Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area provides camping access within 30 minutes of Nellis Air Force Base. Located at 3,600 feet elevation, the area offers desert camping with temperatures that can fluctuate up to 30 degrees between day and night. Military personnel seeking pet friendly camping near Nellis Air Force Base will find options ranging from on-base facilities to nearby civilian RV parks and dispersed sites.
What to do
Desert hiking trails: Red Rock Canyon features multiple difficulty levels of hiking paths suitable for all ages. "Love this campground!!!! A lot of nice hikes to go on and things to see. Always very clean and quiet and well! Just be careful if it's windy as the dust can kick up pretty bad," notes a visitor to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground.
Rock climbing: The canyon walls provide numerous climbing opportunities for beginners and experts. "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 a climber.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Mead recreation areas offer chances to spot desert wildlife including wild burros. A camper at Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area reports: "We had two that visited us (please don't feed them!) and were a delightful change of wildlife from the bears and deer we are used to back home. You could hear them 'talking' near the water later that eve."
Water recreation: Lake Mead provides paddle boarding opportunities even in hot weather. "The water is great and is perfect for my paddleboard! Weather wise be prepared for the heat. It was 101°F when we arrived, 80° at night. Bring lots of water to drink!"
What campers like
Convenience to Las Vegas attractions: Many RV parks offer easy Strip access without Strip prices. At Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town, "Located next to a casino and a short drive to the strip, this KOA has friendly staff and nice facilities. It's also across the street from a Walmart for anything you forgot."
Off-Strip casino proximity: Several campgrounds provide direct access to local casinos with better odds. "Excellent facility short walk to Sams Town Casino. Off strip old school casino. The angry butcher restaurant however little surprise you with the quality of steaks as the food served as a very reasonable price always love visiting this old style casino."
Dispersed camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate free camping near Lake Mead. At Kingman Wash, campers note: "This campground is amazing! There are bathrooms, but I did not use them. The 3 mile off road was a little intimidating with my 20ft camper but we made it! So worth it!"
Security features: Many Las Vegas area RV parks offer gated access and 24-hour security. "Las Vegas RV Resort is gated with a person at the gate 24/7. The restrooms were very clean and the swimming pool was not crowded at all."
What you should know
Airport and military jet noise: Nellis flight operations create significant noise, particularly during training exercises. At Hitchin' Post RV Park, a camper warns: "Proximity to Nellis AFB flyovers. Started at 7 am and were on/off all day. If you want a place to sleep in, this is not it. I love planes and jets, but this park is on the flight path."
Extreme temperature variations: Desert camping requires preparation for temperature swings. At Red Rock Campground, "Conditions in the region change fast and can be extreme. Be prepared."
Off-road access challenges: Some dispersed camping sites require careful driving. At Kingman Wash, a visitor notes: "Getting there is something you really have to want to do. The road is about 3 miles, but takes about 25 minutes to traverse. It's hilly, bumpy and holey. High clearance vehicle suggested, but we made it in a Kia Soul!"
Limited site privacy: Many RV parks feature tightly packed spaces. "The spaces are very tight together partially because the occupants don't follow the site lines on the ground. We saw several that parked on the line and extended their slide outs into the area of the next RV'er, therefore, they were unable to extend their awning."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access important: During summer months, pools provide essential relief from heat. At Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort, "Fun times at the separate swimming pool area for adults and kids which is open late for some night swimming. 18 hole mini golf course, restaurant, and mini mart onsite. Easy taxi or uber ride to the strip."
Consider flight patterns: When camping with children, noise-sensitive sleepers may struggle near the base. As one camper noted, "Sleeping in can be difficult though, after 7am expect to hear planes, helicopters or jets starting to take off."
Alternative entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly attractions beyond typical camping. "This RV park has everything! The spaces are large and mostly pull-through. There is lots of shade, which is very important in Las Vegas. There are two nice swimming pools with hot tubs, a bowling alley, a casino... There is a dog park and an 18 screen movie theater."
Seasonal considerations: Plan early or late season visits for milder temperatures. "The cumulative heat in the summer months can make traditional camping difficult. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures with highs in the 70s-80s instead of 100+."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request specific sites when possible. "If you call in your reservation you can request a specific spot number and there is a map of the camp ground on the website."
Shade importance: RVers emphasize finding sites with mature trees. "There is no shade. It was 112f and the sun was beating down, even at night it was 90+. The splash pad was actually not bad, and you get in without a fee. It was the only saving grace against the heat."
Military base access requirements: For on-base camping, prepare for security procedures. "We did check our personal weapons at the armory upon arrival, and the process did take about an hour, but it was painless. Check-in was very quick. Our camp site (37) is nice. we have some trees at the site that do help with this sweltering heat."
Keep stabilization equipment handy: Uneven sites are common in the area. "Our spot was very hard to get level in even with auto level... we had SO many leveling blocks under the back. No bench, no fire pit, nothing extra."
