Best Dispersed Camping in Nevada

Leave the glitz and glam of the Las Vegas Strip behind and come camping in Nevada. Explore the petroglyphs and ancient cultures at the Valley of Fire State Park or relax in the high alpine along the eastern shores of Lake Tahoe. With over 80% of the state dedicated as public lands, there’s an adventure for everyone.

For some of the best camping in Nevada, head to Pyramid Lake. Located just 40 miles outside of Reno, the lake offers a variety of camping and recreation options. Keep in mind that the lake is located on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's Reservation. In order to camp here, you’ll need to obtain a permit first. Enjoy dispersed camping along the water’s edge. Don’t forget to bring your boat, SUP or kayak and cool off in the lake, be sure to check out the Pyramid Rock island and see how this awesome spot got its name.

The Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s largest state park, contains over 40,000 acres of stunning red rock formations peppered with ancient ruins and native artifacts left behind by the Ancient Puebloan People. Admire petroglyphs, climb the red rocks and uncover another world in this Mars-like landscape. Due to the sweltering summer temps, the Valley of Fire State Park offers perfect place for winter camping in Nevada.

Looking to climb a mountain? Consider hiking to the top of Mount Rose in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Although this area is quite popular and crowded during the summer months, it’s well-worth a trip to this sapphire, high-alpine oasis. Various camping options are available.

Located just outside of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is one of Nevada’s premier outdoor recreation areas. If you’re tired of the crowds, consider hiking up Black Mountain. This lesser-known trail can be done in a day and there is plenty of camping at nearby Lake Mead.

If you’re a national park lover, you’ve got to check out the quiet scenery at the Great Basin National Park. Dramatic mountain ridges meet sagebrush valleys at this little-visited park. Plenty of wildlife and excellent camp spots await you. With so many lakes, deserts and mountains, there are endless possibilities for Nevada camping. No matter where you choose to go in this great state, The Dyrt is here to help you find the perfect perch to pitch a tent.

Best Dispersed Sites in Nevada (128)

    1. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping (Spring Mountain)

    54 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5000

    "Prefect place to get away from Vegas. Many places for camping and easy to pull a trailer. Main road mostly paved. Other roads were dirt but well maintained and manageable."

    "There were plenty of people camping out here last night but we found a private turn off with epic Mountain View’s. Paved road with dirt road turn-offs. No facilities. Many spots had fire rings."

    2. Water Canyon Recreation Area

    38 Reviews
    Winnemucca, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 623-1500

    "BLM managed spot. Free with fire pits tables and bathrooms. Most spots not level- but free! Good places for quick hike and saw several deer"

    "This is a BLM camping spot. The entrance to the recreation area marks the beginning of a gravel road which leads back about 2 miles. The road was fine for us to drive on in our 2WD."

    3. Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Nellis Air Force Base, NV
    Website

    "Great spots for rv Close to lake Lots of people fishing Road is graded with camping spots or drive further rough road wild spots"

    "This is a beautiful spot to visit for the day, as there is no camping allowed by the water or the "boat ramp" but you can camp anywhere along the dirt road leading up to the lake."

    4. Valley of Fire Dispersed

    26 Reviews
    Overton, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5000

    "Some rough road getting in and to some of the spots, but popular area with lots of fairly flat spots and fire rings."

    "When you turn off the paved road it is only half a mile to spacious level sites. No amenities. 5G Verizon. Very secluded."

    5. Stewart’s Point Dispersed Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Overton, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8990

    "The ground going to the water is rutted and steep and soft sand in parts. We saw several trucks drive down there without any problems.

    The two miles off the highway is paved, but in poor condition."

    "One of many dispersed camping spots on Lake Mead."

    6. Snowbird Mesa

    21 Reviews
    Overton, NV
    Website

    "We extended our boondocking by using our tote when we went to the state park and dumped in their RV dump. They have water too.

    Solar was greatly here. I would stay away in warmer seasons though."

    "I spoke to the ranger and found out that checkout in the park was 2 pm. You pretty much have to catch someone leaving to get a spot in the park. We were relieved to find so many other options nearby."

    7. Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    21 Reviews
    Lund, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1655

    "We wanted to do some dispersed camping near basin and range nm...we couldnt find Basin and range national monument. Were barely able to turn around our rig and come back to this CG."

    "Lots of dirt roads for hiking and biking. Hot Creek a mile away if you like hot spring soaking. Campground is large enough that people running generators were not too bothersome."

    8. BLM dispersed camping west of Valley of Fire

    18 Reviews
    Overton, NV
    Website

    "We couldn't get a spot inside Valley of Fire State Park so we decided to boondock on the BLM land outside the park."

    "There is a little dirt road that continues down, and we walked it but wouldn't recommend driving it unless you have a 4x4 and high clearance."

    9. Champion Road Dispersed Campsites

    18 Reviews
    Mount Charleston, NV
    Website

    "When you pull into the empty turn around and onto the dirt road you could be immediately disarmed."

    "Everything else on the trail was kind of tight. It wasn’t terribly cold but it started snowing overnight! Woke up to 2 inches of snow and witnessed a gorgeous winter wonderland from my tent."

    10. 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Wells, NV
    Website

    "- there are signs about it being private property at the entrance so not sure exactly what’s going on there. We saw three other cars/trucks and decided to camp over night."

    "Went in the AM and barely had anyone around. That changed as we progressed into the afternoon (note this was on a Saturday).

    Know the road in is really bad so you’ll need a high clearance vehicle."

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Showing results 1-10 of 128 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Nevada

630 Reviews of 128 Nevada Campgrounds



Guide to Nevada

Discover the beauty of Nevada's vast landscapes through dispersed camping, where you can enjoy nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique amenities and activities, Nevada is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Nevada

Top activities while free camping in Nevada

Unique features of Nevada's dispersed camping spots