9 Best Places to Go Camping Near Las Vegas (By a Local)
I’m a Las Vegas local and in this guide, I share 9 of the best places to go camping near Las Vegas.
Though pitching a tent in the remote desert is daunting for some, several of these campsites are set near Lake Mead, perfect for summer outings. Many of these places to go camping near Vegas are also in populated areas and feature a range of modern amenities, including RV hookups.
Read on to discover the best Las Vegas area campsite for you, regardless of your preferred set-up or the season.
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9 Best Places to Go Camping Near Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon Campground
Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip lies a hidden campground, perfect for indulging in desert nature.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 25 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: online, 48 hours in advance | Amenities: toilets, water faucets
With incredible views of the mountains surrounding, Red Rock Canyon Campground is home to beautiful campsites near Las Vegas. Each campsite has a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. It is important to note that you must bring your own firewood because there is not any available at the site. Purchase from nearby grocery stores to avoid the spread of any non-native species.
There are different sites; some are RV campsites and others are for tent use only. With limited cell phone service in the area, this is the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy nature. Hike along one of the many gorgeous trails, take a scenic bike ride, or lounge by the fire for a super fun camping trip.
👉 Pro Tip: This campground is not open during the summer due to lack of shade and high risks of forest fires.
Boulder Beach Campground
Expect breathtaking views of Lake Mead at this lovely campsite.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 40 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: first-come, first-serve or online | Amenities: toilets, fire pits, Wi-Fi, water
For those who love to be near the water, Boulder Beach Campground is the perfect place to go camping near Las Vegas. This campground features both tent camping areas and RV sites, although there are no RV hookups available.
But with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, it’s easy to enjoy a beautiful picnic near the lake. You can go swimming in Lake Mead, rent a boat, and go fishing, too. Keep your eye out for fascinating wildlife like different birds, lizards, and maybe even coyotes. These experiences will make you forget you are only half an hour away from Las Vegas.
📚 Related Reading: Check out my things to do near Las Vegas article to learn about more activities near Lake Mead!
Las Vegas Bay Campground
Camp under a dazzling sky full of stars away from all the crowds and city lights.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 30 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: first-come, first-serve | Amenities: toilets, fire pits, Wi-Fi, drinking water
With palm trees and cottonwood trees throughout the area, Las Vegas Bay Campground offers privacy between campsites. RVs, tents, and trailers are welcome at the Las Vegas Bay Campground.
You will not be able to access the lake from this area, but you will have access to a picnic area with great scenery, as well as Bluffs Trails. This is a great trail for bird watching and leads to incredible views over the Las Vegas Wash.
👉 Pro Tip: Check out these binoculars at REI to make the most of bird watching!
Echo Bay Lower Campground
Spend a relaxing day by the water and end it with delicious s’mores by the campfire.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: first-come, first-serve | Amenities: toilets, Wi-Fi, fire pits
Echo Bay Campground is a peaceful area where you can enjoy calming activities like fishing and canoeing. With towering red rocks, the Redstone Picnic Area is another wonderful place to wander and explore.
Be cautious when driving or walking over shorelines with receding waters, as sometimes the ground may look dry but it is not and you can end up stuck. Also, note that Echo Bay Campground does not offer RV hookups or showers, but the Echo Bay RV Park nearby provides both of those things.
Atlatl Rock Campground
Surround yourself with unbeatable views of gorgeous red rocks and natural landscapes.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: first-come, first-serve| Amenities: toilets, showers, RV hookups, water, grills
Atlatl Rock Campground is in Valley of Fire State Park, one of the best day trips from Las Vegas. Of the two campgrounds at the park, this one is more suitable for RVs. Due to the available amenities and incredible views of the red desert, this campground is a lot more popular than others on this list.
Next to the campsite is Atlatl Rock itself, and you can walk up the large staircase to reach the ancient petroglyphs. You may also want to check out the scenic loop drive which is only two miles; it makes for a beautiful walk, too. If you feel adventurous, you can try rock climbing in a few places around the park.
Arch Rock Campground
Enjoy a private camping trip at Valley of Fire State Park.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: first-come, first-serve | Amenities: toilets, water, shaded picnic tables
Arch Rock Campground is the other camping site available at the Valley of Fire State Park. Compared to Atlatl Rock, this campground is better for tent camping. Many of the campsites are more private and away from others, allowing you to feel as if you have the whole area to yourself.
There are many intriguing caves, rocks, and narrows to explore during your stay at Arch Rock. Nearby, you’ll find some of the best hikes near Las Vegas, including Fire Wave and Mouse’s Tank.
Callville Bay Campground
Hike, swim, and eat at a local diner at this scenic Lake Mead site.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: Online | Amenities: toilets, showers, dump stations, grills
At Callville Bay Campground along Lake Mead, tents, RVs, and trailers are welcome. Callville Bay RV Park is also nearby, and that area provides RV hookups and laundry machines. If you’d like to sleep on the water, there are even houseboats available to rent.
You can also rent other watercraft and ski boats so you don’t have to bring your own equipment. For some of the best views of Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, hike up Callville Summit Trail. When you strike up an appetite, you can walk over to the Callville Bay Resort and grab a bite to eat.
Willow Beach Campground
Enjoy a large variety of amenities at this beach camping getaway.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: online | Amenities: toilets, showers, RV hookups, Wi-Fi, water, payphones
Willow Beach is an enchanting little shore that sits on the Colorado River. There, you’ll find Willow Beach Campground which offers a large number of RV sites and a smaller tent camping area. The number of amenities and stunning scenery makes this one of the best campgrounds near Las Vegas.
With glimmering jewel-tone waters, Emerald Cove is one of the most popular attractions at Willow Beach. Kayak there and enjoy spending a glorious day on the water. You can also venture out to the gorgeous hiking trails nearby, like the Arizona Hot Springs which you can access by going up the river.
Las Vegas KOA
With easy downtown access, you get the best of both worlds at this family-friendly campground community.
🗺️ Distance from Las Vegas: 15 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | Reservations: online | Amenities: toilets, showers, RV hookups, pool, hot tub, TV
Las Vegas KOA Journey is in the middle of downtown Las Vegas, set across the street from Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall. If you’re looking for city access and one of the most affordable places to stay in Las Vegas, this is the perfect spot to pitch camp.
Fifteen minutes away from this RV park and campsite, you will find the Las Vegas Strip where you can gamble, dine, or take your family to the movie theater. Plus, at the KOA, you will have access to many amenities like a family pool, a grilling area, and even a lounge where you can watch TV.
👉 Read Next: Best Las Vegas Parks
FAQs About Camping Near Las Vegas
Does Las Vegas have campgrounds?
Las Vegas has a variety of campgrounds including Red Rock Canyon Campground, Las Vegas KOA, and Willow Beach Campground.
Can you boondock in Las Vegas?
You can boondock in Las Vegas at many different campsites. These include Red Rock Canyon Campground, Boulder Beach Campground, and several other places.
Can you camp anywhere in the Nevada desert?
You cannot camp anywhere in the Nevada desert because there are many private properties throughout. If you want to set up camp somewhere, it is best to do some research and make sure it is not private property.
👉 Read Next: Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas
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Thank you for reading! I hope I helped you figure out some of the best places to go camping near Las Vegas.
is there anyplace between Vegas and Reno that has rv hookups and access to atv trails from the campground
Thanks for having this in one spot.
I do have a question – we are arriving in Las Vegas on Oct 7th but late in evening @ 11 pm and so just need a place to pitch our tent not far from Vegas – we will spend maybe the morning in Vegas but then are heading to trek/camp at bottom of Grand Canyon. So don’t want to spend a tonne of time getting to site – or frankly money – You talk about Boondocking at for Example Red Rock – does that mean you can just show up and camp?
Michelle Friesen
Grimsby, Ontario , Canada