Nevada's diverse camping landscape spans from full-service RV resorts in Las Vegas to remote dispersed camping in the high desert, covering more than 500 campgrounds and campsites across the state. Atlatl Rock Campground at Valley of Fire State Park offers sites with electric hookups and modern amenities, while Lovell Canyon provides free dispersed camping in more primitive settings. The region includes a mix of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, state parks, and private campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations offering year-round access despite Nevada's extreme temperature variations.
Road quality varies considerably throughout Nevada's camping areas, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds like Cathedral Gorge State Park and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area maintain paved access roads, while backcountry camping often involves navigating unmarked dirt roads. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F at lower elevations, while mountain campgrounds offer relief with temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler. Fire restrictions are common during the dry summer months, particularly in desert areas. A visitor noted, "Roughly 30 minutes from the main highway, tucked away in a canyon past some quarry work and ranch land. Roads in the campsite are slightly overgrown, but 4WD should not be needed though consider high clearance."
Campers consistently mention Nevada's dramatic landscape views as a primary attraction across various sites. Those seeking solitude appreciate dispersed camping options like Water Canyon Recreation Area, which provides a more secluded experience than developed campgrounds. Valley of Fire and Cathedral Gorge receive particularly high ratings for their striking geological features. Several reviewers highlighted the contrast between daytime heat and comfortable evening temperatures at higher elevations. A camper described one mountain location: "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." Many Nevada campgrounds also feature minimal light pollution, creating exceptional stargazing opportunities throughout the state.
$10 / night
"The fee system feels a little confusing but it's basically $15 park entrance fee, $10 more dollars to camp, and another $10 for hookups (50&30&20 power and water only, free dump and water (and"
"Next time we are in Nevada we will be back here!"
$12 - $80 / night
"Summer time might not be the best time to try to camp in southern Nevada but with mild fall and winter this campsite leaves a lot of options for those looking for an outdoor adventure."
"We had our own toilet, was clean, there are no showers but water was available by a tap outside. Abundant Parking."
$20 / night
"Being Nevada it was pretty hot and humid next to the lake, but it was actually a good place to camp with plenty of birds, nice flowers and easy access to the lake for swimming, boating, and such."
"Took my kids and my mom camping for a little vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. I chose Boulder Beach campground as it was our first time and didn't want to be too far from home."
"It's a beautifully rugged area, lots of pull of camp sites spread around. Can be busy and harder to find spots, but further back should have spots."
"Quiet, secluded spot between Las Vegas and Pahrump Nevada. First come, first served but it was very quiet when we were there."
"Sites are well layed out and sit right next to a small creek. Nice play to stay when driving through Nevada."
"This was a roadside pull off close to a little stream. The road was busy throughout the night and morning. I arrived at 10:30pm and got one of the last two spots on a weekday."
"Oasis is a great location to spend a night or two if you want to jaunt into Vegas for bit. It’s also very central as an overnight for heading into Utah or Nevada from SoCal."
"This place is an Oasis, away from the hustle and bustle. Refill propane on-site. The only negative thing is they do not provide valet trash pickup(as mentioned by a staff member)."
$25 - $42 / night
"Compared to the surround areas, this place was truly an oasis in the desert as others have said. The hosts were super nice."
"In the middle of the Nevada desert along I80, there's a nice RV oasis for a stopover for travelers. "
$10 - $25 / night
"This was a nice place to stop for a night on our way across Nevada. Very quiet, clean, well maintained, good price for out of state, nice showers, decent sized sites."
"20/night for non-Nevada residents. Wildlife - deer and pelicans - were fun to watch. Great stopover!"
$10 - $25 / night
"One of the best hidden gems in Nevada! Great camping with clean restrooms and well maintained campgrounds. Plenty of good trails nooks and crannies to explore. Highly recommended!!"
"Nice little campground located in the Cathedral Gorge State Park in Eastern central Nevada. Sites are first come first serve. Each has Electrical hook ups, but no sewer/dump facilities."
"During our recent trip to Las Vegas, we chose to stay at KOA Sam's Town, and our experience was positive overall."
"Sorry tent campers Nevada doesn’t allow us!!! So make sure you are prepared for a different option such as lake mead or red rock."
RangerStayed a couple extra nights for the mine, donkeys, and views which were all great. Road was a bit rough but doable for all vehicles up to large rigs. Several spots along road. Pack in pack out. Verizon was great.
GuideI hear this is like burning man in the summer with degrees soaring beyond 120. However in late October this place had only a half dozen campers spread out, so plenty of privacy. The lake is calm and good for swimming. There are coyotes howling at night. But the biggest attraction was the raccoons. Yeah, they came in trying to get the trash bag out. They hit everyone's campsite at 3am. Other than that excitement it was great. I would stop here again. The road in was easy as dirt roads go, however the ranger said they just updated it. So check with them for the latest. Since it is heavily traveled I would think they keep it looking better than most dirt roads.
GuideGuys, this is a wonderful place right off the highway. I hear it is bumper to bumper like burning man in the summer. But in October there were half a dozen people here with plenty of room in between. Note that raccoons are a huge issue here. Plan on it. They will come, trust me. They make their way from camp to camp and they are hard to get rid of. The ranger came by and chatted with us. Very easy road in. A couple steep places that are fine for most any rig I would think. Look, if you want a perfect road, don't go on dirt. They just fixed the road from the traffic in the summer.
ScoutSince it's Halloween u give up on customer service??? Seems like idiots in control of bigger idiots :)
LegendNoisy
ScoutWide open with tons of space, some nice were crazy windy but others were calm. Enjoyed the stay here, try to arrive during the day to find the best camp site with your preferred view. The further in you go the road got a bit rougher
TravelerThis was by far the noisiest RV park I've ever stayed at. Lots of highway noise, trains that for whatever reason only run through at night and people going to work with very loud vehicles. I was not a fan of the casino either. The spaces aren't bad and I had enough room for my RV and pickup but that was on the end where there's a a large empty lot full of goathead thorns be aware of that if you take dogs out there.
TravelerThis is my second time staying here. It is first come first serve and if you can get a spot right as you turn in or close to there that's best. Further up is where the deliveries to Ridley's happen so it can be a bit noisy. Night time is quiet though. I stay here because I really like the casino, the staff is always very nice and the restaurant has great hamburgers. It is a safe place to stay from my experience. It's also easy and easy out.
Legend35 dollars for water and electric but the water was turned off. There is a pay to fill and a pay to dump station. Ground is tore up and must be a lot of mud when wet. Right near a very busy road.
Camping in Nevada offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, Nevada has something for everyone.
Camping in Nevada can be a fantastic adventure if you know what to expect and plan accordingly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What desert camping options are available in Nevada?
Nevada's desert landscape offers numerous camping opportunities across the state. Front Sight Campground provides a massive flat area for dispersed camping on BLM land, though campers should be aware of the adjacent active gun range. Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping offers a remote desert experience with views of snow-capped mountains and marshes where wildlife like white pelicans can be observed. For those seeking amenities in the desert, RV resorts like Desert Skies in Mesquite provide full hookups with spacious sites. Other desert camping options include Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Lovell Canyon for cooler high-desert camping, and numerous BLM lands throughout the state that allow free dispersed camping with varying levels of accessibility.
Where are the best places to camp in Nevada?
Nevada offers diverse camping experiences across the state. For those seeking an escape from Las Vegas heat, Fletcher View provides cooler temperatures just 40 minutes from the city, with temperatures ranging from 64°F at night to 78°F during the day. Water enthusiasts will appreciate Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which offers beautiful waterfront dispersed camping, fishing opportunities, and scenic sunsets. Other notable options include Valley of Fire State Park for dramatic red rock formations, Cathedral Gorge for unique erosional features, and Big Creek Campground near Austin for creek-side camping surrounded by aspens. Nevada's camping options range from developed campgrounds with amenities to remote dispersed sites on public lands, providing something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.
What are the differences between northern Nevada camping and other regions?
Northern Nevada camping differs significantly from the southern region in several key aspects. In northern Nevada, Humboldt National Forest Angel Creek Campground represents the more mountainous terrain and forested landscapes typical of the region. These higher-elevation campgrounds offer relief from summer heat and showcase aspen groves and creek-side settings. Big Creek Campground near Austin exemplifies this with its location in a beautiful canyon filled with aspens. Northern Nevada generally experiences cooler temperatures and more seasonal variation than the southern desert regions. While southern Nevada camping often centers around Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, and desert landscapes with year-round accessibility, northern sites may close seasonally due to snow. The north also offers more opportunities for creekside camping, wildlife viewing, and fall foliage experiences compared to the stark desert beauty of southern Nevada.
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