Best Tent Camping near Nellis Air Force Base, NV

Tent Camping Reviews near Nellis Air Force Base, NV

640 Reviews of 12 Nellis Air Force Base Campgrounds

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  Crystal C.

  Legend

  Jul. 23, 2018

  McWilliams Campground

  Summer Is So Much Better In The Mountains

  You 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:

  • Bring a light or headlamp. Not sure if it really doesn't have light or if it was just burned out, I didn't check again, but the bathroom was dark at night so you want to have a way to see.
  • Bring Cash or Check they didn't accept cards for the $25 nightly fee.

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• T

  Tim G.

  Guide

  Dec. 10, 2021

  Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground

  Low Cost Nice Campground close to Las Vegas

  If you get a chance take the scenic drive. The campground is just fine with vault toilets, and water but no showers, sewer dump, electric or other hookups. The location is very scenic. The facilities are well kept and the hosts on site are very nice. Many sites include a hard canopy over a paved patio, with picnic table and fire ring nearby. Each also had a large, level sand pad for pitching a tent.

• 

  Daphne W.

  Traveler

  Nov. 21, 2021

  Las Vegas Bay Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

  Great Place to Camp!

  Great experience. I arrived late at night and was still able to check in with a pay stub. Even though it’s mid/late November the weather was great! Just take a cool weather sleeping bag and you’ll be good.

  This campground is reservable 15 days in advance, but if you missed that deadline, there is first come-first serve camping as well. There were many spots open when I came. When you get here, scout for a spot, remember your site number and license plate info, and then go back to pay at the pay stub center (at the entrance of the campground).

  Its $20 a night to camp here. BRING CASH! :)

  No showers, just bathrooms.

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• 

  Brian C.

  Ranger

  Apr. 10, 2023

  Desert Eagle RV Park - Military Only

  Desert Eagle RV Park at Nellis Air Force Base: A Solid Option for RVers, Especially for Veterans and Retirees

  I recently stayed at the Desert Eagle RV Park at Nellis Air Force Base and overall, I was pleased with my experience. I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars. The location is excellent, and the facilities are generally well-maintained and clean.

  That being said, given that it's a military installation, I expected the park to be even cleaner and more squared away than it was. However, it was still pretty clean and well-maintained overall, with plenty of amenities for RVers.

  One of the best things about this RV park is that it's an excellent option for veterans or retired military personnel. If you fall into this category, I would highly recommend staying here. It's one of the best places to stay in the Las Vegas area, especially if you want to be close to Nellis Air Force Base.

  Overall, I would definitely consider staying at the Desert Eagle RV Park again if I were in the area. While it wasn't perfect, it had everything I needed for a comfortable stay, and the location couldn't be beat.

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• 

  Amy G.

  Legend

  Jul. 8, 2025

  Las Vegas Bay Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

  In the desert, but feels cozy somehow

  We landed in Vegas and headed straight out of the city to this campground.  I booked it online, not ever having seen it in person, but I'd stay again in an instant. 

  We had site 23 - very shaded and "green" - site 24 (not ours) was very open to the desert. 

  There is a no generator section meant for tents, but we didn't stay there as it seemed fully booked so I picked an RV/tent site at the far end.  And it was lovely.  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. A short walk to the bathroom (hundred yards maybe?) but they were clean and the toilets were the flush kind, not pit kind. Drinking water was available too. There were fire pits at each site and a picnic table. Our site - and I assume most - were dirt/sand mix that made for easy tent set up.  But don't count on getting your stakes into the ground. There were a lot of small rocks around the site - obviously used by many campers to "stake out" the tent with.  We did so as well. 

  The campground as a whole was a short drive off the main road, but very easy to get to. 

  Absolutely I'd stay here again.

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• 

  Denny B.

  Guide

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Hilltop

  Amazing Views If You Know Which Sites

  This 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.

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• 

  Daniel G.

  Traveler

  Apr. 5, 2022

  Desert Pass Campground

  Great getaway in the high desert.

  At an elevation of 6200 ft this is a great place to get away from it all. But there are some things that those coming here should know. There is NO RUNNING WATER. Be prepared to bring your own if you are staying for any length of time.

  There is NO CELLULAR SERVICE. The "toilets" are vault toilets (fancy outhouses) that are not regularly maintained, but were also reasonably clean.

  There are 7 sites total. Two up one side on a small hill, two by the first vault toilet, one in the middle, and then a group site with two tent pads by the second vault toilet.

  Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and tent pad. Bring your own firewood. Pack out your trash.

  I was there for 3 nights, when we arrived we were the only people there until late in our second day.

  The roads were passable with a hearty 2wd truck/SUV, but 4wd is recommended. You will NOT get to this campground in a car. You need ground clearance to make it up the rough roads.

  Weather was pleasant & dry. Nights were cold to cool. Lots of sun. Pack the sunscreen - ask me how I know.

  Overall a great place to getaway to if you need a break from civilization.

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• M

  Michael

  Ranger

  Oct. 1, 2023

  Atlatl Rock Campground — Valley of Fire State Park

  Nice rocks Hot weather

  Arch rock campground is further up the road from Atlanta campground. It used to be a first come first serve campground, but just this month changed to a reservation system. If a site is not reserved and it is after 3pm, you can pay the iron ranger $10 for the site. Arch rock sites are more scenic than the other campground, but also more primitive with just vault toilet and water spigots distributed throughout the camp. No electricity. Desert big horn sheep do frequent the area. It can be very hot temperature. Sites are only modestly separated with little screening. Though the sites further up the loop are more dispersed. Each site has sun shade, table, fire ring, and 12’x12’ tent pads. No T-Mobile.

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• 

  Ryan F.

  Guide

  Aug. 27, 2025

  Desert Pass Campground

  25 Miles away...But a world of difference

  If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the heat and bustle of Las Vegas, this campsite Desert Pass in the Mormon Pass is the perfect getaway. 

  Just a short drive away, you’re instantly transported into cooler mountain air surrounded by beautiful pine and juniper trees. The elevation makes a huge difference in temperature—what feels awful and unbearable in the valley becomes a refreshing and comfortable summer retreat here. 

  The site itself is well-maintained, with clean and convenient pit toilets that make camping much more pleasant for families. The grounds are spacious, with plenty of room to spread out and set up camp comfortably. The trees not only provide shade but also add to the serene, scenic setting. Be smart, bring water, there is NO water available at this location. During the summer months also be cautious of the bees. We had a MASSIVE presence of bees once we brought the water and cups out, they are just as thirsty as you are up there! 

  Whether you’re relaxing at camp, exploring the trails, or just enjoying the cooler mountain air, this spot offers the kind of quiet and beauty that feels like it’s worlds away, even though it’s only about 25 miles from Las Vegas. 

  A great location for families, adventurers, or anyone wanting a quick but refreshing reset in nature!

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