Eight Mile Dispersed Camping offers equestrian opportunities in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Henderson, Nevada. The terrain includes desert scrub and open spaces suitable for horses, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, making fall through spring the most comfortable seasons for horseback camping in this area.
What to Do
Explore Lake Mead Shoreline: Trail riding along the receding shoreline provides access to secluded coves and desert terrain. "I camped here this weekend for the first time. I have T-Mobile and was pleasantly surprised to have a bar or 2 of 4G LTE service. Most of Lee Canyon does not have any service," notes a visitor to Blue Tree Group Camp.
Wildlife Observation: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot desert wildlife including coyotes, quail, and occasionally wild burros. "We love this place. Everyone has been super friendly... The dog park is nice. There are several on the grounds. Also, walking trails. I would caution about the Cacti with your animals. Watch those paws," reports a camper at Desert Eagle RV Park.
Kayaking Excursions: Launch points near camping areas provide water access for day trips. "We Camp in the roofnest tent and Kayaking the next morning. What a epic experience," shares an Eight Mile Road visitor.
What Campers Like
Solitude and Space: The dispersed nature of equestrian camping areas provides ample separation between sites. "We love coming here because it is not usually busy and we like our own quiet space. There's also a lot of room for the dogs to run around," explains a reviewer at Eight Mile Road Boondocking.
Accessibility to Las Vegas: The proximity to Las Vegas allows for day trips into the city while maintaining a base camp. "Love this campground. Easy access from Las Vegas, but feels a world away. Lots of big trees and bushes make the campground feel like an oasis," notes a visitor to Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Temperature Relief: Higher elevation sites provide escape from summer heat. "Clean bathrooms, 10-15 degrees cooler than Vegas. Some trash left around campsites, but nothing disqualifying," reports a Blue Tree Group Camp visitor.
What You Should Know
Road Conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas can be challenging. "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," warns an Eight Mile Road camper.
Limited Facilities: Most equestrian camping requires complete self-sufficiency. "Total boon docking and rough roads. But it's free and you can literally camp where you want... Note if you need an actual bathroom at the entrance of government wash you have a bathroom," advises a visitor.
Summer Heat Precautions: Desert temperatures require additional water planning for horses and humans. "Temps were at 102 during the day and 70s at night," notes a Desert Eagle RV Park camper.
Seasonal Considerations: Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures for horse camping. "Had an overall good experience camping here! Keep in mind that fires may not be allowed if a No Fire mandate is being enforced. Fire pits in this campsite will have a little yellow flag in them as a reminder," advises a Searchlight BLM visitor.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water Recreation Planning: Lake access points require advance scouting. "This place is hard to get to but worth it. It's very isolated and secluded and it surrounded by trees. If you can make it you can camp and have A whole lake to yourself. Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from," explains a visitor to Road Runner Cove.
Shelter Essentials: Shade structures are critical for desert camping with children. "Lots of open areas with flat grounds for tents and plenty of greenage between other spots and if you have 4 wheel drive you can go pretty much anywhere and find a neat camp spot," suggests a Blue Tree Group Camp reviewer.
Wildlife Education: Teaching children about desert ecology enhances the experience. "At night, you could still see the light from Vegas but we had a pretty awesome view of the sky regardless. This entire area is so amazing," shares a Red Rock Canyon visitor.
Tips from RVers
Level Site Selection: Finding suitable spots for larger rigs requires scouting. "The sites are a first come first served basis. There are paved parking pads, concrete table, bbq grill, and fire rings at each site. View of a canyon stream, some coyotes heard at night," describes a Las Vegas Bay camper.
Water Management: No hookups means careful water planning. "For a campground that doesn't remind you of a ghost town, try Boulder Beach Campground, just south of here," advises another Las Vegas Bay Campground visitor.
Security Considerations: Some areas have reported theft issues. "This is a good spot if you just need to stop for the night. It's a great alternative to a truck stop or a Walmart because a) apparently there's an ordinance and Vegas Walmarts don't allow overnight parking and b) it's so quiet here / no idling trucks all night," notes a Searchlight BLM camper.
