Blue Tree Group Camp provides equestrian camping opportunities in the Mount Charleston area, located about 10,000 feet above sea level in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The dirt roads accessing the site have multiple pull-outs to accommodate horse trailers of various sizes. Temperature variations can be extreme, with winter snow making access difficult for larger vehicles while summer temperatures remain significantly cooler than Las Vegas valley.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Access nearby wilderness trails directly from Blue Tree Group Camp, which connects to the Spring Mountain trail system. "Great area that is dispersed and isolated," notes camper Nicole W., highlighting the privacy riders appreciate when setting up camp with horses.
Rock climbing excursions: Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for world-class climbing opportunities, just 45 minutes from Mount Charleston camping areas. "Great camp sites with shade, fire pits, tables, water and bathrooms near by. Very popular spot in April and May, show up early so you don't end up with a walk up site," advises Patrick L.
Seasonal stream exploration: Explore dry washes that transform during spring runoff or summer thunderstorms. At Las Vegas Bay Campground, campers enjoy the natural water features: "The sites over looking the wash allow you to hear a river while you sleep! At night I've always heard coyotes and owls," reports Lance E.
What campers like
Weather relief: The elevation provides substantial temperature differences from Las Vegas. "10-15 degrees cooler than Vegas. Some trash left around campsites, but nothing disqualifying," mentions Abraham K. about Blue Tree Group Camp, confirming the cooler conditions many equestrian campers seek.
Cell service availability: Unlike many mountain camping areas, some spots offer connectivity. "I have T-Mobile and was pleasantly surprised to have a bar or 2 of 4G LTE service. Most of Lee Canyon does not have any service," Jamie H. notes about camping near Mount Charleston's horse-friendly areas.
Trail accessibility: Las Vegas Bay Campground offers varied terrain for day trips from your horse camp base. "Easy access from Las Vegas, but feels a world away. Lots of big trees and bushes make the campground feel like an oasis," Lance reports, noting the nature sounds that enhance the experience.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Rules change seasonally and require advance verification. "Keep in mind that fires may not be allowed if a No Fire mandate is being enforced. Fire pits in this campsite will have a little yellow flag in them as a reminder as well as a large sign at the entrance," Camron C. advises about Blue Tree Group Camp.
Limited facilities: Most equestrian sites around Mount Charleston are primitive. "It was beautiful and easy to get to, just recommend something a lil bigger than a sedan, it can make it, just kind of sketchy. Lots and lots of flies, keep that in mind," reports Rylee S. about the road conditions at Blue Tree.
Road conditions: Many horse-accessible camping areas require careful driving. At Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, "The road is rough, you definitely cannot camp here in the rain. It's a wash...so that would get dangerous," cautions Jamie H., highlighting challenges common to dispersed camping areas near Mount Charleston.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom planning: Clean facilities may require short drives from camp. "There are the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at the Sawmill Day Use Area," notes Jamie H. about facilities near Blue Tree Group Camp, providing important information for families needing regular bathroom access.
Wildlife watching opportunities: The area supports diverse desert fauna. At Las Vegas Bay Campground, "We love camping at Las Vegas Bay campground at Lake Mead. The campground is very close to the wash that comes from Lake Las Vegas. Lots of wildlife!!" shares Bonnie C.
Temperature preparation: Mountain temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night, requiring layered clothing. "Low 70s during the day and maybe 50 at the coldest part of the night," Trevor J. reports from spring camping, relevant for planning family horse camping trips in the Mount Charleston region.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At equestrian-friendly dispersed sites, early arrival secures better spots. "The front spots do fill up quickly so make sure if you have a big RV you get there before the weekend if you need a spot," advises Brittney C. about Blue Tree Group Camp's layout.
Road clearance requirements: Horse camping areas often have challenging access roads. "Some sites may require higher clearance vehicles to access," confirms Brittney about the dispersed camping options available for equestrians seeking horse campgrounds near Mount Charleston, Nevada.
