Camping near Las Vegas – Top10 Campgrounds + Free Sites

Camping in Las Vegas may seem like an unusual activity, given the boisterous casinos and attractions on the Strip. However, you can find several campgrounds in Las Vegas as well as free camping near Las Vegas if you stray from the city center.

Camping is a excellent alternative to lodging in a hotel if you plan on taking day trips and spending more time in the surrounding regions. Besides, Sin City is near beautiful natural places like Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire, just two popular places to camp near Las Vegas.

I wrote an extensive guide concerning Las Vegas’ best RV parks, so in this article, I’ll focus on campgrounds near Las Vegas, NV. You may be surprised by all the sites where you can pitch a tent or park your pop-up trailer and camp out near Las Vegas!

Spending a night in the wilderness and under the stars is an experience that will never be forgotten, so see the best camping sites in Las Vegas, NV!

1. Red Rock Canyon Campground, the best place to camp in Las Vegas

Exploring Red Rock Canyon is one of the top activities outside Vegas, and it boasts some of the best camping near Las Vegas. The Red Rock Canyon Campground is two miles from the park’s Visitor Center and offers over 60 campsites, most being individual sites but some larger group and RV sites ideal for those who rent a campervan in Vegas.

Campsites at the individual standard locations contain grills, fire rings, and picnic tables, and many spots have shaded regions to protect visitors from the desert heat. Speaking of heat, this camping ground is closed during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day due to extreme temperatures.

Additionally, this campground is quite basic, lacking hookups, dump stations, or showers. You can find vault toilets and drinking water spigots scattered throughout the campsite. Still, you can`t be defeated by the magnificent red sandstone of this park because there are so many fun activities to partake in Red Rock Canyon.

• The quantity of campsites accessible: 66 (60 locations for tents, 6 locations for recreational vehicles)
• Price: $10/night
• Open: September-May
• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Electric hookup: No
• Bathrooms: Vault toilets/no showers
• Dump station: No
• Pets allowed: Yes

2. Atlatl Rock Campground, one of the best campgrounds near Las Vegas

We have a complete guide to camping in the Valley of Fire, but I’d like to share more about Atlatl Rock Campground here.

There are over 40 campsites at this location, with half being spots for recreational vehicles. This is one of the campgrounds near Las Vegas, NV, that remains open all year round, and the competitive nightly fees are suitable for families. Pets are allowed, and the recreational vehicle sites can accommodate trailers up to 55 feet in length.

That noted, visitors will feel comfortable at any of the individual sites, each with a fire pit, picnic table, and amenities like dump stations, showers, and flush toilets for a more pleasant stay. Guests can easily access drinking water and grills or spend time at the group pavilion before exploring the park`s striking sandstone rock formations.

• Number of camping sites: 44 (22 tent sites, 22 RV sites)
• Cost: $20/night (+$10 for utility hookup)
• Open: Year-round
• Reservations accepted: No
• Electric hookup: Yes (at half the sites)
• Restrooms/showers: Yes
• Dump station: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

3. Arch Rock Campground, another great place to camp near Las Vegas

There are numerous activities to engage in at Valley of Fire, like remaining overnight. Arch Rock Campground is smaller than Atlatl Rock yet remains one of the top places to camp near Las Vegas.

You can pitch a tent, park a trailer, or set up an RV at Arch Rock. Each location has a covered picnic table and outdoor fireplace, plus water spouts and portable toilets available. Just keep in mind there aren’t utility hookups, but you can dispose of waste at the Atlatl Rock Campground dump station.

You can stay at Arch Rock on a first-arrival, first-served basis, but if no space is available, inspect Atlatl Rock Campground next door.

• Number of campsite areas: 29 (tent/RV sites)
• Price: $20/night
• Open: Year-round
• Reservations accepted: No
• Electric hookup: No
• Restrooms/showers: Vault toilets/showers
• Dump station: No
• Pets allowed: Yes

4. Las Vegas Bay Campground, a scenic place to camp near Las Vegas, NV

A premier location near Las Vegas for camping is the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Several campgrounds exist here, though I suggest the Las Vegas Bay Campground.

The lush campground provides a scenic change of pace from the busy Strip, and the recreational area offers numerous outdoor activities. While the campsites are a few miles from Lake Mead, you can enjoy hiking trails in the local area. Once you reach the water, activities like swimming, boating, kayaking are available, and taking in the lovely waterfront and views of Lava Butte Wash Wildlife Refuge in the distance can be experienced.

Reservations are not accepted, but there are over eighty sites for RV and tent camping in Las Vegas, so you should be able to locate a spot. The semi-private areas have picnic tables, fire pits, and grills, and can accommodate trailers up to thirty-five feet long. A dump station and potable water are available on site, and one can purchase firewood for their grill or fire ring from the camp store.

• Number of campsites: 84 (tent/RV sites)
• Price: $20/night
• Open: Year-round
• Reservations accepted: No
• Electric hookup: No
• Bathrooms: Flush toilets/no showers
• Dump station: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

5. Calville Bay Campground, another nice place to camp in Vegas

If you’re looking for additional areas to camp near Las Vegas Lake Mead region, consider Calville Bay Campground.

This camping area is located on the edge of the Boulder Basin, offering a budget-friendly way to experience tent camping in the Las Vegas, Nevada region. The individual sites include picnic spots and fireplaces, with some having views of the lake. What`s more, full bathrooms and running water can be found throughout the grounds. RVs or trailers are permitted here, but utility hookups are not provided.

This scenic campsite also provides public grilling areas, shaded picnic tables, and informational panels explaining the native flora and fauna found in the local region.

The campsite has a convenient location next to the trailhead for the Calville Summit Trail. This short hike leads to lovely views of Lake Mead, Fortification Hill, and the Hemenway Valley. You can also walk to the nearby Calville Bay Resort & Marina, offering restaurants, cafes, shops, and boat rentals.

• Number of campsites: 52 (5 caravan sites)
• Price: $20/night
• Open: Year-round
• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Electric hookup: No
• Bathrooms: Flush toilets/no showers
• Dump station: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

6. Boulder Beach Campground, one of the most inclusive campgrounds near Las Vegas

In my guide about visiting Hoover Dam, I mention all the amazing things there are to do in the area. So, if you’d like to make the most of your time in that place, think about staying overnight at Boulder Beach Campground, next to one of the best beaches in Las Vegas.

This Las Vegas area camping site is suitable for tent and recreational vehicle (RV) camping, with over 150 individual plots. Each lot has a picnic and grilling area, and there are water spigots throughout the campground. Camping is possible here throughout the year and one can enjoy the refreshing shoreline along Boulder Basin.

This campground near Las Vegas stands out as one of the most accommodating and family-suited. It provides facilities like flushing toilets, showers, laundry appliances, and a general store. Visitors can take a short walk to the marina and rent boats or kayaks, and the nearby city of Boulder offers dining, shopping, and other attractions.

Spaces are accessible on a first-come, primary basis, however you may reserve gathering destinations. The every night rate is $20, and, like different campgrounds in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, there is a $25 passage expense.

• Number of campsites: 154 (tent/RV sites)
• Price: $20/night
• Open: Year-round
• Reservations accepted: No
• Electric hookup: No
• Restrooms/showers: Flush toilets/showers
• Dump station: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

7. Echo Bay Campground, a beautiful campground near Las Vegas, Nevada

If you’re willing to travel a bit further outside of Las Vegas, an excellent camping choice is Echo Bay Campground. This camping area near Las Vegas, NV has nearly 150 sites in total, and over half of them have RV connections.

Echo Bay boasts some of the best camping near Las Vegas, especially since it’s less than a mile from the shores of Lake Mead. Here, you can enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, and other water activities. The campground is also close to hiking trails and other natural areas like the Valley of Fire.

The campground is separated into two segments so you can locate RV and tent camping. There is a camp store on-site, spigots with drinkable water, and a picnic area. Your individual lot will come with a picnic table and fire ring.

• Number of campsites: 146 (58 RV sites)
• Price: $20/night
• Open: Year-round
• Reservations accepted: No
• Electric hookups are available at 53 sites.
• Restrooms/showers: Flush toilets/showers
• Dump station: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes

8. McWilliams Campground, another great camping site in Las Vegas

Less than an hour outside Sin City, you’ll find McWilliams Campground in the Mt. Charleston region. Nestled within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, this is a beautifully scenic place to camp near Las Vegas.

McWilliams Campground is a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors while also having the convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. Bear in mind there aren’t any showers or RV hookups.

While staying at a single or double-family campsite, activities such as biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding can be enjoyed among the ponderosa pines. This area is also home to the Bristlecone Trail, one of the best hiking routes in Las Vegas. McWilliams accepts reservations and allows pets, and your campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, BBQ grill, and fire pit.

• Number of campsites: 75 (tent/RV sites)
• Price: $25/night
• Open: May-October
• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Electric hookup: No
• Bathrooms: Flush toilets/no showers
• Dump station: No
• Pets allowed: Yes

9. Hilltop Campground, some of the best tent camping near Las Vegas

Hilltop Campground is also in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, although it’s smaller than McWilliams. Hilltop is perfect for tent camping near Las Vegas, and while it accommodates trailers up to 25 feet, there aren’t 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 winds can pick up, you’ll have great views of the valley.

Hilltop Campground is just 1⁄4-mile from the North Loop Trailhead, and biking trails can be found throughout the area. Like other Mt. Charleston campgrounds, Hilltop is typically open from May to November.

• Number of campsites: 38 (tent/RV sites)
• Price: $23/night
• Open: April-November
• Reservations accepted: Yes, but only for sites numbered 12 through 38
• Electric hookup: No
• Bathrooms: Vault toilets/no showers
• Dump station: No
• Pets allowed: Yes

10. Fletcher View Campground, another campground near Las Vegas to stay at

Finally, Fletcher View Campground is smaller and marginally pricier than other Mt. Charleston campsites but is nearer to Vegas. Just minutes from the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway, this campsite provides an escape from the noise on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Out of the 11 sites, two can accommodate RVs, and both single and double-household lots are available. Also, Fletcher View has electric hookups, so I recommend it if you’re trailer-camping in Mt. Charleston. Whether you camp in an RV or tent, your site will have a fire pit, BBQ grill, and outside tables.

This Las Vegas area camping area includes flush toilets, water taps, paved roads, and a stunning setting perfect for cycling, wildlife viewing, and nature walks. Also, while it’s accessible year-round, the campground may close between mid-July to mid-September due to flooding risks.

• Number of campsites: 11 (tent/RV sites)
• Price: $33/night
• Open: Year-round
• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Electric hookup: Yes
• Bathrooms: Flush toilets/no showers
• Dump station: No
• Pets allowed: Yes

Free camping near Las Vegas

All of these campsites deserve investigation, but if you’re searching for free places to camp in Las Vegas, you have some alternatives.

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Las Vegas campgrounds map

With that, you’re ready to begin planning your Las Vegas camping trip! Be sure to check out the Las Vegas campgrounds map below to see the ten campsites I mentioned and free BLM campgrounds in Nevada. I’ve labeled the RV campsites in red and the free campgrounds in green.

If you have any queries regarding RV or camping in a tent in Las Vegas, leave me a comment below, and I’ll reply to you! Enjoy your camping trip!