Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape surrounding Nellis Air Force Base, particularly in the desert terrain of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Vehicle accessibility varies significantly between sites, with some roads requiring high-clearance 4WD while others accommodate standard passenger vehicles on maintained gravel surfaces.
What to do
Desert hiking trails: Near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, campers can access various trail systems. "The trails vary in terrain from rocky to nice flat sandy treks. There is climbing available and if you're patient enough and have a quick eye, you can spot wildlife. We were fortunate enough to see a Kit Fox running around," notes John W.
Wildlife viewing: The Las Vegas Bay area offers abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. At Las Vegas Bay Campground, Lance E. reports, "Easy access from Las Vegas, but feels a world away. The sites over looking the wash allow you to hear a river while you sleep! At night I've always heard coyotes and owls."
Rock climbing: Red Rock Canyon provides numerous climbing routes for various skill levels. Patrick L. advises, "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."
What campers like
Temperature relief: The higher elevation areas offer escape from Las Vegas heat. At Blue Tree Group Camp, abraham K. notes it's "10-15 degrees cooler than Vegas" with "clean bathrooms" despite "some trash left around campsites."
Secluded spots: For those seeking isolation, Road Runner Cove delivers privacy. As Overland Pioneer describes, "This place is hard to get to but worth it. It's very isolated and secluded and it surrounded by trees. If you can make it you can camp and have A whole lake to yourself. Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from."
Urban proximity with natural disconnect: Many sites balance accessibility with wilderness feel. Amy G. says of Las Vegas Bay Campground: "We landed in Vegas and headed straight out of the city to this campground. The site was in the middle of a turn around, so we were in the 'donut center' so to speak and it was quiet, shaded and beautiful. Lot of palms and oleander that gave a lot of privacy."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Eight Mile Dispersed Camping requires navigating rough roads. Kiley S. warns, "I've driven down other washboard roads but even with some speed this road was so tough on my van. We made it and the views and solitude were worth it but it was a loud, bumpy, stressful 2 mile ride."
Limited services: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic facilities. Greg L. notes about Eight Mile, "Dumpsters at top by Northshore hwy but nothing later, no toilets or other facilities. I would never haul a trailer in there. 7 day limit free camping."
Cell coverage: Connectivity varies by location. Jamie H. shares about Blue Tree Group Camp: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Quiet areas for children: Las Vegas Bay provides family-friendly spaces. Bonnie C. recommends, "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!! Sites are small. RVs larger than 31 ft will have a hard time fitting."
Safety considerations: When considering equestrian camping near Nellis Air Force Base, safety is paramount. At Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, there are warnings about weather conditions: "You definitely cannot camp here in the rain. It's a wash...so that would get dangerous," cautions Jamie H.
Educational opportunities: Red Rock Canyon offers learning experiences. John W. suggests, "Vegas is great, but it's not really my kind of town. I prefer getting out of the city and getting back to nature. Red Rocks is a great place to make that happen. It's right outside of Vegas and offers a huge amount of pristine desert beauty."
Tips from RVers
Military options: Desert Eagle RV Park offers premium facilities for eligible personnel. T K. explains, "The only way to this campsite is getting onto Nellis AFB. You have to be active or retired military. This is by far the best, cleanest, nicest, best shade coverage, mostly pull thrus, tons of mature trees for shade, and the safest."
Size limitations: Know your vehicle measurements before arrival. Regarding Las Vegas Bay, SpentBrassOffroad B. notes, "Spots we nice and level overlooked a small canyon. Campmhost was an older gentleman and was super nice. Water available and very clean bathrooms. Was plenty of vegetation between the campsites."
Hookup availability: Most dispersed camping near Nellis AFB lacks services. For horse-friendly camping near Nellis Air Force Base, consider that Eight Mile Dispersed Camping offers more space but fewer amenities. Michael B. advises, "While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in there campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock... We love coming here because it is not usually busy and we like our own quiet space. There's also a lot of room for the dogs to run around."
