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Dispersed Camping

Vanderbilt Pond Road

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Vanderbilt Pond Road in Nevada offers a landscape of open desert terrain. Temperatures can range from highs of 100°F in summer to lows of 30°F in winter. Nearby, visitors can explore Death Valley National Park and the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

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Location

Vanderbilt Pond Road is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.88263607 N
116.7542288 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
    Last on 3/13/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 7 users
    Last on 3/13/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Vanderbilt Pond Road needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2025

Easy & convenient

Please don't feed the burros! They aren't shy, they'll walk up within a few feet of you, but remember that they are still wild. Feeding them gets them used to humans, which increases the chances of an aggressive interaction.

This spot is as described, lots of large flat areas within a few hundred yards of 95. Traffic noise wasn't too bad, but when the burros get going they might keep you up!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by Christine H., October 3, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2025

Good for a night maybe two

It’s a nice spot, RIGHT off the road, so it’s a bit loud. The frogs are croaking, the burros are hawing, it’s an energetic place for sure, much better than a simple rest stop. Its convenience is 5/5, lightly populated,

SiteN/A
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2025

Ok, for a night

It's an open area next to 95. Heading north from Vegas about 2 miles shy of Beatty. Good for a night

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Mar. 13, 2025

Free flat spots

Got a little muddy but overall decent some road noise pond has a couple ducks that followed us around little rockhounding

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by clint B., March 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by clint B., March 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by clint B., March 13, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Mar. 11, 2025

Pond & friendly ducks

Good overnight spot, close to the highway 95 so a bit of traffic noise. Friendly ducks look for a handout, burros and locals drink & fish here.

Siteopen, no designated spots.
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2024

Wild donkeys!

As described in the previous review, this place is quiet and has a lovely view of wild birds and donkeys. It was also easy to access from the highway but the noise never bothered us.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by Elizabeth H., July 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by Elizabeth H., July 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by Elizabeth H., July 1, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2024

Oasis in the desert

This is locally known as Bombo's Pond, It is on BLM land with no permit required.  Guessing you need a license to fish.  Not sure.  This is a beautiful spot however I did take one star for the cell service.  I only had one bar on T Mobile with my cell booster.  Otherwise, it was an awesome spot.  I was there at the end of May.  Since it was already getting hot, I only stayed one night, It's 5 minutes from Beatty where you can find all the services you need. No amenities whatsoever.  When you pull in the pond is on the right with a large flat area you can use or drive towards the pond and there's a road to the left that takes you down to an area that looks like group camping right by the water.  There were about 15 burros with babies hanging out there.  There is a road to the right as well, but it is a dead end because of a deep wash. You can get around it walking if you go towards the water carefully and duck some brush to get back up on the trail.  I decided to move there for the shade but I backed my 28 ft Class C to the end of the road so I could just pull out the next day.  Little tight on the turn. Be aware this puts you right by the highway, but I had no issues with road noise.  The pond is larger than I expected.  Lots of trees, water plants, and birds. Several hiking trails.  Just watch where you step for the burro road apples.  Lol! Would definitely stay again.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by Letha F., June 9, 2024
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by Letha F., June 9, 2024
  • Review photo of Vanderbilt Pond Road by Letha F., June 9, 2024
  • (20) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free dispersed camping areas around Beatty?

Yes, Vanderbilt Pond Road (Bombo's Pond) is a free dispersed camping area on BLM land near Beatty with no permits required. It's easily accessible from Highway 95, about 2 miles before reaching Beatty when traveling from the south. The area offers plenty of space for camping with a scenic pond setting. No reservations are needed - simply find a spot and set up camp.

What nearby attractions can I visit while camping in Beatty?

While camping at Vanderbilt Pond Road, you can enjoy wildlife viewing right at your campsite, including ducks, coots, and wild burros that frequent the pond. The site also offers opportunities for fishing (license likely required) and some rockhounding in the area. Beatty itself is just a couple miles away for supplies and services. The camping location's proximity to Highway 95 makes it convenient for exploring Death Valley National Park, ghost towns, and other Mojave Desert attractions in the region.

What camping options are available near Beatty, Nevada?

Vanderbilt Pond Road, locally known as Bombo's Pond, offers free dispersed camping on BLM land near Beatty. It's located about 2 miles south of Beatty when traveling north from Las Vegas, right off Highway 95. This camping area features a pond that attracts wildlife including ducks, coots, and wild burros. The site is convenient for overnight stays and is generally lightly populated, making it a good alternative to a simple rest stop.

What is the best time of year to camp in Beatty?

The best times to camp at Vanderbilt Pond Road are likely spring and fall when desert temperatures are more moderate. Summer can bring intense heat to the Beatty area, while winter nights can get quite cold. The area may occasionally get muddy after rain, so checking weather conditions before arrival is advisable. Year-round camping is possible, but prepare for temperature extremes if visiting during peak summer or winter months.