 they have permanently closed government wash.

  • ShiftN’Reset
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Government Wash

    GOVERNMENT WASH CLOSED INDEFINITELY - STARING 8/1/2024

    Due to the number of homeless encampment, trash and crime, the Government Wash and 8.0 Mile Road is now closed indefinitely. Barriers are being raised. Park Rangers are clearing any remaining persons. Please do not go there with RVs or vehicles.

    Hiking and biking are available but you will not be able to take a RV or vehicle in. 

    REFERENCE: https://www.nps.gov/lake/government-wash-area-information.htm#:~:text=Key%20information%20for%20visitors,beginning%20Aug.%201%2C%202024.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Mack's Canyon Dispersed
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Mack's Canyon Dispersed

    Great Views

    Parking Coordinates: (36.3636285, -115.6685757)

    Relatively easy dirt road. This spot was located right before the road closure. Was able to fit the truck and a ground tent with amazing views overlooking the valley below. Visited June 22nd it was 110 in the city but up here at 7700 feet it was a nice 85-90 during the day and a cool 65-70 at night. Not a lot of tree shade at this spot but if you create your own it helps during the day.

  • Brittany T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Champion Road Dispersed Campsites

    People ruin it

    Fair warning, my boyfriend and I camped on the Saturday of Father's Day weekend so this may have skewed my rating.  

    The campsite was amazing!  Private, very big for just the two of us, and a good combination of sun and shade.  The site was very easy to get to in a 4WD truck even on the narrow two way road, smaller cars may have some issues.  The views were limited but beautiful!  It was hot during the day and wonderfully chilly at night.  Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and good food that you can eat cold or heat up on a propane stove - no fires allowed! 

    The bugs were BAD all day, I swore off DEET but that trip I would've bathed in it.  I was very excited for a quiet get away and quiet I did not get because of a group that rode their ATV up and down Champion road incessantly.  Due to this, the dust was absolutely horrible and unfortunately the birds stayed away which is my favorite part of camping :(.  The campsite was LITTERED with used pieces of toilet paper, baby wipes, glass, plastic - all the trash you can think of.  We spent about a hour trying to pick up as much trash as possible, please do the same.  We decided to call it a night when the sun set however people were blasting music in a neighboring campsite... why do people play loud music in nature? No clue.   

    So to summarize, my boyfriend and I had a WONDERFUL trip however inconsiderate people really know how to test a camper's patience.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Spring Mountains Dispersed

    Further up the mountain

    We went further up near intersection of 157 and 158. Lots of open spots and almost no one around. Height of your rig could limit site selection. Even with high roof Sprinter we had some issues with low branches. Lots of shade. No real views, but lots of privacy. Some trash. Not horrible, but a good reminder to pick up after yourself so we can keep these public lands open.

  • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
    May. 4, 2024

    Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    Several campsites demarcated by vegetation, very pleasant and lots of possibilities

    We arrived before sunset, full of small spots along the road, which allows everyone to have their own space surrounded by vegetation. We have a van, it is easy to leave the main concrete road to enter the pitches, some are bumpier than others. The sites I saw were clean with leftover campfire pits. I recommend this spot, it is specific to Death Valley and located 30 minutes from Red Rock or 1 hour from Las Vegas. For the night of May 2, no problem with the wind, very good weather conditions

  • Shannon D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
    May. 2, 2024

    Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed

    Safety issues here

    None of the other reviews mention that there's a rehab center compound located here with lots of in and out traffic at all hours. We spoke with a local ranger and that's how we learned about it because it's hidden. We then looked it up online and read scary reviews about it. Others need to be aware and make their own decisions. We also found questionable items in our site here.

  • Christina A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Valley Road
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Sandy Valley Road

    Garbage everywhere

    Lots of spots, but the area is trashed. Garbage all over the place and used tires, looks like folks use this area as a dump. Also looks like there are some folks living in a fifth wheel near the highway.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ash Meadows Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 10, 2024

    Ash Meadows Dispersed Camping

    No camping in the refuge

    Be careful, the location this takes you to is a wildlife refuge. It is posted as day use only, no camping. A super cool place to visit during the day. Be sure you are not on private property or within the refuge and there are spots to pull over to camp in your vehicle.

  • Sarah M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Dec. 15, 2023

    Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed

    Pretty views, but pretty sketchy area and so much trash

    The options were nice and the views were gorgeous but there seems to be a lot of long term living people around in their cars as well as a decently large homeless population around. I didn’t feel very safe so I only stayed one night. Along with that, there was so much litter and trash.

  • Sarah M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Dec. 15, 2023

    Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed

    Lots of space, easy to get to, nice views!

    This was a short drive north of Vegas, and it’s worth it to get up into the mountains! The views are great, and it’s a fun place to explore. There’s a spot right off the road and then a few spots as you go up the road.

  • Sarah M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Dec. 15, 2023

    Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

    A lot of trash, people shooting guns day and night

    The space was nice and there’s several places to park but it’s filled with trash. Also, there’s people constantly shooting guns in the BLM so I didn’t feel super safe and couldn’t let my dog off the leash. However, it’s pretty close to Vegas and the surrounding area. Also literally behind the seven magic mountains!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jean Roach Dry Lakebed Camp
    Dec. 6, 2023

    Jean Roach Dry Lakebed Camp

    Great access but noisy

    I wanted to make it to the Mojave and ended up here. Looks like it could be pretty but I didn’t find out cause I came in after dark and left by 4a. Near constant truck traffic on the main access road from the mine mean it’s a very difficult place to sleep.

    If you’re a heavy sleeper, go for it. I am not.

  • Jennifer B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash
    Nov. 27, 2023

    Government Wash

    Love the options cover's all scenarios

    Was very interested from the beginning of reading for what applies to the camping app

  • Jean F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
    Nov. 22, 2023

    Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    Awesome and Free!

    Great spot for whatever you are camping in. Lots of spots. Got there after dark and found a spot with no problem. Spectacular scenery, especially at the top. A little bumpy, but our Airstream Interstate X had no problem. Plenty of spots for big rigs.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Oct. 12, 2023

    Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed

    Good Dispersed Area

    Beautiful view overlooking the town and mountains. Quite a few pull off areas as you go up Wheeler rd, I ended up parking at coordinates: (36.2420331, -115.9001200). Well maintained gravel road getting up here.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Sep. 23, 2023

    Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

    Unique Experience

    Arrived easily following directions on GPS. A storm was moving in as we approached lake bed, decided to find a spot along the road instead. Plenty of room for our truck camper towing a Jeep. Great dark sky, Vegas glows from the north.

  • Iris A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Aug. 30, 2023

    Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

    campground in the middle of the desert

    There is lots of space. I only campt for one night and pulled off the freeway. It was quite a bit of drive on the Blvd to get there. And there was also a lot of traffic on that road. Lots of moths in the night and no shade in the day.

    No facilities, but very convenient, as it is close to Vegas.

    Had cell service.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed

    Great spot, very private, but WINDY

    Not sure how fun this would be in a tent, but we slept in the back of our vehicle up on top of a cliff surrounded by Joshua trees. Very sweet spot to spend the night.

    We took a right off of the main road towards the gravel pit and took a left which headed up to a secluded location.



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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mount Charleston, NV?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mount Charleston, NV is Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed with a 4.4-star rating from 13 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mount Charleston, NV?

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Mount Charleston, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.