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Best Dispersed Camping near Searchlight, NV

232 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Searchlight, Nevada concentrates primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with several free primitive sites available within a short drive of town. BLM Knob Hill Primitive Camping and Knob Hill BLM Dispersed Camping provide open desert camping among Joshua trees, while multiple shoreline options exist along Lake Mohave within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Most locations require self-sufficiency with no developed facilities, allowing campers to experience the Mojave Desert landscape with minimal restrictions.

Access routes to most dispersed sites involve dirt roads of varying quality, with some requiring careful navigation in passenger vehicles. The main dirt road to Knob Hill is passable for most vehicles but becomes more challenging beyond initial pull-offs. Lake Mohave shore camping typically requires longer drives on rutted dirt roads, with some locations explicitly recommending high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. No drinking water is available at any dispersed site, and most lack toilets and trash service, though some Lake Mohave locations provide vault toilets. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and glass containers are prohibited in the recreation area.

The camping experience varies across these locations, with Joshua tree forests providing distinctive desert scenery around Knob Hill, while Lake Mohave offers waterfront camping with swimming access. Most areas provide substantial privacy despite their proximity to Las Vegas, with sites often separated by natural features. Knob Hill receives praise for its accessibility and desert views, with one visitor noting "gorgeous views of mountains and Joshua Trees as far as the eye can see." Lake Mohave shoreline camping offers unique water access, though some areas show signs of overuse. A camper at Telephone Cove remarked that despite being "somewhat crowded for a weekday, everyone we encountered was friendly" and appreciated how "quiet it was at night—no loud parties, generators, or disturbances."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Searchlight, Nevada (39)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Searchlight, NV

168 Photos of 39 Searchlight Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Searchlight, NV

232 Reviews of 39 Searchlight Campgrounds

  • Katie K.
    Mar. 29, 2021

    Cerbat Foothills Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not sure what the other reviews are about....

    But the place I ended up is just BLM land off the highway. There's a turn off the highway, super easy to miss, and it immediately goes up a hill. There's a gate at the top that just says "please close gate - Bureau of Land Management" so I just went in. The road is very smooth and well worn as of this review, my prius had no problem. Not a single other soul in sight. The road sorta stops after the electricity thing (why am I blanking on what these are called?), but it looks like high clearance vehicles have gone through.

    This spot is amazing. Free public land. There are only a few pull off spots. Very quiet and beautiful.

    Please practice leave no trace etiquette! This spot is gorgeous, let's keep it that way :)

  • Jake
    Dec. 22, 2020

    Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    Secluded Star Gazing

    Wonderful dispersed free camping in Mojave National Preserve. Find the first road adjacent to the white cross memorial. We arrived after sunset and we reluctant to drive too far down the uneven and non-maintained dirt road, but were rewarded with an outstanding campsite for our risky persistence!

    The road has many wash out holes and soft sand, but I was able to navigate successfully (and slowly) in an AWD Honda Element. Higher clearance four-wheel drive vehicles will be able to explore additional camp sites further down the road, but there are a handful of sites near the entrance.

    Tip: Stargazing at this site was outstanding. Rock formations provide comfortable platforms for laying on your back and watching for shooting stars. Camped here in December with overnight lows around 30 degrees. Bundle up and enjoy!!

  • Jenny H.
    Sep. 17, 2020

    Cerbat Foothills Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    35.2044, -114.096711

    10/15/2020 Location updated Thank you, Dyrt Staff

    This is the gem of the area. I love the Monolith Gardens Trail and try to hike it everyday. There are extensive trails for people, dogs, bikes, and equestrian people. Best to visit in winter as it’s been hell raising hot all summer 2020. Bring water. The Campground has NO water, NO toilet, and NO trash service currently but town is a mile away. October and April are best weather. This is a primitive experience hiking on moon-like landscape.

    Note: updated 10/15/2020. The Dyrt map reflects correct location. When approaching from the East, turn around at AquaFrie/Sundown Streets

  • Jeff
    Jan. 4, 2021

    Kingman Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    Dispersed Camping

    Great place to disperse Dry camp. Spots are scattered along the main road. You can camp close to the interstate or 3 miles away at the lake. The lake shore gets crowded. The road is bumpy but we saw cars all the way down to the lake. The sign recommends 4x4 high clearance vehicles. The mine road offers good views and a few camp spots. 4x4 is definitely recommended for this road. There is no garbage collection so pack it out. One vault toilet near the lake. Bring your own firewood. No trees for wood in this area. Wood can be purchased at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Campground Store. We spoted motor homers near the interstate, ground tenters, rooftop tenters, van campers and pull behind campers at the lake. We camped up the N Mine Road with our RTT trailer.

  • Jessica M.
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Cerbat Foothills Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Lost in the wash below a landfill

    10/15/2020 Location updated Thank you, Dyrt Staff

    We followed the OLD directions link from The Dyrt app. This location is no longer listed as a camping spot on the app. So, follow the correct listing on the other side of the highway......Apple Maps said to go north of pin point, then head south on Co. Highway 125 which was washed out in places. May be okay for a high clearance van, but not our travel trailer in tow. This is just below the Mohave County Landfill. We gave up with many cactus spines in our tires. We had to return to I93 where we started. Google maps directions are from the south following Co. Highway 125 north. Possibly, this can be reached better from the south where Co. Highway 125 leaves I93 and head north. Or, the GPS marking is incorrect, and should be marking the west side of I93, closer to Kingman.

  • D
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Wild Horse Road Dispersed

    Beautiful Spot

    Great spot just before Hole in the Wal About 1/4 mile down a road marked “4x4 high clearance only.” But if you’re just hitting the campsite you can make It in a lot less. There’s a turn around there for people towing trailers. No facilities, just a fire ring, red rock peaks and quiet. Absolutely stunning.

  • Sara S.
    Feb. 16, 2021

    Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    Hidden Gem

    Great place for desert boondocking! Very quiet and amazing stars! Joshua Trees all around. Coyotes howling at night. Watch out for cacti which are enormous! A huge fire left a large area of this part of the preserve damaged but there are still some spots where the Joshua Trees are un damaged. It’s a dirt road with some large-ish rocks to get to the dispersed spots. We made it just fine in our pick-up towing a teardrop. 2WD cars shouldn’t have a problem expect. High clearance definitely makes your life easier for sure. Most sites have a rock fire pit and not much else. We opted for a spot against some jumbo rocks for wind protection. It’s a decently trafficked area but wasn’t at all crowded or trashed. We’d 100% stay here again.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 2, 2019

    Mojave Cross Dispersed — Mojave National Preserve

    Camp under the stars in a Joshua Tree forest

    • Free primitive campground great for boondocking! First come first serve.
    • Right across from the Teutonia Peak trailhead. Perfect for going on a day hike and explore the landscape surrounded by Joshua Trees
    • Shell gas station about 11 miles up Interstate 15 if you need to pick up water and supplies
    • Dirt roads with gravel with some small rocks when approaching campground.
    • Fires are allowed and some sites have firepits. You can always make your own with the rocks in the area.
    • The land is owned by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and dedicated to the fallen soldiers of all wars
    • The best sites are the two right around the White Cross Memorial boulders. The one near the front of the cross (entrance) is great for group camping. It has two picnic tables and is right next to a large Juniper tree. The one in the rear of the White Cross is very spacious and has large rocks that protect from the wind.
    • Amazing star gazing in the dessert with very little light polution
    • Some spots may be difficult for vehicles without high clearance. Beware of scraping the underbelly your cars or trailers on rocks in the road.
    • Pretty secluded and remote camping. There were about 6 other campers near us -- mostly RVs and a few tent sites
    • No showers, toilets, running water. Practice LNT and pack in pack out.
    • Wifi is okay -- 2 out of 4 bars (AT&T)
  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2025

    Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    Nice, quiet water spot w/limited spaces

    Beautiful area just outside of Laughlin, Nevada. Right on a Cove of Lake Mead. Four Mile unpaved Road to get down to the lake and anywhere between 15 to 20 camping spots depending on group size. Small boat launch for jet skis but not for bigger boats. Do not recommend trying to take anything bigger than a 35 ft RV down there. Two vault toilets and a garbage dumpster. Road is recently grated and other than a little bit of noise until 10:00 p.m., a great place for a night or several. Stay limit here is 7 days. I arrived Friday at 3:00 p.m. and found the last spot.

Guide to Searchlight

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Searchlight, Nevada, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of stunning landscapes and unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

Quiet Desert Splendor for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the tranquility of BLM Knob Hill Primitive Camping, where you can enjoy peaceful nights under the stars with minimal human interaction.
  • The site features easy access for small campers and offers opportunities for hiking and geocaching in the surrounding desert.
  • Be prepared for windy conditions, which can add to the adventure but also requires some planning for your stay.

Stunning Views and Self-Sufficiency

  • At Knob Hill BLM Dispersed Camping, you'll find breathtaking views of mountains and Joshua trees, making it a perfect backdrop for your outdoor activities.
  • This area is ideal for those who enjoy off-grid living, as it requires complete self-sufficiency with no amenities available.
  • The proximity to Searchlight allows for easy access to supplies, making it a convenient spot for extended stays.

Unique Activities While Free Camping Near Searchlight

  • Explore the diverse terrain and wildlife at Black Canyon of the Colorado Dispersed, where you can find hot springs and slot canyons along the Colorado River.
  • This area is perfect for kayaking and hiking, offering a chance to connect with nature while enjoying the stunning emerald waters.
  • Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of this remote location for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Searchlight?

Dispersed camping around Searchlight typically follows standard BLM regulations: camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 28-day period, after which you must relocate at least 25 miles away. At Mojave Cross Dispersed, camping is first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and use existing fire rings when possible. Fire restrictions may apply, especially during summer months. At Kingman Wash and other Lake Mead Recreation Area sites, additional rules may apply including designated areas for camping. Pack out all trash and waste, as there are no services or facilities at most dispersed sites.

How far is Searchlight dispersed camping from Las Vegas?

Searchlight is approximately 60 miles south of Las Vegas, making most dispersed camping in the area about a 1-hour drive from the city. Sloan Canyon - Dispersed Camping is one of the closest options to Las Vegas, at roughly 30 minutes from the southern edge of the city. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Wild Horse Road Dispersed offers beautiful red rock scenery about 90 minutes from Las Vegas. The drive to most dispersed sites involves highway travel followed by dirt or gravel roads, so factor in additional travel time depending on your vehicle and the specific location.

Where can I find free dispersed camping sites near Searchlight, Nevada?

Free dispersed camping near Searchlight is available on surrounding Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove offers beautiful shoreline camping just outside Laughlin with about 15-20 camping spots along the cove. Another excellent option is Knob Hill BLM Dispersed Camping, which provides open desert camping. Most sites are accessible via dirt roads that may require higher clearance vehicles. Look for existing fire rings and cleared areas, which indicate established dispersed sites. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and bring all necessary supplies including plenty of water.

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