Camping isn’t exactly synonymous with Las Vegas. Bright neon lights, wedding chapels, and Elvis, yes. Tents, campfires (complete with s’mores), and relaxation, not so much. However, there are several camping options both in and close to the city, due in part to the many nearby national parks. Yes, you can get away from a town that is considered a getaway.
Now, just to be clear, we are talking about camping here, not glamping, and the locations are all BYO tent/RV/sleeping bag. If you are looking for less DIY and more effortless vacay (but still with the camping brag), there are services like Hipcamp.
Pack up your RV, get ready to battle with a tent, and be sure you bring along the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers to these options that are all within 30 minutes to an hour from Las Vegas.
Red Rock Campground
Distance from Las Vegas: Approximately 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, five minutes from the western edge of the city,
Red Rock national park is filled with red sandstone pillars, waterfalls, and ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks by Native American tribes. Surrounded by mountains and hills, the campsites are well spaced and have scenic views in every direction. The campground is set off on its own in the desert, just two miles from the main entrance to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area — giving visitors a feeling of bring remote and rugged.
Just an FYI that this is a BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campground. The 53 sites are reservable six months out on a rolling date basis, but is typically closed for the summer, from late May to the start of September. Availability is dicey during the peak season, so be sure to plan ahead.
Facilities at Red Rock Campground include vault toilets only, and there are no hookups or dump stations. Visitors can find activities such as bike riding, rock climbing, hiking and trails. The site also arranges for educational tours and guided hikes some days or on a prior request.
Atlatl Rock Campground
Distance from Las Vegas: 50 miles
Technically, located In the Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s largest and oldest state park (that I also mention below), Atlatl Rock Campground provides stunning views of the park’s surrounding red sandstone formations, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs. The sun-blasted rock formations are a sight to behold any time of the day.
Atlatl Rock Campground offers plenty of outdoor activities, including birdwatching, stargazing, and rock climbing. The campground is also conveniently located near plenty of hiking trails.
Within its bounds, there are 44 campsites, 22 of which can accommodate RVs. The campground also offers amenities including showers, a dumping station, water, fire rings, and restrooms. Availability is on a first come, first served basis; however, reservations can be made for large groups. Bonus, for those of you who are always connected, Wi-Fi is also available.
Hilltop Campground
Distance from Las Vegas: 40 miles
Mount Charleston’s Hilltop Campground provides sweeping views of the Valley and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area which is best known for pine cones and rare butterflies. It’s also know for epic sunsets.
Hilltop campground, located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is open from May to November. Ponderosa pines keep the 35 single and double campsites shaded, and add to the illusion that you’re far from home. Mostly known for its hiking, there are more than 60 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails to explore.
The campground amenities include vault toilets, tent pads, campfire rings, picnic table, and trash collection, but there is no running water. Spaced are on a first come, first served basis, but reservations are also available.
McWilliams Campground
Distance from Las Vegas: 50 miles
McWilliams Campground is located in the highlands on the flanks of 12,000-foot Mount Charleston, situated at an elevation of 8,600 feet and set among towering ponderosa and white pine trees. Located within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, it is one of the best camping sites in Las Vegas. If you are looking for a wildlife experience (always remember this is their house, not yours), great news, as it is surrounded by woodlands featuring eagles and deer.
The campground has both single and double-family sites that come with picnic tables, grills, restrooms, water, and trash collection. Of the 75 sites, 14 are open all year-round and the bathrooms are heated so you can stay comfortable when the temperatures drop, hurrah!
McWilliams has springs, hiking trails, horse riding, rock climbing , among other activities.
Valley of Fire State Park
Distance from Las Vegas: 50 miles
I’ve already mentioned Atlatl Rock Campground that is located in Valley of Fire State Park, which encompases 46,000 aces. Just another reminder that this place is amazing and includes all those fantastic red sandstone geological structures.
There are 72 sites broken up into two campgrounds (44 at Atlatl, 28 at the other) that come with picnic tables, restrooms, and a dumping station. For those with an RV, electric and water hookups are also available. Have a large group? There’s a group camping area for up to 45 people.
Anytime between “now” and “right now” is a good time to take action on shaping your best life, and that includes where you live. Let’s get the ball rolling on your next steps.
(702) 374-6807. Or drop me a line here.
