Best Dispersed Camping near Pahrump, NV
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Pahrump? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Pahrump, NV (27)
1. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Blue Diamond, Nevada51 Reviews•190 Photos•766 SavesA large part of the Spring Mountains is remote and undeveloped. Visitors can venture out and set up camp in these remote areas with just a little planning from the guidelines below The best known areas in the Spring Mountains include Mack's Canyon, Champion Road, and Lovell Canyon but those can get crowded in warm weather. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive or hike out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot with a nice view or good shade. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed outside a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream or spring. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines. - Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 100 feet of any water source, as plants near water are especially fragile. - Do not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting - Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage. Going to the Bathroom in the Woods Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six (6) inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. A ziplock bag is helpful for this. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground since it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Treating Your Water We used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of the sparkling creek, a rushing waterfall, or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water source anymore. With an increasing population and visitation to the Spring Mountains, water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting and wild animals to many water sources. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems. The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
Pahrump, Nevada13 Reviews•30 Photos•104 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
Mount Charleston, Nevada17 Reviews•54 Photos•285 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park
Death Valley, California23 Reviews•89 Photos•748 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
5. Mack's Canyon Dispersed
Mount Charleston, Nevada15 Reviews•41 Photos•206 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
$50 / night
6. Mt. Charleston Dispersed
Mount Charleston, Nevada8 Reviews•28 Photos•122 SavesOver 50 miles of maintained trails wind through the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, along with 4 campgrounds, 7 picnic areas, and remote areas for dispersed camping.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Shoshone - Tecopa - Dispersed
Shoshone, California7 Reviews•47 Photos•121 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Ash Meadows Dispersed Camping
Pahrump, Nevada5 Reviews•19 Photos•215 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
10. Mesquite Rd BLM Dispersed
Pahrump, Nevada1 Review•2 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Pahrump
163 Reviews of 27 Pahrump Campgrounds
Mark D.
Traveler
Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Panoramic Views
Great views for sunrise and sunset. Dispersed camping with plenty of space between sites. Rock fire rings but expect no facilities. We only stayed one night but would stay here again! Cell service was excellent.
Ericka C.
Guide
Spring Mountains Dispersed
Peaceful and pretty
We got in late, but had no problem finding it and setting up. We just stayed for one night, but it was great. It’s right by Sawmill Trail head if you are going there.
- BBeverley G.Traveler
Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Peaceful, wonderful scenery
I often stop here when I’m near Vegas. It’s mostly quiet except for holiday weekends. Places to hike and wonderful views. No amenities, pack it in and Pack it out.
Dan B.Traveler
Wheeler Pass
Quiet stop after Death Valley
Spent one full day and night here after spending about a week in the park. Absolutely amazing spots close to town but far enough at the same time. Minimal cover from the wind is the only drawback. 3 bars 5g with ATT and booster, pulling 300mbps with redzone wireless.
ron R.
RangerLovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Very quiet totally private
This is my third night of 5. Every night has been very quiet. There are campers around but you barely hear them or see them during the day. At night you could sometimes catch a light. T-Mobile cell service for the phone calls is great for data it's. Almost done existent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
KING K.
Scout
Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
Donkey poop and dirt
For an rv like 3 spots not even spots just turn arounds at start of shitty road other than that do not go unless you have dirt bike..etc stayed maybe 1 hr barely cooler than vegas went
- JJeffreyScout
Champion Road Dispersed Campsites
Shaded private camping
Was so nice to get out of Vegas and have trees around! We enjoyed a relatively cool day and just enjoyed the nature.
Keep in mind that as other have mentioned, many people leave trash, ride ATVs, play music, etc.
You can not have fires, only propane, fuel stoves with a shut off.
T-Mobile has no signal here.
- MMichael G.Ranger
Gass Peak Rd Camping Area
Not good anymore
This used to be an area where you can camp but it is closed off now. You can maybe park 3 cars and then walk to a spot to setup a tent. About 1:30 in the morning, at least 20 OHVs came by blasting Mexican music and waving Mexican flags. Just ruined the experience.
- DDallas C.Traveler
Mack's Canyon Dispersed
Great Views
Parking Coordinates: (36.3636285, -115.6685757)
Relatively easy dirt road. This spot was located right before the road closure. Was able to fit the truck and a ground tent with amazing views overlooking the valley below. Visited June 22nd it was 110 in the city but up here at 7700 feet it was a nice 85-90 during the day and a cool 65-70 at night. Not a lot of tree shade at this spot but if you create your own it helps during the day.
Brittany T.ScoutChampion Road Dispersed Campsites
People ruin it
Fair warning, my boyfriend and I camped on the Saturday of Father's Day weekend so this may have skewed my rating.
The campsite was amazing! Private, very big for just the two of us, and a good combination of sun and shade. The site was very easy to get to in a 4WD truck even on the narrow two way road, smaller cars may have some issues. The views were limited but beautiful! It was hot during the day and wonderfully chilly at night. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and good food that you can eat cold or heat up on a propane stove - no fires allowed!
The bugs were BAD all day, I swore off DEET but that trip I would've bathed in it. I was very excited for a quiet get away and quiet I did not get because of a group that rode their ATV up and down Champion road incessantly. Due to this, the dust was absolutely horrible and unfortunately the birds stayed away which is my favorite part of camping :(. The campsite was LITTERED with used pieces of toilet paper, baby wipes, glass, plastic - all the trash you can think of. We spent about a hour trying to pick up as much trash as possible, please do the same. We decided to call it a night when the sun set however people were blasting music in a neighboring campsite... why do people play loud music in nature? No clue.
So to summarize, my boyfriend and I had a WONDERFUL trip however inconsiderate people really know how to test a camper's patience.
- FFelix S.Guide
Spring Mountains Dispersed
Further up the mountain
We went further up near intersection of 157 and 158. Lots of open spots and almost no one around. Height of your rig could limit site selection. Even with high roof Sprinter we had some issues with low branches. Lots of shade. No real views, but lots of privacy. Some trash. Not horrible, but a good reminder to pick up after yourself so we can keep these public lands open.
- KKerstin S.Scout
Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Easy access
There are several spots to camp. Beautiful sight.
Danielle R.ScoutLovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Gorgeous
Stayed for one night during the week and wasn't surprised by the higher traffic based on the other reviews. Nice spot to get out of the heat and enjoy the beautiful terrain.
Caroline D.TravelerLovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Several campsites demarcated by vegetation, very pleasant and lots of possibilities
We arrived before sunset, full of small spots along the road, which allows everyone to have their own space surrounded by vegetation. We have a van, it is easy to leave the main concrete road to enter the pitches, some are bumpier than others. The sites I saw were clean with leftover campfire pits. I recommend this spot, it is specific to Death Valley and located 30 minutes from Red Rock or 1 hour from Las Vegas. For the night of May 2, no problem with the wind, very good weather conditions
Shannon D.ScoutHarris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
Safety issues here
None of the other reviews mention that there's a rehab center compound located here with lots of in and out traffic at all hours. We spoke with a local ranger and that's how we learned about it because it's hidden. We then looked it up online and read scary reviews about it. Others need to be aware and make their own decisions. We also found questionable items in our site here.
Christina A.Scout
Sandy Valley Road
Garbage everywhere
Lots of spots, but the area is trashed. Garbage all over the place and used tires, looks like folks use this area as a dump. Also looks like there are some folks living in a fifth wheel near the highway.
Sue B.Guide
Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park
Convenient and quiet
Nice place to camp for free if you don't mind having some neighbors. Close to the highway but little traffic noise. Worked well for an overnight before going into the park the next morning.
- Sue B.Guide
Ash Meadows Dispersed Camping
No camping in the refuge
Be careful, the location this takes you to is a wildlife refuge. It is posted as day use only, no camping. A super cool place to visit during the day. Be sure you are not on private property or within the refuge and there are spots to pull over to camp in your vehicle.
Samantha M.GuideDeath Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park
So much space!
Large space, you can park on the pads or the dirt. Very close to the park. Right off the highway and easy to find. No water, no restrooms and no cell service. Be careful if you tent camp off the pads. My tent got some holes from the tiny rocks, even with a good foot print. Some are just very pointy. Overall great free spot, can’t complain. Would definitely camp there again.
- MMichael G.Ranger
Echo Canyon Rd
Remote free camping
This was so peaceful and quiet. The road is gravel but recommend 4x4 with clearance.
The new setup is the sites are designated and must be reserved at the visitor center. The Ranger was really helpful.
Ken W.ScoutLovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Moto camping
Search for a clean area. Up higher. Seems like lower down people leave a mess.
Sarah M.Guide
Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
Pretty views, but pretty sketchy area and so much trash
The options were nice and the views were gorgeous but there seems to be a lot of long term living people around in their cars as well as a decently large homeless population around. I didn’t feel very safe so I only stayed one night. Along with that, there was so much litter and trash.
- Sarah M.Guide
Harris Springs / Spring Mountains Dispersed
Lots of space, easy to get to, nice views!
This was a short drive north of Vegas, and it’s worth it to get up into the mountains! The views are great, and it’s a fun place to explore. There’s a spot right off the road and then a few spots as you go up the road.
- Jean F.Traveler
Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
Awesome and Free!
Great spot for whatever you are camping in. Lots of spots. Got there after dark and found a spot with no problem. Spectacular scenery, especially at the top. A little bumpy, but our Airstream Interstate X had no problem. Plenty of spots for big rigs.
- HHunter P.Traveler
Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
Good Dispersed Area
Beautiful view overlooking the town and mountains. Quite a few pull off areas as you go up Wheeler rd, I ended up parking at coordinates: (36.2420331, -115.9001200). Well maintained gravel road getting up here.
- JJaden J.Guide
Death Valley: Dispersed Camping East Side of Park
Great spot!
Super easy to find a few miles before the entrance to Death Valley. Theres a ton of pads to park on, in a few different sections along the road. The section I was in had 10+ pads, each with their own fire pit. I was lucky enough to get the whole section to myself so it was very quiet and peaceful! Definitely recommend, but no water or bathrooms so come prepared.
- EEmily P.Traveler
Wheeler Pass Road Dispersed
Great spot, very private, but WINDY
Not sure how fun this would be in a tent, but we slept in the back of our vehicle up on top of a cliff surrounded by Joshua trees. Very sweet spot to spend the night.
We took a right off of the main road towards the gravel pit and took a left which headed up to a secluded location.
Guide to Pahrump
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pahrump, Nevada, where you can escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect getaway for camping enthusiasts.
Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Pahrump
- Experience breathtaking vistas at Mack's Canyon Dispersed, where you can set up your tent and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below.
- The Wheeler Pass area provides beautiful overlooks of the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal spot for photography and stargazing.
- For those seeking a quieter experience, Mt. Charleston Dispersed offers serene landscapes and cooler temperatures, perfect for escaping the summer heat.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Pahrump, Nevada
- Always check for fire restrictions before lighting a campfire, especially in areas like Wheeler Pass, which can be prone to wildfires.
- Bring all necessary supplies, as many dispersed sites, such as Ash Meadows Dispersed Camping, lack amenities like water and trash disposal.
- Be prepared for varying road conditions; for instance, the access to Mack's Canyon Dispersed can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers
- Explore the unique geological features at Shoshone - Tecopa - Dispersed, which is conveniently located near hot springs and offers a peaceful retreat.
- The Cathedral Canyon area is rich in history and provides an intriguing backdrop for camping, with its eerie yet fascinating past.
- For those looking for a more social experience, Mesquite Rd BLM Dispersed is popular among groups and offers ample space for larger gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pahrump, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pahrump, NV is Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain) with a 4.5-star rating from 51 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pahrump, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 dispersed camping locations near Pahrump, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.