Las Vegas is known for its bright lights and endless fun, but sometimes you need a quiet escape from all the noise and crowds. Luckily, there are some amazing camping sites near Las Vegas where you can swap busy streets for starry skies and casinos for campfires. Not far from the Strip, you’ll find peaceful spots with red rock canyons, open desert spaces, and cool mountain air that feels like a whole new world. Camping near Las Vegas is perfect if you want to simply relax and spend time outdoors with family, friends, or even by yourself. You can spend your days camping and exploring scenic trails, watching desert sunsets, or just enjoying the calm away from the city’s chaos.
In this blog, we’ve put together the best camping sites near Las Vegas along with what to expect at each one. You’ll also find tips on when to go and how to make the most of your camping adventure here. So no matter if you’re an experienced camper or trying it for the first time, there’s a camping spot near Las Vegas waiting for you to explore and enjoy.
For more attractions and must-visit spots, check out our complete Las Vegas Travel Guide
Valley of Fire State Park
First on our list is Valley of Fire State Park.This site is mainly known for its huge red sandstone rocks that glow bright orange when the sun hits them. The park is about an hour northeast of Las Vegas and is one of the oldest state parks in Nevada. Many visitors like to stay overnight at one of its two campgrounds- Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock. These sites sit right among the rock formations, offering basic comforts like picnic tables, shaded ramadas, grills, water spigots, as well as restrooms. There are also a few walk-in sites for tents or yurts and a limited number of RV spots. The campsites are quiet and have clear views of the open desert sky, which is perfect for stargazing. You will additionally find popular short trails like Fire Wave and Mouse’s Tank nearby, so campers often spend mornings exploring the surrounding scenic wonders. There are no shops or restaurants inside the park, so campers bring their own food and plenty of water. It's a top choice for many families because the short trails are easy and the campground is clean and well-kept.
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Best time to visit: October to April
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is situated just 30 miles west of Las Vegas and this area is mainly popular for its red cliffs and scenic loop drive plus its network of hiking trails. There is one main campground here with sites for tents and RVs and each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Restrooms and water spigots are available here but there are no full hookups for RVs. The campground is about three miles from the Visitor Center and main scenic drive, so it’s easy to reach trailheads like Calico Tanks and Turtlehead Peak too for some additional exploration. The campground is surrounded by desert scrub and distant cliffs, so mornings often start with pretty sunrise views on the rock faces. The area is quiet and has clear night skies, great for stargazing. Campers bring their own food and water since there are no stores at the campground and families often use this spot as a base to explore short trails or spend some quality family time amidst nature. The campground is simple but clean and safe, making it a good place for people who want to enjoy desert scenery up close.
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Best time to visit: October to April
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is perfect if you love camping with water views and easy access to relaxed treks in and near Las Vegas. It is just about a 30-minute drive from Las Vegas and is the largest reservoir in the United States. The area has several campgrounds with views of the lake and surrounding desert hills too. Campsites range from basic no-hookup spots to areas with picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and easy boat ramp access. Popular spots include Government Wash for free dispersed camping with no services, while Callville Bay and Temple Bar offer developed campgrounds with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and sometimes showers. Some sites sit close to the water with views of boats and rocky shorelines. Many people here like to bring their kayaks or fishing gear and spend time near the water. Trails like the Historic Railroad Trail are also nearby for short walks along the old railroad tunnels with wide views of the lake. There are marina stores and fuel stations near the main campgrounds, but it’s still a good idea to pack extra food and water. The campgrounds at this site are simple and peaceful as well as both family-friendly and pet-friendly, with lots of open space for kids to run and splash near the water.
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Best time to visit: October to April
Mount Charleston
Next on our list is Mount Charleston. The site is situated about an hour northwest of Las Vegas and feels like a totally different world compared to the desert. The area is covered in mountain breezes, pine forests, aspen trees, and wildflowers in spring and summer. There are a few small campgrounds here like Fletcher View, Kyle Canyon, and Hilltop, which are all family-friendly, with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and toilets available. Some people also book cabins nearby for a more comfortable stay. Many sites here sit among tall pine trees with shade and views of the mountain peaks, which also makes a really good backdrop for insta-worthy pictures. Additionally, trails like Mary Jane Falls and Cathedral Rock are close by for easy to moderate hikes through forested paths and rocky slopes. Also, spotting wildlife like deer and birds are common here plus there are a few small cafes and lodges nearby if you need a meal away from camp. Summer temperatures stay cool compared to Las Vegas, which makes it a popular escape, especially during summers. The campgrounds are safe and calm, good for families who want fresh mountain air and a break from the city heat.
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Best time to visit: May to October
Looking for shorter getaways from Las Vegas? Check out these top 8 Best Road Trips Near Las Vegas .
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is part of the same mountain range as Mount Charleston and about an hour from Las Vegas. This area has cooler weather, tall pine trees, meadows, and plenty of wildlife like deer, chipmunks, and lots of birds. There are several small campgrounds spread around the mountain slopes and canyons. Campsites here usually have picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water, as well as clean restrooms. Many sites sit in forest clearings or near creeks that run in spring and early summer. You will also find trails like Cathedral Rock, Mary Jane Falls, and Big Falls Trail which are quite popular for short hikes with views of rocky cliffs and waterfalls. This area is especially popular in summer when Las Vegas gets too hot, and families often pick it for the fresh air and green scenery. The campgrounds are simple but well-kept and a few mountain cafes and a lodge are nearby for meals or basic supplies. Nights can be chilly, so carrying extra blankets and warm clothes is a good idea if you plan to camp here.
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Best time to visit: May to October
Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Desert National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest wildlife refuges in the lower 48 states and sits about an hour north of Las Vegas. Camping here is simple and mostly primitive and there are no developed campgrounds. Many people usually choose dispersed camping, picking a flat spot along the dirt roads to set up a tent or sleep in their car. For visitors who prefer a designated area, Desert Pass Campground sits along Mormon Well Road inside the refuge. This small campground has six basic sites that are free and first-come, first-served. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and access to clean vault toilets as well. Wildlife here is another highlight, so it’s quite common to see desert bighorn sheep on rocky slopes and desert foxes in the early hours or at dusk. There are miles of old dirt roads and hiking paths too, but visitors need to bring enough water, food, and camping gear since there are no stores or services. Because there are no buildings or artificial lights, the refuge is especially popular with people who want complete quiet and clear night skies for stargazing or photography. On clear nights, it’s possible to see thousands of stars and sometimes even the Milky Way.
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Best time to visit: October to April
Conclusion
All in all, these camping spots and treks in and near Las Vegas offer a mix of red rock views, cool forests, quiet deserts, and starry skies. These sites range from easy family-friendly spots to remote wilderness areas, perfect for families, friends, and even solo campers looking to swap the city noise for nature and make new memories outdoors.
For more attractions and must-visit spots, check out our complete Las Vegas Travel Guide