Searching for a tent camping spot near Mount Charleston? Find the best tent camping sites near Mount Charleston. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Mount Charleston's most popular destinations.
$50 / night
Discover an idyllic retreat in the heart of Lovell Canyon, Nevada, where a studio container offers a unique blend of rugged outdoor adventure and modern comfort. Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain ranges and an extensive network of hiking trails, this studio container is a haven for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts. The cozy interior features a pull-out couch, a well-equipped kitchen, and a convenient walking shower, providing the perfect balance between rustic charm and modern amenities.
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a firepit, well water, and the opportunity for off-road driving, all while staying connected with WIFI and keeping warm with heating. After a day of adventure, the studio container's outdoor dining area is the ideal spot to enjoy meals and take in romantic sunsets and starlit skies. Lovell Canyon's natural beauty beckons, inviting you to escape from the ordinary and experience the magic of the wilderness in style and comfort.
$220 - $400 / night
Escape to the wide open desert and enjoy the peaceful solitude of camping on pristine land outside Pahrump, Nevada. This spacious property is situated away from the lights and noise of the city, allowing you to gaze at the starry night skies free from light pollution.
The campsite is surrounded by natural desert vegetation like sagebrush and Joshua trees, with panoramic views of the mountain ranges in the distance. Wake up to the sounds of birds singing and watch the stunning sunrises and sunsets paint the desert sky in beautiful colors.
There are no RVs or permanent structures on the property, giving you plenty of space to set up your tent or parking area for your camper. A dug well provides fresh non-potable water for washing and basic use. Bring your own drinking water.
Generator use is allowed, but please be mindful of noise levels to maintain the remote ambience. Trash and waste removal is the responsibility of campers.
This is an ideal location for those looking to experience the tranquility of the Mojave desert, go hiking and off-roading, mountain bike on backcountry trails, observe wildlife in their natural habitat and gaze at the Milky Way far away from city lights.
Reserve your remote private campsite today and enjoy the freedom of desert camping near Pahrump! Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand this description in any way.
$10 / night
8 Mile Rd Dispersed camping area is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada. This rustic campground offers a backcountry camping experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The campground does not provide any amenities, so campers must come prepared with all necessary supplies, including water and firewood.
Reservations are not accepted at 8 Mile Rd Dispersed camping area, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is important to note that there are no designated campsites, so visitors can choose their own spot within the designated camping area.
DeathValley.camp is located outside of Death Valley National Park in Amargosa Valley, Nevada. Our property has a small vineyard, three Glamping trailers, and 7 campsites. One of the first vineyards in Nevada, we have 5 varieties of grapes that are bottled in nearby Pahrump, NV. Your campsite is located next to the vines and includes a composting toilet & picnic table. We also offer an outdoor shower that is available by donation. You are also welcome to plug in to a standard outlet for charging and use our hose for drinking water and filling tanks. Both Verizon & AT&T work well and we do have WiFi available. Outside our gates, enjoy biking, hiking, scrambling, and exploring the Amargosa Desert and nearby Skeleton Hills. Nearby attractions include Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge(30-minutes) and Death Valley National Park(45-minutes).
$25 - $120 / night
Scout
8 mile is just like Government Wash. Free boondocking with a 7 day limit. There is a dumpster at the front but no bathroom or other facilities. Hike out what you hike in. You could tent camp here or any size RV so long as you find a level spot to park.
Coyotes are very present so I personally wouldn't tent camp anywhere here but I saw several people with no problems tent camping.
There is a no break law in effect but some people still seem to leave broken glass around so be mindful. The water is close. I didn't go far enough to see of this road leads to the water. The road is very rough so I parked as soon as I was able in a class B. There were some fast trucks coming in and out as it was the weekend and the weather was perfect.
Ranger
Need a capable vehicle to get here. Toilets were clean and there was paper but don't count on it. There are about a half dozen sites mostly geared towards tent camping. Kind of dispersed.
Guide
The campsite is very clean and pretty. We were tent camping and cooking in the provided firepit or on out coleman stovetop. The extra stand for the stove was great and freed up table space for dining and cards. The level tent spots are great. Wild horses came by our tent at night and kept us awake for a short time. Cool to see though. The bristlecone loop trail nearby was an easy to moderate 6 mile trek. I wish there was a shower since we got very sweaty from or hikes. They do have nice clean restrooms and plenty of water to fill up my portable shower.
Legend
This place has all the basic amenities you will need. There is no tent camping, only rigs. The prices start around $40 a night with hookups. They did have security patrolling through the park, so that is a plus for the location. Everything was clean and well kept. They do allow up to two pets, however, large dogs and aggressive breeds are not allowed. "Don't follow the GPS coordinates on The Dyrt app." It lead me right into the middle of the neighborhood next to the facility. Not cool when pulling a trailer.
GuideVery nice spot for tent camping. Each space has a large concrete picnic table and bar b q grill along with a nice fire pit and metal table for your camping stove. There is a 10:00 pm quite time so if you are looking for a place to party this is not it, but if you are looking for a place to relax surrounded by ponderosa pines then you have found the place. There is no hook ups for RVs but in the summer the night tempartures are in the low 60s so no need for air conditioning.
Legend
This campsite is on the Clark County Shooting Complex property. It has 62 RV spots with hookups. There is a 14 day max on staying with a 24 hour break before you can stay another 14 days. Ensures others get the chance to stay at this location. The cost is $30 per night. The place is secure and well-maintained. You have full access to come and go when the facility is closed if you are staying at the RV site. I didn't notice any tent camping areas, but all the RV sites were lined up with no shade/trees.
LegendA really nice and clean park. Super impressed. They have a pool, laundry and dog relief areas. Nice designated parking for your vehicles as well. The staff is super nice and accommodating not to mention the sites are being totally sanitized after each use(the hook up boxes and grounds being raked) Please lock your belongings this is not the best part of town like I’ve said about Boulder highway before. Your about 10 minute drive to down town Las Vegas and about 15 minute drive to the strip. Oh and NO tent camping allowed either it’s a law here.
GuideThis campground is pretty magical with forest ponies wandering in the woods. At night the stars are incredible and I usually see multiple shooting stars. I camped here one night during a meteor shower and it was awesome.
The bathrooms are clean and have flush toilets with sinks. There are water faucets throughout the grounds and water tastes really good.
I've seen horses, donkeys, deer and squirrels here. The tent sites are nice and clean and lots of dumpsters for garbage. The camp host is also very nice.
Ranger
Stayed the weekend, RV spaces are set apart from the tent sites in a semi-circle of 5 spaces in a quiet area. There are aluminum picnic tables, fire pits and BBQ’s but not hookups. Spaces are pretty deep but not very wide. Space 5 is at the end up near a slight hill so it was a bit more private than the others which are pretty close together. It was close to home which was nice. Great view of Red Rock in the distant to see the sun set.
Legend
First, there are two areas. The RV park and the campground. The RV park has all your amenities and full hookups. Store, propane and great views of Lake Mead. If you are able to reserve a rv pad nearest the lake, you will be in for a treat. All spots have full hookup and picnic table. You have full unobstructed view of the lake from these pads.
The campground is separate from the RV park, but located directly next to it...really adjoining. Separate fees go to the National Park for camping. Currently, showers are not running. Has many pull thrus for rigs, as well as tent camping. Plenty of shade and spaces are not to close.
Guide
We stayed here for one night on our way to a campsite inside Death Valley NP. Location is about an hour outside the park in a tiny little town that’s pretty quiet. They do have a Chevron and a diner that probably covers most traveler’s needs. It’s also situated in a beautiful area with gorgeous mountain views.
We stayed in a 22 foot RV at one of the hookup sites, they also have several tent sites and a few cabin spots. There’s a naturally heated pool, which looked pretty nice but we chose not to use for COVID reasons. The whole camp was super quiet while we were there with not many other campers. Weather was great this time of year. I would probably stay here again.
GuideMount Charleston itself is quite sparse in trees but the few high pines shade the campgrounds below. The air is nice and fresh although the air can be more thin than accustomed to so take breaks on hikes.
The campground is managed well and ranges from busy to vacant. No river running through.
GuideWe 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. Bathrooms are modern but no showers. Lots of hiking available! We had a very small herd of wild mustangs go through our site! Very cool! Campsites fill up fast!! It can feel crowded. Best to reserve your site in advance www.reserveamerica.com. Campground is dog friendly! There are no RV hook-ups and no dump site.
TravelerTwo nights tent camping. 35$ a nite but considering it has everything a KOA has and is in California near a national park that's a pretty good price (KOA in Bakersfield charges upwards of 80 a nite for way less for example) (we didnt realize theres free blm dispersed camping right down the road, whoops). Wifi is good, grass is great for a tent, mostly rvers tho for sure. Warm water pool is excellent. Pupfish are cute. Walking distance to crowbar cafe and the extremely overpriced gas station (it's worth it to drive to pahrump nv to buy gas food cigs beer etc). Quick drive over to tecopa where we spent most of our time (recommend the free hot springs, food from kit fox cafe, beer from death valley brewery, hikes and food at the China ranch date farm and talking to all the weirdos that live in or frequent the area). Also highly recommend ripping up to death valley junction to take a tour of the spooky beautiful Amargosa Opera House. At the campground small little annoying rules about locking the bathroom, shower in men's room doesn't lock, but overall a good quiet, safe spot, would def come again if needing all the amenities. No fire rings at site, one group fire pit by library .
LegendSummer 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.
I spent much of early spring at Red Rock enjoying the facilities, the hiking, the vistas and yes the camping. This campground does accept reservations for group sites however individual sites are walk up first come first serve and with those mild weekends they do fill up quickly. Weekdays are suggested if you can make it out as it is a bit easier to get a site during those days.
One thing most do not consider with camping at this location is the proximity to the Las Vegas strip and all the tourists which that includes. This campsite is coveted and many who wish to venture beyond the brights lights find themselves at this nationally acclaimed facility.
A few things to also consider before traveling here:
1- No cell servIce at the campground for any provIder, fact is unless you hike to the peaks you wIll not fInd any cell service for miles.
2- Campground sometimes appears full when in fact people are parking here instead of camping so do not get turned away without a quick once through the campground itself.
3- No hookups for electrIcal or water at individual sItes. If you must have power you will want to consider alternative sources.
RV campers as well as tent campers are able to stay at thIs locatIon however It does sway a bIt more toward tent campIng In way of spacing and availabilIty.
Cost to camp are $15 for single tent campers like myself. ThIs Includes a pIcnIc table and awning but more Importantly proximity to the park itself. Most don’t inquire about stay length but for a blogger lIke myself I had to know and elected to ask, because who wouldnt want the best vIews In the area as long as possIble! 14 days!!
Guide
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. All sites have electric and are pretty spacious. Each sight had a charcoal grill and fire pit (although the mountain was under red flag fire alert so we were not able to use either — propane BBQs were allowed). We did experience some road noise but not bad. These sites, even with half offered as first come first served, are hard to get. This campground is the only one on the mountain that offers electricity all the rest are dry. It is highly recommended to reserve sites in advance on recreation.gov. The campground is also dog friendly! The Camp Hosts were very friendly and available! The sites were all very clean. This is our absolute favorite camp ground on the mountain.
LegendYou 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. But because of this break in the heat all summer you have to make reservations, even though they say there are walk up sites I wouldn't suggest banking on them to be there.
This campground is dry camping but with the setting of the mountains it hardly seems like any kind of inconvenience. There is a nice bathroom facility here without showers but plenty good for enjoying this place it is heated which makes for a lot better user experience especially I assume during winter months.
When I was there I saw a lot of RVs and Tents alike all pulled into spots and comfortable. While I didn't seem boxed in and overcrowded I did speak to someone who said when it is filled with more RVs it tends to get a little claustrophobic feeling.
Sleeping in a tent here I noticed that I could hear my neighbors pretty easily until around 11 p.m. after that it got pretty quiet and short of a few animal noises here and there it was silent. Temperatures dipped considerably at night so even though it was summer, in a tent I was finding I needed a little more cover than expected and pulled out the sleeping bag for some warmth.
Something I loved about this site was the set up for campers with the fire ring and table. The slab around the ring gives you a flat surface if you have camp chairs and also allows you do better manage your space and keep debris out of your fire.
TIPS:
GuideThis campground is an easy few miles outside of the suburbs of Las Vegas. So easy in fact, I needed cell service and was able to drive five minutes to an Albertson’s grocery store parking lot to make a phone call and use the internet browser on my iPhone. As a local I was opposed to this new construction so close to Red Rock for this reason. The park doesn’t feel like a getaway as much as other parks.
The campground is closed during the summer months when it reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit by 7 AM. We camped in January and it reached the low 60s in the day and dipped to the 30s with rain at night. Spring or fall weather is much better fro tent camping. We were comfortable in an RV.
Most sites had steel roofed canopies and all had a fire ring and grill. The driving paths are pea gravel and the roads are gravel and desert dirt. They are well maintained and a few years ago benches and railroad timber barriers were installed. Bathrooms were very clean with a bunch of sanitizer and toilet paper. Drinking water spigots were also clean and had good water pressure. No hookups are available for RVs.
Overall, this campground earned 4 stars because the views weren’t as impressive as the actual park. The park is a very short drive down the road but waking up with beautiful views is something I look for. And the proximity to the city didn’t offer the feeling of isolation I like in a camping trip. It was convenient but the city lights could be seen glowing over the hill and the sky wasn’t as dark for stargazing as I prefer on a camping trip.
If going here, the park is a world class rock climbing destination and bike riding or driving driving the scenic loop are my recommended activities.
Legend
All of mount Charleston Is so pretty once you get off the Main Street and get out and explore. All the camp grounds and picnic areas are well kept and maintained very well. Not to mention all the cool trails you find. It’s cold because of the cold weather we have been having so make sure you bundle up and prepare yourself well enough. This area is day use only as of right now. The rangers are not sure when it will Be opened for the camping season but this is also a campground not just day use so make sure you check that it’s open for camping. It’s all first come first serve and it’s the cheapest place on the mountain when it is open for camping. The ranger said April or may they will open but not sure on a date yet. 12 during the week and 18 weekend prices. If you have a big spot I recommend the double spots, all spots are great for RVs no hook ups but they have tables, grills and fire rings. Super nice camp host bob who is there and super helpful. Keep enjoying nature and taking care of her along the way! Cheers
GuideOur 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. It was a great way to scape Vegas heat. It hits 64 Lows during early morning and up to 78 on daytime. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. I got lucky getting a FF site #6. I went on Friday afternoon and came back Saturday morning to book it for two nights. Left early Sunday evening.
Although most people has trailers and RVs, we had a 9 person tent and plenty of fun. The site we got was perfectly closed to the restroom which was a plus since my brother was on crutches. Site has 30A, 50A,110 Power. Water spigot was also just a step away from the site. There's a little creek on the side, but dried up for summer. Water might be on during rainy days or when snow melts. It's by the side of the highway so you will hear some loud cars time to time, but not too bothersome. It's very quite at night, except for the soothing cricket sounds.
We will be back for sure!
GuideThe McWilliams Campground, recently renovated and well maintained is my go-to campground when visiting the Mount Charleston area. When the Las Vegas heat smothers the Vegas Valley it is usually over 25 degrees cooler in the mountain, so it seems appropriate that it is referred to as a “sky island” because as a Las Vegas local it feels like an island getaway within an hour drive.
If your navigation app can’t find it try entering the Lee Canyon Ski Resort because that is less than a mile up the road. The campground sign will be on your right heading up the mountain just past the Lower Bristlecone Trail . The even number sites are first-come while the odd numbers are reservable but go quickly when released. My trip this week saw a full campground but it was a family crowd and no rowdy campers. They designed sites for tent or small trailer camping on the back loop and a lot of fairly level sites for RVs dispersed throughout. RV hookups won’t be found here so be prepared to dry camp.
Mule deer grazed in the woods behind my camp site in the early morning. Wild burros and horses also inhabit the area. Wild horses congregate a short walk away at the Meadows in cooler parts of the day. Blue birds and hummingbirds are a common sight as well for birding.
The camp host was friendly and helpful. There were a few drinking water pumps out of order so he helped me find one down the road and offered to drop my 5 gallon jug back at my site up the hill so I didn’t have to carry it.
Droughts affect the mountain and campfire restrictions are common in the summer months. Waterfalls and creeks dry to a trickle. Majestic Bristlecone Pines well adept to the climate provide shade for many sites.
Legend
Stayed two nights with a few friends and we had two campsites next to each other. Because one of my friends brought a huge tent for just her and her daughter, my wife and I moved our tent off the main section of where you are supposed to place your tent. After we got set up and in the middle of making dinner for everyone, the host comes up and makes us move our tent… we were only a few feet away from the designated tent spot. We had the only two sites in a curve, so no other campsites where around. He sees my obviously pregnant wife by our tent and continues to tell us to move, and didn't even give us time to assist with making dinner. There was a total of 6 of us with 2 kids between 2 campsites. He ended up calling the LVMPD on us for being too loud at 7pm. Metro saw 2 kids and 4 adults and one who was pregnant and sided with us. He saw we weren't being loud and said he would talk to the host. This spot is one of my favorites in Mt. Charleston but the host is not great. Not sure what the issue really was, as hardly any of the sites were occupied. Would not recommend pulling a trailer around this site, there are two extremely tight turns. All tent campers except for one pop up pull trailer that was about 10 feet long.
LegendFor those who enjoy a good FREE campsite, this is a great site for getting away from the hustle of the city of Las Vegas and being able to enjoy the natural side of this area of Nevada. Close to lots of hiking or boondocks sites this site is a great place for the person who is wanting to set up a tent but have the comfort of a toilet.
This area is a great place to check out!
I found this space when wandering around close to Red Rock. I had sought out some camping in the area and found the Fish and Wildlife area and had to check it out. A lot of times I have found these free lands to be great for camping, well patrolled and lots of other like minded people enjoying the spaces. This one was the same!!
The campsite had a picnic table and fire ring so it was a pretty standard primitive dry camp. But what set it apart from some in the area was the friendly nature of those patrolling. We were there a while and a ranger pulled into camp and since we were outside of the tent he spoke to us about the grounds. You can stay here for up to 14 days they just ask that you respect the area and carry out all you carry in. He was very helpful in telling us the areas best for hiking and gave us a few ideas as to what to expect in way of wildlife in the area. SUPER HELPFUL!!
This campground itself is kinda small, only a few sites but they are spread far enough apart that you don't feel stacked on your neighbors. Throughout the area you will find boondocks in RVs and rigs all abiding by the same 14 day policy.
I will go back here during the cooler season for some more great camping. I LOVED it here!
There were only a few negatives I did find as a tent camper. High winds roll across this area and can create a lot of dust storms which were a problem on one of the days we were there, that made it a little difficult to enjoy the camp because there is no real shelter from this. Although this isn't an every day occurrence when it does happen it can completely ruin the day.
The only other negative was that it is kind of far from any civilization and with AT&T I had no signal, so this could make for some issues in case of an emergency.
TIPS:
Guide
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. I took a small road off to the right towards the mountain and found a pretty secluded site. My site had a rock fire ring from previous campers and a cleared away flat area for a tent. I brought a small table luckily because there was nowhere to put stuff other than hanging in the trees, on the ground or on a log. My tent is a 2 person 6ftx7ft tent and was too big for spot so my tent wasn’t positioned very well, other sites may have been better. I think because my site was a bit more off the main road it had fewer campers therefore was not as well kept. My site was very rocky and well covered by large trees, not another site within a 400 meter radius. I didn’t check out many other sites so can only speak for mine. It was a little dirty from previous campers, but after a quick walk through and clean up it was homey. Next time probably will find a little bit more “developed” spot with larger area for my tent and cleared away rocks. Great for the short time I was there and serve me well for getting away and hanging by the fire, listening to music and watching the stars. Definitely will be going back soon. Maybe do some thing to make the spot a little better for the next camper and bring bags to take your trash (and others trash) with you when you leave. Enjoy!
GuideThis was my first time camping at Hilltop. I reserved online, which is great, so when I got there I just pulled into the spot. The camp host came by and asked for either my ID or the reservation.
I stayed in Spot 1, which is nice if you want to be a little secluded, but I did have a lot of traffic noise when trucks or loud motorcycles came by. The tent area was level and smooth, which was a big help when Tent #1, which set up beautifully in my living room, refused to, in spite of much coaxing and cursing. 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. Spigots have been capped, and where there once were showers, there are now portable toilets. In the larger group areas, they (and the trash bins) fill up fast, but less so in the remainder of the campground. Walk a little bit farther and you'll likely find a cleaner portable. This campground is very tent friendly.
If you want truly incredible views, reserve spots 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18. 22, or 23. All are on the outside edge overlooking the valley below. There are also deer that graze when the campground is quieter, and nearby access to a lot of hiking areas.
TravelerRoomy site for my SUV with a rooftop tent. Great views of the nearby mountains. Clean and easy to get to. Great quick getaway from Las Vegas.
GuideI make several trips out here each year and can't say enough good things. The group sites are large and have nice big pavilions at each site with picnic tables and fire pits.
Each site has walkways leading to platforms for setting up a number of tents.
This area Is notorious for having moderate to high winds so be ready to stake out all corners including the vestibules. Winds here are predominantly out of the east but can switch out of the west overnight. BE LIBERAL WITH TENT STAKES!
Each site has running water, trash bins and a pit toilet.
Close proximity to Red Rock Canyon, Hiking Trails and Climbing Routes.
Tent camping near Mount Charleston, Nevada, offers a refreshing escape into nature with a variety of well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Charleston, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Charleston, NV is Champion Road Dispersed Campsites with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.
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