Dispersed camping spots near Henderson, Nevada range from basic desert pullouts to developed sites with amenities along Lake Mead. Located in the Mojave Desert at approximately 1,900 feet elevation, Henderson experiences temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. Most camping areas have no natural shade, requiring campers to bring their own shelter from the intense desert sun.
What to do
Lake activities: 30 minutes from Henderson: Kingman Wash offers direct lake access for paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing. "Beautiful scenery but under flight path for airport and motorcycles up early on weekend," notes Bob M., highlighting the trade-offs of this location.
Wildlife viewing: Wild burros: Several camping areas near Lake Mead host resident wild burros, descendants of animals abandoned by miners decades ago. At Kingman Wash, one camper reported, "We had two that visited us (please don't feed them!) and were a delightful change of wildlife from the bears and deer we are used to back home."
Rock exploration: Day trips: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area provides hiking trails through colorful rock formations 45 minutes from Henderson. "The trails vary in terrain from rocky to nice flat sandy treks. There is climbing available and if you're patient enough and have a quick eye, you can spot wildlife," explains John W.
What campers like
Desert nights: Temperature relief: After scorching days, desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset. At Las Vegas Bay Campground, campers appreciate the evening cooldown. "Temps were at 102 during the day and 70s at night," reports one reviewer, making evenings the prime time for outdoor activities.
Natural sounds: Desert wildlife: Many campers mention the nocturnal sounds at Las Vegas Bay Campground. Lance E. notes, "At night I've always heard coyotes and owls. Access to Lake Mead is a 15 minute drive away."
Desert oasis feel: Planted vegetation: Las Vegas Bay offers an unexpected desert surprise. "They have planted lots of trees in the campground for shade in the middle of the desert. So from the highway you come in at, it looks like a little oasis in the middle of the desert," shares Theresa R., explaining why this spot stands out from typical desert camping.
What you should know
Crowds and behavior: At popular dispersed sites like Government Wash, weekends bring larger crowds. "This place is very busy during the summer months and people stay for quite a while so remember that," warns Brittney C. Some campers report late-night noise issues during peak periods.
Road conditions: High clearance recommended: Many Lake Mead dispersed camping areas require driving on rough roads. At Kingman Wash, a camper advised, "The road is about 3 miles, but takes about 25 minutes to traverse. It's hilly, bumpy and holey. High clearance vehicle suggested, but we made it in a Kia Soul!"
Water level changes: Lake Mead's water levels fluctuate seasonally and have declined long-term. A Government Wash reviewer noted "Access limited due to low water," while another mentioned, "If you can get to the waterfront of this place it's awesome!"
Tips for camping with families
Age restrictions: Adults-only parks: Some RV parks near Henderson have age restrictions. Las Vegas RV Resort maintains an "18 and older only" policy. As reviewer Brittney C. notes, "Not family friendly at all!! You must be 18 or older to come here so it's cool for people without kids or families."
Safety considerations: Campground selection: When camping with children, prioritize established campgrounds with controlled access. "This place is clean, a bit noisy, and very busy," explains one camper about Red Rock Canyon Campground, providing perspective on the trade-offs.
Bring extra water: The desert climate requires careful planning for families. The dry heat can cause rapid dehydration, especially for children. Pack more water than you think necessary—at least 1 gallon per person per day, plus extra for emergencies and washing.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Advance research: Many RV sites in the area require significant leveling. At Thousand Trails Las Vegas, one camper reported, "Our spot was very hard to get level in even with auto level... we had SO many leveling blocks under the back."
Site selection: Space considerations: RV parks in the Las Vegas area often feature tight spaces. At Thousand Trails Las Vegas, a reviewer warned, "The spaces are very tight together partially because the occupants don't follow the site lines on the ground. We saw several that parked on the line and extended their slide outs into the area of the next RV'er."
Security awareness: Several reviews mention security considerations. "This park is gated which is nice because it's not in the best area and they have barbed wire around the whole thing," notes one Thousand Trails Las Vegas reviewer, reflecting common security measures at RV parks throughout the Henderson area.
