Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Charleston, NV

Looking for dispersed camping near Mount Charleston? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Charleston, NV (30)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    1. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    50 Reviews
    188 Photos
    756 Saves
    Blue Diamond, Nevada

    A large part of the Spring Mountains is remote and undeveloped. Visitors can venture out and set up camp in these remote areas with just a little planning from the guidelines below The best known areas in the Spring Mountains include Mack's Canyon, Champion Road, and Lovell Canyon but those can get crowded in warm weather. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive or hike out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot with a nice view or good shade. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed outside a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream or spring. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines. - Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 100 feet of any water source, as plants near water are especially fragile. - Do not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting - Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage. Going to the Bathroom in the Woods Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six (6) inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. A ziplock bag is helpful for this. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground since it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Treating Your Water We used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of the sparkling creek, a rushing waterfall, or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water source anymore. With an increasing population and visitation to the Spring Mountains, water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting and wild animals to many water sources. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems. The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Mack's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mack's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mack's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mack's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mack's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mack's Canyon Dispersed

    3. Mack's Canyon Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    41 Photos
    206 Saves
    Mount Charleston, Nevada
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Charleston Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Charleston Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Charleston Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Charleston Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Charleston Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Charleston Dispersed

    5. Mt. Charleston Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    28 Photos
    122 Saves
    Mount Charleston, Nevada

    Over 50 miles of maintained trails wind through the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, along with 4 campgrounds, 7 picnic areas, and remote areas for dispersed camping.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed

    6. Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    12 Photos
    108 Saves
    Mount Charleston, Nevada

    Dispersed camping allows you to “get away from it all.” Peace, solitude and adventure are some of the advantages to choosing an undeveloped campsite. Since there are no facilities, you must bring your own water, camp at least 100 feet from all water sources and dig a hole at least six inches deep for disposal of human waste. Remember all Forest rules and regulations apply even in dispersed sites.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    7. Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    115 Photos
    248 Saves
    Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

    A network of backcountry roads has been developed within the park to provide access to the lakeshore and other areas of interest that are off the beaten path. Approved roads are signed with a yellow arrow. The black number in the center of the arrow designates the road number. Driving on roads or trails not marked with the yellow arrow is prohibited. With hundreds of miles of backcountry roads, conditions can change without notice. Please travel on backcountry roads with caution. Driving off roads, in washes or cross country damages the fragile desert soil and is prohibited by National Park Service regulations. Please help preserve the park by staying on approved roads, respecting the rights of other visitors and carrying out all trash and litter.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mountains Dispersed

    8. Spring Mountains Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    70 Saves
    Mount Charleston, Nevada

    Dispersed camping allows you to “get away from it all.” Peace, solitude and adventure are some of the advantages to choosing an undeveloped campsite. Since there are no facilities, you must bring your own water, camp at least 100 feet from all water sources and dig a hole at least six inches deep for disposal of human waste. Remember all Forest rules and regulations apply even in dispersed sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

    9. Dispersed-jean/roach Dry Lakes

    16 Reviews
    43 Photos
    124 Saves
    Jean, Nevada

    Jean Dry Lake provides hundreds of miles of trails to the casual and expert Off-highway vehicle enthusiast alike. At the center of the area is the area's namesake, Jean Dry Lake. Although the name implies that the lakebed is dry, it has the potential of flooding and holding water long after a rainfall. After substantial precipitation events, the lakebed can hold several inches to several feet of water. Travel on the lakebed after a precipitation events is not recommended. Outside of the dry lakebed, motorized vehicle use is limited to existing roads and trails.ADA Access: No accessibility

    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Pass Rd Dispersed Camp
Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Mount Charleston

219 Reviews of 30 Mount Charleston Campgrounds


  • Ericka C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mountains Dispersed
    Nov. 14, 2024

    Spring Mountains Dispersed

    Peaceful and pretty

    We got in late, but had no problem finding it and setting up. We just stayed for one night, but it was great. It’s right by Sawmill Trail head if you are going there.

  • 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.

  • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    Very quiet totally private

    This is my third night of 5. Every night has been very quiet. There are campers around but you barely hear them or see them during the day. At night you could sometimes catch a light. T-Mobile cell service for the phone calls is great for data it's. Almost done existent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay.

  • 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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • ShiftN’Reset The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gass Peak Rd Camping Area
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Gass Peak Rd Camping Area

    Not good anymore

    This used to be an area where you can camp but it is closed off now. You can maybe park 3 cars and then walk to a spot to setup a tent. About 1:30 in the morning, at least 20 OHVs came by blasting Mexican music and waving Mexican flags. Just ruined the experience.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.



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 Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain) with a 4.6-star rating from 50 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Mount Charleston, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.