Best Camping in Nevada: Desert Sites, Mountain Campgrounds & Free BLM Land

Overview
Map
Top 10
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Reviews
Guide
FAQ

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.

Best Campgrounds in Nevada (504)

1. Atlatl Rock Campground — Valley of Fire State Park
93 Reviews
Overton, NV
Website
+1 (702) 397-2088
$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!"
2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground
77 Reviews
Blue Diamond, NV
Website
+1 (702) 515-5387
$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."

3. Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
70 Reviews
Henderson, NV
Website
+1 (702) 293-8906
$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."
4. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)
61 Reviews
Blue Diamond, NV
Website
+1 (702) 515-5000
"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."

5. Water Canyon Recreation Area
49 Reviews
Winnemucca, NV
Website
+1 (775) 623-1500
"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."
6. Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort
45 Reviews
Henderson, NV
Website
+1 (702) 260-2000
"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)."

7. Welcome Station RV Park
38 Reviews
Wells, NV
Website
+1 (775) 752-2736
$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. "
8. Rye Patch State Recreation Area
39 Reviews
Lovelock, NV
Website
+1 (775) 442-0135
$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!"

9. Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground
37 Reviews
Panaca, NV
Website
+1 (775) 728-4460
$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."
10. Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town
41 Reviews
Henderson, NV
Website
+1 (702) 454-8055
"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."

Showing results 1-10 of 504 campgrounds

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Recent Camping Photos in Nevada

512 Photos of 504 Nevada Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

Recent Reviews in Nevada

3232 Reviews of 504 Nevada Campgrounds

Connie H.
Ranger
Nov. 8, 2026
Spencer Hot Springs
We stayed here for a day after leaving Idaho and heading south to Vegas. Our set up is a GMC 2500 pickup with a 29 foot travel trailer, and the gravel and dirt roads were easy to maneuver, just watch for ruts and large rocks! There is a ton of room all around the area and some very nice spots that can accommodate all kinds of campers and sizes. We saw a few other campers down by the first pool, and some others up by another, but found one tub and area to be empty, and we made our camp there. I had the tub to myself and it was wonderful! I have zero complaints! The water was about 105 and actually pretty dang clean, but the bottom of the tub obviously had some algae, so it was a little slick… watch your step and be cautious! We did see a couple burros and that was a nice surprise. If you don’t happen see the burros on your visit, you will definitely see their droppings EVERYWHERE, so watch your step! Lol. We had zero cell service in the area, but our Starlink worked like it should! Please make sure to pack your trash out with you as there are no trash cans or dumpsters. We did clean up a few odds and ends others had left behind in the area… This was such a great stop and I’m so glad we stumbled upon it! And free?! Just amazing!
Betsy W.
Ranger
Nov. 7, 2026
Garnet Hill Camp
Beautiful!! Pit toilet clean and stocked. Picnic tables and fie rings. Road a bit rough but manageable.
P
Paul L.
Scout
Nov. 7, 2026
Chief Mountain South Campground
Great location and easy access
Up a short dirt road and then a choice of campsites. There are a few areas where the water has made some more bumpy parts but easy to manage at the moment. Can imagine it’s more tricky after rain. Nice to have a fire pit and table.
L
Lee G.
Scout
Nov. 7, 2026
Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch
Stacey is a wonderful host and very accommodating. We arrived in the dark and she arranged to have Jim open the gate and guide us to a site. The workers on the farm are super friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the alpacas. Fun to watch the alpacas graze on the property. The scenery is beautiful in the fall.
J
Joanne P.
Scout
Nov. 7, 2026
Ely KOA
Nice RV park but felt price of $70 night was high.
Steven V.
Guide
Nov. 7, 2026
Riverside Casino and RV Park
Stayed one night. Wide spaces and you can walk to the casino and then use river walk to get others. Plenty of those little nats along river walk. Park seemed safe and multiple bathrooms in short walk.
G
Gina G.
Guide
Nov. 6, 2026
Topaz Lake Recreation Area
Great views of the lake, clean bathrooms and showers. Water is still on as of Nov 6.
Amy W.
Legend
Nov. 6, 2026
Great Basin Desert Camping & RV
Cute little spot. Has a few RV sites and a few Tent sites. The bathrooms have a shower in each and they are super clean! Even has a small laundry room with 1 washer and dryer. Super close to the park. Sites are pretty leveled as well
Adaline J.
Traveler
Nov. 6, 2026
Washoe Lake State Park Campground
It’s a nice campground for a little getaway. The views of the mountains with the wild horses by the lake was really pretty! The campsite was shaded, but we were close to our neighbors.

Guide to Nevada

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.

What to do

Explore Nature: Check out the beautiful scenery at Clark Park. One camper mentioned, “Located just around the corner from a full service Maverick truck stop, this quiet RV Park is a convenient stop along I80.”
Hiking and Wildlife Watching: At Mill Creek Recreation Area, you can enjoy walking around the lake and spotting local wildlife. A visitor noted, “Was nice to walk the lake & hang out on the dock.”
Hot Springs: Don’t miss the chance to soak at Spencer Hot Springs. One reviewer said, “Beautiful views and love the Burro visits at dusk.”

What campers like

Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Bob Scott Campground stated, “Flush toilets, some shade, BBQ grills and picnic tables.”
Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of places like Hickison Petroglyph. One camper shared, “Good for 2 days. Trash, and pit toilets available. Free for 14 days.”
Convenient Locations: Campgrounds like Austin RV Park are appreciated for their accessibility. A visitor mentioned, “Convenient and cheap in the middle of Nevada.”

What you should know

Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mill Creek Recreation Area, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A camper noted, “Showers had hot water but were kinda gross.”
Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, such as Big Creek Campground, are only open from May 15 to November 1. One reviewer said, “Gets busy on holiday weekends but decent during the week.”
Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Spencer Hot Springs mentioned, “We woke up to the sound of wild burrows and coyotes.”

Tips for camping with families

Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area that have amenities for kids. A reviewer said, “Plenty of space for the kids to run around and bike around the campsite.”
Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One camper at Coyote Cove noted, “The area offers opportunities for water sports of all kinds.”
Pack Snacks and Drinks: Since some campgrounds lack markets, it’s smart to bring your own food. A visitor at Bob Scott Campground mentioned, “Water is listed as non-potable.”

Tips from RVers

Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric hookups. A reviewer at Clark Park said, “The sewer, water, electricity and cable TV hookups are all in great working order.”
Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV parks, like Austin RV Park, have tight parking. One camper noted, “Tight parking spaces. Full hook up.”
Consider Off-Peak Times: To avoid crowds, try camping during the week. A visitor at Big Creek Campground shared, “Gets busy on holiday weekends but decent during the week.”

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.

Keep Exploring

Best Camping in Nevada: Desert Sites, Mountain Campgrounds & Free BLM Land

Best Campgrounds in Nevada (504)

1. Atlatl Rock Campground — Valley of Fire State Park

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground

3. Boulder Beach Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

4. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

5. Water Canyon Recreation Area

6. Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort

7. Welcome Station RV Park

8. Rye Patch State Recreation Area

9. Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground

10. Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town