I’m a Las Vegas local and in this guide, I share 9 of the best places to go camping near Las Vegas.
Exploring the great outdoors is one of the best Vegas activities and there are plenty of backcountry sites to enjoy. Populated areas like Lake Mead also have places to go camping near Vegas. Plus, several campsites feature a range of modern amenities including RV hookups. Read on to discover the ideal campsite for you!
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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
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of the best day trips from Las Vegas. But I highly recommend experiencing this park after dark, specifically at Red Rock Canyon Campground.
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.
RV and tent campsites offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains. With limited cell phone service in the area, this is the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy nature. Explore some of the best hikes near Vegas, 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.
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 (Ringbolt) Hot Springs which you can access by going up the river.
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 is located near Boulder City, one of the best small towns in Nevada.
Boulder Beach 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.
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.
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
Callville Bay Campground is located along Lake Mead, one of the best places to stay near Las Vegas. Pitch a tent or stay at Callville Bay RV Park, which 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.
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. 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
Explore Valley of Fire State Park, which features some of the best camping near Las Vegas.
🗺️ 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 incredible hikes like Fire Wave and Mouse’s Tank.
📚 Related Reading: Camping Essentials (22 Things You Might Forget to Bring)
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, set across the street from Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall. If you’re looking for city access, this is the best place for camping in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Strip is 15 minutes away from this RV park and campsite. Gamble, dine at local restaurants, or take your family to the movie theater — one of the best things to do in Vegas with kids.
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.
FAQs About Camping Around 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.
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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. Next, read my guide to the best Las Vegas parks!
