Hilltop Campground Some Of The Best Tent Camping Near Las Vegas
Hilltop Campground is also in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, although its smaller than McWilliams. Hilltop is great for tent camping near Las Vegas, and while it accommodates trailers up to 25 feet, there arent any hookups.
You can choose from a single or double-family campsite with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The sites sit atop a forested hill and, while it can get windy, youll get great views of the valley.
9. Hilltop Campground, some of the best tent camping near Las Vegas
Hilltop Campground is just ¼-mile away from the North Loop Trailhead, and there are biking trails throughout the area. Like other Mt. Charleston campgrounds, Hilltop is usually open from May to November.
- Number of campsites: 38
- Price: $23/night
Lovell Canyon Road Camping
The stay limit is 14 days.
Most folks camp within 5 miles of the entrance and close to the main tarmac road. If your vehicle can handle the terrain, do explore the side roads for very nice, secluded sites. Lovell Canyon Road continues further but I did not explore beyond 5 miles because cell service became an issue at that point.
For the first 2 miles or so, most of the camping will be to your right due to the wash on the left. Some of the forest roads are rough and sandy so it is best to park and walk ahead to make sure your vehicle can handle the conditions. Fortunately, these are short drives as shown on my map above.
The most popular campsites start near the 3-mile mark. These are on both sides of the road.
The best views are from the top of the hill after the 4-mile mark but the access roads are short and steep and/or rough!
Nellis Dunes Recreation Area Las Vegas Nevada
Locals have used the sand dunes north of Nellis Air Force Base for OHV recreation since the 1970s. But it wasnt until 2009 that the State of Nevada recognized its commercial potential as an OHV Recreation Area, and officially designated it as, Nellis Dunes Recreation Area. Most of it is managed by the BLM, including the camping areas and the vast majority of its trails and dunes. A smaller portion of former BLM lands was conveyed to Clark County for future construction of a motorsports park.
Much of the camping and staging area lies at the intersection of State Highway 604 and Clark R. Petersen Rd. There is a Ritchie Bros. Auction Yard nearby. This area is also labeled on Google Maps as Apex OHV Recreational Area. This area is all flat, level dirt and gravel. Free camping is allowed here. There are no posted signs indicating maximum length of stay, and the entire time we camped here, we saw no BLM officials.
During the week, it remains pretty quiet here. There are still a few other RVs boondocked here, and the occasional OHV rider goes by. But by the weekend, it turns completely busy. Trucks with toy haulers files into this area. OHV riders buzz by, and in the evenings, you can hear laughing and partying all night long.
But this isnt the only place where you can camp. There are dozens more clearings right off of Las Vegas Blvd further south, all the way down towards Las Vegas Speedway.
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Blm Land Map For Nevada
To take advantage of enjoying BLM land, you will need to first make sure that you are actually in the public area and not on private property. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a map.
Supporters of the website receive access to a BLM map overlay to ensure you are taking advantage of free camping in Nevada legally. and receive access to this map, along with other helpful features.
Unlock pro campendium features
Why Youll Love Las Vegas Koa At Sams Town
While you can easily be at the strip in minutes without even starting up your RV, you dont even have to leave the campground to get the Vegas experience. Sams Town has a full blown casino a large, Vegas-style pool, a waterfall park, an in-house movie theater with 18 screens, and even a 56 lane bowling alley. Stroll through their idyllic indoor garden, grab some food at their buffet or Mexican cantina, and then enjoy a daily laser light show and live entertainment. Youll find the full range of RV services and more, and they even run regular promotions for lengthy stays.
Location
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Red Rock Canyon Campground
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area only has one developed campground, but its worth trying to get a spot here. While its a developed campground, the amenities here are minimal. There are vault toilets as well as potable water spigots throughout the camp, but thats about it.
Its the perfect choice for those looking to feel the vast openness of the Nevada desert without being too far from the city. While there are a handful of RV sites, tent campers have a much better chance of grabbing a site here.
- Closest Town: Summerlin South, NV
- Specs: 53 standard tent sites, six RV sites, seven group sites, no hookups, open from the beginning of September to the end of May
- Amenities: Picnic tables, tent pads, grills, fire rings, shaded picnic area in all group sites and some individual sites, vault toilets, potable water, pet-friendly
- Reservations: Yes, visit recreation.gov/
Free Camping On The Shores Of Lake Mead + The Hoover Dam
One of the most memorable nights camping I have ever experienced was the night my husband and I camped at a free campground on the shores of Lake Mead outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Lake Mead is a National Recreation Area, and part of the National Park Service. We had a beautiful view and some interesting company! If you are looking for a night of camping you will never forget, check out Kingsman Wash in Arizona. Im excited to tell you all about it!
A beautiful view on our drive into the camping area
How to Get There:To access the camping area at Kingsman Wash you take Kingman Wash Road, also known as NPS Road 70. The road is a maintained backcountry road off Highway 93 south of Hoover Dam in Arizona. The road runs for roughly 3.5 miles to the shore of Lake Mead. This was a very short drive from the Hoover Dam.
The amazing Hoover Dam
What to Expect:
- The road into the camping area
- Our Spot
Budget Travelers It is FREE, after all Groups of Friends Travelers looking to meet people Anyone who can deal with loud rowdy neighbors
- A look at the car we drove
- Yoga on the shores of Lake Mead, you can see some of the other campers in the background.
The Lake Mead Marina, where we stopped for food and drinks at, The Boat House.
The best view to wake up to after an amazing night!
- A gorgeous sunset over the Hoover Dam
- Very impressive!
- A look down from the Hoover Dam
Much Love & Happy Travels,
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The Rv Park At Circus Circus
Image Source:https://www.circuscircus.com/…
Circus Circus is one of the most well-known attractions in Las Vegas. This family-friendly hotel and casino features endless hours of activities, and it also includes a large campground. This Las Vegas campground is right next to the Strip, and it is easy to get to from Interstate 15.
Nevada Dispersed Camping Rules And Regulations
Please, please, please treat Nevadas public lands with respect.
Its vital we minimize our human impact when dispersed camping on BLM land and in national forests by following the 7 Leave No Trace principles.
Although all seven are important, perhaps the most critical is to pack out all your trash. Dispersed campsites almost never have trash cans so you need to plan ahead to pack out all of your trash, including food waste and human waste.
Left-behind trash and improperly disposed human waste is one of the major problems our public lands face.
If youve been dispersed camping anywhere in the past few years, youve no doubt encountered trash, toilet paper, and maybe even human waste in once pristine campsites.
Using a cat hole is one method of using the bathroom in the woods although I strongly recommend packing out your waste with a WAG bag or a portable toilet .
Its up to us to keep our public lands clean and open for all to enjoy. Cleaning up after yourself and otherwise treating these lands with respect is key to keeping them open and available to all.
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Our Experience Camping Near Las Vegas
We had some business plans in Henderson, just outside of Las Vegas and needed a place to sleep for a couple nights. So luckily we found that there was free camping near Las Vegas on the dry lake bed before you reach the city.
If youre coming up to Las Vegas from the south, the dry lake bed is about 34 miles north of Searchlight. On the drive north there are lots of other dispersed camping options on both sides of the highway. But the dry lake bed is most convenient if your destination involves Las Vegas.
The dry lake bed is a wide open, seemingly flat spread of land between the desert mountains and US-95. Once you turn off of the highway youll notice that there are a lot of ruts and bumps in the dry mud of the lake bed but nothing too crazy.
Obviously this area can accomodate a rig of any size. And the area is so vast that you can always guarantee there will be a spot. Drive as far as youd like from the highway and voila youre home!
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In addition to being a great spot for free camping near Las Vegas, the dry lake bed is also a mixed recreation destination. Weve seen people driving their OHVs, play with RCs, flying kites and Im sure theres lots more uses for this wide open area.
We only stayed here for two nights. And though it was super convenient, it was definitely time to find a spot not right off the highway. Also it was getting pretty hot in the desert by this time so we had to get to higher elevation!
Skate Spots
Free Camping Locations For Las Vegas With Permits
These 4 areas all provide low cost Dispersed Camping on Lake Mead. There are a ton of other sites on the lake, enquire with the rangers for other sites not listed. The 7 day permit covers any site that allows dispersed camping on the lake.
A pass is required to enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A Federal Interagency pass will get you in. Otherwise it is $10 for 7 days and $30 for a yearly pass. They can be purchased here and printed on your printer. https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/fees.htm
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Fletcher View Campground Another Campground Near Las Vegas To Stay At
Finally, Fletcher View Campground is smaller and slightly more expensive than the other Mt. Charleston campsites, but its closer to Vegas. Just a few minutes from the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway, this camping site offers a respite from the noise of Las Vegas Boulevard.
Out of the 11 sites, two can accommodate RVs, and both single and double-family lots are available. Also, Fletcher View has electric hookups, so I recommend it if youre trailer-camping in Mt. Charleston. Whether you camp in an RV or tent, your site will have a fire pit, BBQ grill, and outdoor tables.
10. Fletcher View Campground, another campground near Las Vegas to stay at
This Las Vegas area campsite has flush toilets, water spigots, paved roads, and a stunning location perfect for biking, wildlife viewing, and nature walks. Also, while its open year-round, the campground may close between mid-July to mid-September due to flooding risks.
- Number of campsites: 11
- Price: $33/night
Hitchin Post Rv Park & Motel
Image Source:https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot…
Hitchin Post RV Park & amp Motel is a huge RV park on the outskirts of Las Vegas. The property is easy to access from Interstate 15, and it is next door to Walker Outlet Warehouse. Unlike most RV parks in Las Vegas, Hitchin Post RV Park & amp Motel has its own restaurant.
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Overton Bureau Of Land Management
Between Lake Mead and Valley of the Fire State Park is Overton, NV where you can find several different places to dry camp on BLM land. We drove by a place known as Snowbird Mesa or Poverty Flats , and I thought the scenery was striking. However, it was very crowded so we decided to skip it.
We had friends who stayed here in January and said it wasnt as crowded. You can see some drone footage of it in their video below.
Why Youll Love Oasis Las Vegas Rv Resort
This place is a little oasis in the middle of one of Americas most overwhelming cities. Although its one of the closest to the Las Vegas strip, the park is quiet, calm, and scenic, with plenty of trees for shade and beautiful landscaping. The parks tropical Casablanca theme really makes it feel like a getaway, especially when you see the resort-style pool, modern fitness center, and golf course. The park puts on regular events and activities around Las Vegas, so youre never short of things to do.
Location
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Dispersed Camping Rules Of The Road
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.
Dispersed camping on the East Coast
Free Camping Near Las Vegas
All of these campsites are worth checking out, but if youre looking for free camping in Las Vegas, you have some options.
You can stay at BLM campgrounds in Nevada, including the sites around Lake Mead, Sloan Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and Valley of Fire. In the map below, you can find free dispersed camping near Las Vegas and nearby BLM sites.
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St Valentines Day Massacre Wall
The bullet-riddled wall from the St. Valentines Day Massacre, bloodstains enhanced for your viewing pleasure.
A usual Chicago day, a Valentines Day, usually set aside for romance and sweet nothings, a trap was set that put seven mens criminal careers to an end and thrust Al Capone into the public eye and the sights of the feds.
The trap that culminated the violent feud between two Chicago gangster heavyweights was actually fairly straightforward. Invite the North Side Irish Gang out in full Valentines Day regalia as the first step. Second step: Position them in a sitting duck position against a wall. Step three is to depress and hold the trigger.
Hoover Dam Lodge Hotel & Casino
Did you know that many casinos allow overnight parking for RVs? This can be a great solution for areas without Harvest Hosts locations or for those without the capacity for longer boondocking stints. Oftentimes, parking at a casino is similar to parking at a Harvest Hosts location in that you must patronize the business in exchange for the nights stay. Even if you dont gamble, many casinos have a restaurant on site. This casino is located just over 30 minutes from the Strip. The paved parking lot for this casino can accommodate RVs of any size. The coordinates are: 36.0103, -114.7825.
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How To Find Even More Free Camping In Nevada
Remember that the 9 free campsites above are simply my personal favorites there are thousands of others to choose from in Nevada.
While the best way to find great free campsites is by exploring on your own , here are some additional tips to help you expand your search:
- Apps My favorite apps to find potential free campsites are iOverlander, FreeRoam, and FreeCampsites.net.
- Online Maps Satellite view on Google Maps and especially Gaia GPS are very useful tools to find potential free campsites. Gaia even allows you to turn on BLM and USFS boundaries to ensure youre not on private land.
- MVUM Maps Motor vehicle use maps are very detailed, regularly updated maps of the roads on USFS and BLM land, including back roads. Both online versions and paper versions are available. You can pick up print copies for a small fee at a local ranger station or order ahead of time from the United States Geological Survey store.
- Ranger Station I personally always stop by the nearest ranger station before looking for a dispersed campsite. Here you can pick up MVUM maps as well as get the most up-to-date info on road conditions and even recommended campsites from the rangers.
Still cant find a good free campsite near you?
If youre not set on dispersed camping, I recommend looking into parking lot camping, casino camping, and even stealth camping as additional options.