Best Glamping near North Las Vegas, NV

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.

Enormous group campground. Went for a family gathering. Lots of shade from the gnarly pine trees growing all over the campground. Plenty of spots to hang a hammock or put a tent. Lots of already built seating in the form of stone benches.

Vault toilets were decently clean. Water is usually available but was not when I was there. Fires were also forbidden when I was there as there because of wildfire fears.

Very close to the Mt Charleston North Loop Trail. Since I was with family I did not attempt it (it’s 10+ miles long), but we did go hike at nearby Robber’s Roost which is easy. I have done the North Loop in the past, and the Rain Tree is definitely worth seeing if you can make the hike.

Gear Review: This contains a review of MuckBoots Fieldblazer boots, which were provided to me free of charge***

I was extremely excited to win a MuckBoots giftcard from The Dyrt in the June contest for Nevada. After intense deliberation, I decided to go with the Muck Fieldblazer. Although I don’t hunt, I do stomp around in the woods near my grandmother’s in Placerville California. I have also experienced miserable wet and muddy days camping at Mt. Charleston while my socks are wet from the rain. I’ve had a few chances to test the water resistance when it rained here in Las Vegas last July. They handled the above the ankle deep running water wonderfully and kept my socks dry.

After establishing their waterproof credentials, I decided to give their wearability a try on the Robber’s Roost trail, which is about short hike up to a cave, about a mile round trip. I didn’t get any blisters, and though they were somewhat tight on my calves it didn’t cause any issues.

Overall they were excellent waterproof general use boots. Because of their size I wouldn’t take them on extended backpacking trips, but for hikes and tromping around in muddy or wet environments they are perfect.

Check out The Original Muck Boot Company here: http://www.muckbootcompany.com/

Of the campgrounds I checked out in this area I found this one to be one of the nicer ones. Unlike some which had a lot of random garbage this one was well maintained and looked like those who stayed respected the area more.

Sites here were smaller than most but since I stay in a tent of course I had plenty space for my car and tent alike without struggle. I do not see this working well for longer rigs though that need a pull through that is much longer.

I had plenty of space between me and my neighbor and with some low level brush it stopped any of the brash winds from effecting me at night. I had a picnic table and fire ring, standard to most camping sites and that made for a perfect set up for me as I don't really need all that extra most of the time.

The weather was nice other than the wind when I was there so I didn't have any reason to need to plug anything in to keep cool but I do know I wouldn't even attempt to stay here after late May it just gets way to hot. Not to mention they do have a lot of snakes in this area when the heat gets to that point, so no thanks!

The night was quiet, I had read that there were a lot of coyotes but I heard none in the area instead only the sounds of someones RV making a humming noise a few sites over.

The bathrooms were well kept and there was water scattered throughout the campground which made it easy to access. My only complaint in regard to either of these was that the bathrooms did maybe need a bit of restock, but since I am always prepared that wasn't an issue. I would suggest also always being prepared!

TIPS:

• Don't leave trash at your site or food outside of your vehicle if you are in a tent. While I did not hear coyotes others have reported that not to be the case. Many times these animals are out because they smell food and are wanting to look for it.
• Take advantage of lake views for great sunset pictures. I was so upset by the time I got to my campsite I had used all my battery and missed some of the best views of the day.
• Check out hiking in this area. One of the best trails nearby is just a couple miles up at White Owl Canyon. It is marked on this map, however if you go and get a map from rangers you will not find the trail, this is because it is a wash area and is closed from time to time. Simply ask for directions to the trailhead when passing though the rangers station.