Best Campgrounds near Overton, NV
The desert landscape surrounding Overton, Nevada features a diverse range of camping options within a 20-mile radius. Valley of Fire State Park, located 12 miles west of town, offers two developed campgrounds—Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock—with sites nestled among dramatic red sandstone formations. For those seeking free alternatives, several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping areas exist, including Snowbird Mesa (also known as Poverty Flats) and Sand Mine Road #110, both situated on rocky plateaus northeast of town. Lake Mead National Recreation Area provides additional options at Stewart's Point and Echo Bay, where campers can find sites with varying proximity to the water. These camping areas accommodate both tent and RV camping, with established campgrounds providing more amenities while dispersed sites offer greater solitude.
Weather conditions significantly impact camping experiences in this high desert region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for most visitors. Winter brings cooler temperatures but occasional strong winds, particularly at exposed mesa locations. As one camper noted, "It does get windy. Great place to stay while visiting Valley of Fire. No amenities. The town of Overton has everything you need." Flash flooding can occur during monsoon season (July-September), potentially making some dirt access roads impassable. Cell service is generally good throughout the area, with Verizon and T-Mobile providing reliable coverage at most sites. Many dispersed areas have stay limits ranging from 14 days to seasonal (October-May) permissions.
Wildlife encounters add dimension to the camping experience around Overton. Campers at Stewart's Point frequently mention hearing wild burros braying at night, while coyotes are commonly heard but rarely seen. As one visitor observed, "The local wild burros will serenade you at 3 AM. And the coyotes are vocal as well—be extremely careful to keep pets, especially smaller ones, close." Desert tortoise sightings occur occasionally on less-traveled trails in Valley of Fire State Park. Established campgrounds within the state park fill quickly, especially during weekends and holidays, with first-come, first-served sites often claimed by mid-morning. Visitors appreciate the town of Overton for resupply needs, with a grocery store, hardware store, and laundromat available. Free dump stations and water fill locations can be found at Echo Bay for those staying at dispersed sites.
