Dispersed camping near North Las Vegas, Nevada occurs primarily on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200 and 7,000 feet, creating temperature variations of up to 30 degrees between desert floor and mountain locations. Access typically requires driving on unpaved roads that range from well-graded gravel to rough washboard conditions requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Mead: Camp at Kingman Wash for easy water access. "Access to lake mead, plenty of little pull offs scattered throughout a small valley to set up camp in, a vault toilet, and a herd of Burros roaming around. Incredible views of lake mead and the surrounding elevation!" notes Tim R.
Wildlife viewing: Wild burros are common at several dispersed sites. At Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed, Laura M. reports, "Lots of wild donkeys in this area! Also, a dog adventure company hauls in van loads of dogs from Vegas to run free here which is a fun thing to see!"
Hiking: Explore trails in cooler mountain areas during summer months. "We had great views and good cross country hiking. No amenities. You are boondocking here," shares Leah W. about dispersed areas near Lake Mead.
Stargazing: Desert locations offer night sky viewing opportunities, though proximity to Las Vegas limits visibility at some sites. Bring extra lighting as many campers note the darkness after sunset.
What campers like
Temperature relief: Mountain locations offer escape from summer heat. At Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping, Cole P. found it "needed a place to beat the heat while passing through Vegas, was a good 20 degrees cooler."
Privacy options: Many areas offer secluded sites if you're willing to drive further. Arthur W. notes about Lovell Canyon, "There are several sites to camp through the valley area just off the main road. It gets busy on the weekends but if you look enough you can still find a site in a somewhat secluded area."
Site spacing: At BLM dispersed camping west of Valley of Fire, campers appreciate defined areas. "It's a really great place to camp very close to the Valley of Fire. Most people camp pretty close to the main road, but if you follow the dirt road down a little further there are some really private sites that are much nicer," shares Jamie H.
Water views: Lakeside camping provides scenic vistas. "We camped with amazing views of the lake. For camping this was the penthouse. I couldn't ask for a better site," reports Marion B. about Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads range from moderately maintained to very rough. Josh F. warns about Harris Springs, "When you pull up to the campsite, you will immediately be intimidated by the steep and windy road up the cliff to access the campsites. It's actually quite wide, smooth, and easy to drive up without any issues (27ft travel trailer)."
Site selection timing: Arrive early, especially on weekends. "Good but saturated. Really fun spot, but don't get there later at night or it could be hard to get a spot. Super pretty to wake up and see in the morning though," advises Carter G. about Kingman Wash.
Environmental challenges: High winds affect several camping areas. One camper at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping notes, "We saw some awesome sunsets here, but I wouldn't say this spot had anything unique about it. The road is rough, you definitely cannot camp here in the rain. It's a wash...so that would get dangerous."
Noise levels: Weekend traffic and neighboring campers can impact experience. "We outfitted our travel trailer with solar so we can RR at dispersed sites like this. WINDY," reports Jason M. about Government Wash area.
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Pack insect repellent for lakeside camping. At Kingman Wash, Amy G. advises, "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!"
Safety considerations: Some locations have rough terrain or environmental hazards. "Wear water shoes and bring protection from the weather elements. It gets hot so pack a lot of water and sunblock. Totally family-friendly, So bring rafts and fishing gear," recommends a camper about lake areas.
Animal encounters: Prepare children for wildlife sightings. Near Muddy Mountains, campers regularly see desert wildlife. "Beautiful spot in the desert with no one around," notes Brittany N.
Site selection: Choose established sites with fire rings for convenience. "We arrived before sunset, full of small spots along the road, which allows everyone to have their own space surrounded by vegetation," reports Caroline D. about Lovell Canyon.
Tips from RVers
Solar power: Many sites lack hookups, making solar setups valuable. "This is a beautiful spot to visit for the day, as there is no camping allowed by the water or the 'boat ramp' but you can camp anywhere along the dirt road leading up to the lake," advises Chelsea K.
Leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly, even within camping areas. Mike M. notes, "Rough road in but larger rigs can make it without getting stuck if careful. Only issue is with the water so low the level stuff is way back."
Site selection: Scout locations during daylight hours. Amy G. suggests at Kingman Wash, "Very long bumpy road - so do this in the daytime unless you have a high clearance vehicle. You need to be able to see the road, the holes and the edges."
Washboard roads: Drive slowly to minimize vehicle stress. Kiley S. warns about Eight Mile Road, "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."
