Nevada's diverse camping landscape spans from full-service RV resorts in Las Vegas to remote dispersed camping in the high desert. Atlatl Rock Campground at Valley of Fire State Park offers established 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. The proximity of many campgrounds to unique geological features enhances the camping experience, with Valley of Fire and Cathedral Gorge receiving particularly high ratings. Several reviewers highlighted the striking 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 camping areas 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."
"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."
"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)."
"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."
"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."
$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."
"Stopped here short of intended destination due to lateness of the hour and long drive. Great sites along the lake with tables and fire rings and fireplaces."
"We got in on a Thursday night right around 6:30 pm."
$25 - $50 / night
"You can take that heat from Vegas and completely forget you are in Nevada when you travel just outside the city and to McWilliams Campground and Mount Charleston area."
"Really peaceful and walking distance to the Bristlecone trails. Besides an incredibly rude group of people who didn’t understand quiet hours we had a great time!"
$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. "
ScoutWe checked in with a wonderful lady, the site is simple. Full services and a nice picnic table next to our site. We used the laundry room, which smelled funny, but we got our laundry cleaned! We also had a chicken sandwich at the casino restaurant which was good. This is a very isolated campground, but perfect for visiting the National Park.
TravelerHad a super easy time getting a spot here with my rooftop tent. Lots of other campers but super quiet and still had good privacy!
TravelerThis place is just off I-80, but you hear very little road noise. We gave Reception what type of site we would like and she placed us in a perfect site. The entire place is very well organized and accurate well placed signage. Most sites are gravel and some are paved. We did not have to do anything additional to level our unit. Would stay here again. Full hook up for less than $37.50 (senior discount)
TravelerQuiet during the week, gorgeous view and hike!
GuideNote! Online reservations can only be made 72 hours before arrival. Great details of sites on their website but one thing to note - MANY of them are sloped quite a bit and while spacious for a big rig, leveling is quite a challenge. Some sites at the rv campground like 5, 13 and some others appear more flat. Views are pretty great from everywhere. Bathrooms are nice and clean, showers have good jet stream but require constant pressing of the button and no temperature fluctuation. We loved proximity to the canyon hike, reservoir and nearby Cathedral Gorge.
Guide12 miles to town for shopping and 12 miles to dump your tanks. Trash dumpsters are a few hundred feet down the highway . Rodger’s spring is another 1/4 mile for soaking in. Water on the lake has dropped drastically.
TravelerSmall but very nice, good bathrooms/showers. Short walk to town with tons to do here
GuideComing from Yerington, turn right on Copperbelt Rd before you cross the river to access the camping areas and OHV trails. Right on the river. We pulled in off paved hwy 208 to dirt road 30' flat towing a Jeep with no issues. Several places to camp, not all RV friendly. We unhooked up front and scouted a site first. Vault toilets, fire rings, and trash cans. 14 day limit. Fishing, hiking, OHV, something for everyone here. Free dump station right down the road at Log Cabin rest area in Yerington. Only 10 mins to town for supplies. Best spot we've found this year.
GuideThe spots are tucked in behind a hill and not visible from the road and offered some shelter from the wind. The road should be accessible for most vehicles, great spot to stay for free right outside Valley of Fire.
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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