The Best Free & Cheap Camping Near Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an action-packed place to visit with round-the-clock gambling, world-class restaurants, live shows, museums, people watching on the strip, the list goes on and on!
Some RVers enjoy camping in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, others not so much and some what a bit of both. If you are in the latter two groups, let’s review options for the best free and cheap camping near Las Vegas.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the closest option for camping near Las Vegas. This scenic location is just a short distance west of Las Vegas encompassing over 195,000 acres of the Mojave Desert. The area features unique geological formations, a scenic drive, and hiking opportunities.
There is one developed campground with 53 standard non-utility campsites. Restrooms consist of vault toilets. Potable water is available via faucets throughout the campground, there is no dump station. Sites are only $20 a night during the peak season. Check out RV LIFE Campgrounds for more information on this campground.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is likely the most sought-after location for camping near Las Vegas. The park is the largest and oldest in the State Park system. The 40,000-acre park features stunning Aztec sandstone, slot canyons, petroglyphs, petrified trees, and endless hiking opportunities, among unique geological formations.
The park features two campgrounds with a total of 72 campsites, some with hookups. Each site contains a shade armada, picnic tables, and a grill. Restrooms are available along with potable water and a dump station. Check out RV LIFE Campgrounds for more information on this campground.
Author’s wife hiking in Valley of Fire State Park
Lake Mead
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a plethora of choices for camping near Las Vegas. Lake Mead is recognized as America’s first national recreation area and provides outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to boat, swim, bicycle, fish, and hike within its vast 1.5 million acre boundaries which includes two large lakes, mountains, and valleys.
The area has over 900 campsites at 15 different locations with amenities like restrooms and running water. Click here to view all the options available for camping near Las Vegas.
Spring Mountains
The Spring Mountains are about 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas and feature 11,916-foot Mount Charleston, the state’s eighth highest mountain peak. The mountains are within the boundaries of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and offer multiple camping opportunities in a scenic mountain setting.
Click here for a listing of campgrounds and recreational opportunities in the Spring Mountains.
Logandale Trails
Logandale Trails is a little more primitive and distant than the above options for camping near Las Vegas, but offers some unique and extremely scenic campsites among classic red sandstone.
The Logandale Trails System features over 200 miles of trails for a variety of OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) users along with horseback riding and hiking within its 45,000-acre boundaries. Click here to learn more and plan your visit.
The folks blogging at Sunny Sports share,
“If you enjoy the thrill of the action in Las Vegas but are also interested in exploring its vast nature, you can easily combine both pleasures by staying at some incredible campsites found just outside the glittering city.”
Boondocking near Las Vegas
Snowbird Mesa near Overton is a well-known boondocking location for wintering snowbirds. The location offers stunning vistas providing amazing views of sunrise and sunsets. It is also just a short drive from nearby Valley of Fire State Park. Check out RV LIFE Campgrounds for more information on this location.
Goodsprings, Nevada
Goodsprings, Nevada is located about 45 minutes southwest of Las Vegas and should be on the “to-do” list for anyone interested in the state’s historic mining legacy.
The town was once the center of a very productive mining district, producing silver, lead, gold, zinc, and other precious metals. The hills around town contain the remains of many mining ventures and mining camps for those that like to explore.
History buffs won’t want to miss visiting the 100+ year-old Pioneer Saloon, which is considered to be the oldest, continuously operating saloon in the state. Boondocking is permitted on BLM land which is plentiful around the perimeter of town.
Lovell Canyon Road
Lovell Canyon Road should be on your list when you just want to get away from it all. Lovell Canyon Road can be found exiting the north side of Highway 160 about halfway between Las Vegas and Pahrump.
It offers boondocking campsites on BLM land along its entire length in a canyon of juniper trees and pleasing natural views. Since the area is two to three thousand feet higher in elevation than Las Vegas, you can expect temperatures to be upwards of ten degrees cooler than the city.
For those wondering how to find boondocking locations for the last two locations, take a look at our previous RV LIFE article here. This video also shares some great information on free camping near Las Vegas:
Plan your trip to Vegas
To learn more about Valley Fire State Park & Cathedral Rock, check out our article here. Plan your route to Vegas, and find more great points of interest in the area, with RV LIFE Trip Wizard and the RV LIFE App With RV-Safe GPS.
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