10 Best Campgrounds & RV Resorts near Las Vegas

Camping around Las Vegas ranges from pitching a tent under the stars in the open desert to RV camping under a neon sign within the city limits. Both have their advantages, and the choices are plentiful.

Within a 30-minute drive of Las Vegas, you can find wonderful campgrounds in outstanding natural surroundings. And if you're willing to travel an hour outside the city, your options open up even further. RVers coming to Las Vegas to experience the city can find quality RV parks within a short drive of the Strip and downtown Las Vegas.

Summer temperatures around the city can soar, with daytime highs in the 100-degree Fahrenheit range. In winter, nights in the desert can be cool. The best time for camping around Las Vegas is generally in the spring and fall, which is also the high season.

Many of the state parks and national parks have first-come, first-served campsites along with reservations (state parks only), but RV parks should generally be booked in advance. Most campgrounds, including the national parks, have Wi-Fi available but quality and speed vary.

Figure out where you want to camp with our list of the best campgrounds near Las Vegas.

Boulder Beach Campground at Lake Mead

On a warm day, there is no better place for camping around Las Vegas than at Boulder Beach. The pebble and rock beach, which attracts hordes of people here on sunny days and warm weekends, is just a 15-minute walk or short drive from this national park campground. It's far enough away that you won't be bothered by the noise but close enough for easy access.

It's also a real bargain compared to staying at a commercial campground in Las Vegas, count on paying about a quarter of the in-town rates.

The campground looks out over the deep blue water of Lake Mead to the distant mountains on the opposite shore. Huge trees dominate the grounds, providing shade and filtered light to the campsites and attracting birds. From a distance, the campground looks like an oasis in the desert.

The campground has 135 sites, all of which are reservable on a six-month rolling basis. Facilities consist of flush toilets, potable water, but there are no hookups and no showers.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm

Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach

Next to the national park campground is the Boulder Beach RV Park. This privately owned RV park is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The RV Park is set on a gently sloping hillside, with huge palm trees scattered around the grounds and unobstructed views over Lake Mead. You can walk to the beach in about 20 minutes.

This RV park offers 115 RV-only sites with full hookups. Facilities include showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, an on-site store, and recreation areas.

Official site: http://www.lakemeadrvvillage.com/

Red Rock Canyon Campground

Just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, and five minutes from the western edge of the city, Red Rock Canyon Campground is the closest wilderness-style campground to Las Vegas. And although you have all the conveniences of the big city at your doorstep, this campground offers no hint of city life.

Set off on its own in the desert, just two miles from the main entrance to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the feeling here is remote and rugged.

Surrounded by mountains and hills, the campsites are well-spaced and have scenic views in every direction. If you don't want to camp right in the city but would like to be near enough to enjoy Las Vegas, you can't beat Red Rock Canyon.

This is a BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campground, and the 53 individual sites, 6 RV sites, and 10 walk-to sites are reservable six months out on a rolling date basis. It's closed for the summer, from late May to the start of September.

Facilities include vault toilets only, and there are no hookups or dump station.

If you don't have a reservation in peak season, generally spring, you will most likely not get a spot, especially on weekends.

Also, if you want to do the scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area you will need to book a timed entry separate from your camping reservation.

Read More: Best Hikes in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort

The Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort is a well-maintained facility right in Las Vegas, just south of the Las Vegas Strip. The grounds are like an oasis, with large trees and grass, and palm trees surrounding a lovely pool.

This is a huge facility with 700 sites, including pull-through sites, sites for big rigs, paved sites, full hookups, and a security gate at the check-in area.

Recreational facilities include a family pool, adult pool, hot tub, exercise room, games areas, and a rec hall. Also on-site are a snack bar, grocery store, ATM machine, restaurant, laundry, and more. This is like a small town designed for RVers.

Official site: http://www.oasislasvegasrvresort.com/

Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town

Located in Las Vegas, about 15 minutes northeast of the Las Vegas Strip, and along what's often called the "Boulder Strip," this RV park makes a convenient base in the city.

The park has 482 sites, and accommodation options include pull-through sites, big rig access, full hookups, a small pool, and showers. You can purchase Wi-Fi at your site for a daily fee. The park has a north and south section; the largest section is the south portion.

The area surrounding the Las Vegas KOA can be a bit sketchy at night. However, at the hotel next door fun things to do in the evening include catching a movie at the 18-screen theater, or trying a game of bowling at the bowling lanes.

Official site: http://koa.com/campgrounds/las-vegas/

Valley of Fire State Park

Although Valley of Fire State Park is an hour from Las Vegas, the drive is worth it because the camping here is outstanding. Set around huge red rock formations, the setting is reminiscent of camping at Joshua Tree National Park in California. The hiking trails in this park are some of the most scenic in Nevada.

The park has two campgrounds, both of which are first-come, first-served. The main campground, open year-round, is Atlatl Rock Campground, with 44 sites, 22 of which are RV sites with water and electrical hookups. Three walk-in-only tent sites are well-positioned and very private. Facilities include flush toilets and showers.

Nearby, Arch Rock Campground is equally, if not more, beautiful than Atlatl, but has only 29 sites, pit toilets, no showers, and is not suitable for large RVs. This section may not be open depending on the season.

Official site: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire

Las Vegas Bay Campground at Lake Mead

This beautifully manicured national park campground is scenic and particularly lovely in spring when the flowering trees are in bloom. Huge eucalyptus trees provide shade, and many of the campsites have views across the valley to the distant mountains.

The campground does not have views of Lake Mead but does look out over Las Vegas Creek, which winds its way through the dry landscape, far below the campground.

The property has 85 sites, which are reservable on a six-month rolling basis. It is open all year to tents and RVs, with a 30-day stay limit. Facilities include flush toilets and showers.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Callville Bay Campground, Lake Mead

Located about 50 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Callville Bay is a good option as a place to set up camp. This is a smaller campground, but it has a lot going for it.

The campground has 52 sites that accommodate tents and smaller RV's but they have no electricity, water, or sewer. The campground also features flush toilets but no showers. A water spigot is available, but not for filling RV water tanks.

When you aren't off exploring Las Vegas, one of the options is to hike the 2.7-mile-long Callville Summit Trail. At the top, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of Lake Mead and other peaks in the distance, including Fortification Hill and the River Mountains.

If you've had enough of self-catering, just wander over to Callville Bay RV Park, where you'll find a restaurant, lounge, and café offering a variety of dining choices. Forgot something for the trip? A camper's store is available at the RV park as well.

If renting a houseboat and exploring all the hidden coves on Lake Mead has been on your to-do list, rentals are available at the marina.

Sites are reservable in advance on a six-month rolling basis.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Echo Bay Campground, Lake Mead

A bit farther along than Callville is Echo Bay. Located 75 minutes from Las Vegas, this is a very small campground set quite a way back from the water. It's a pretty quiet spot, with only 37 sites and no hookups, so be prepared for boondocking if you are RV'ing. The sites are generally shady, with small trees and scrubs providing shade and a modicum of privacy. Flush toilets are available at the comfort station.

Near the campground are a number of interesting sights, including the St. Thomas ghost town and two historic springs. Valley of Fire State Park is just up the road and is well worth a visit.

Sites are reservable on a six-month rolling basis.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

McWilliams Campground

McWilliams Campground is located in the highlands on the flanks of 12,000-foot Mount Charleston. The campground was completely renovated and updated just a few years ago and now features updated washrooms, tent pads, and other infrastructure.

Situated at an elevation of 8,600 feet and set among towering ponderosa and white pine trees, this is an ideal place to camp in the spring, summer, and fall. Seventy-five sites are available to accommodate tents and RVs. Reservations are available on a six-month rolling basis.

It takes about 55 minutes to drive from here to the heart of The Strip.

The 6.2-mile Bristlecone hiking trail leaves near the campground, and two other great hiking trails, Mary Jane Falls and Big Falls, are about 25 minutes away.

Renting a Camper Van or RV in Las Vegas

Numerous companies rent RVs in Las Vegas. Some of the big, reliable names (national and international brands) that you will see repeatedly if you are camping in Nevada and nearby states are Roadsurfer, Cruise America, and El Monte RV. Many local small companies also rent out of Las Vegas. If this is your first time, there are a few things to consider when choosing a rental and rental company.

Mileage: One of the main considerations, when you are renting an RV, is whether there is an additional fee for mileage or whether the price includes unlimited mileage. Most RV rentals charge for mileage. Roadsurfer is one of the rare companies that offers unlimited mileage. Cruise America and El Monte RV both charge mileage. Consider how far you'll be driving and give this some serious thought before booking as the costs can add up quickly.

Models: The two main styles are camper vans (Class B) and standard RVs (Class C). Camper vans are incredibly popular because travelers expect they will be easy to drive and park. These can hold two people or four people depending on the type you rent, but if you are planning on bringing more than two people on your trip, make sure the van you are renting can accommodate four. The number of occupants is restricted by the number of actual seating with seatbelts. You can be denied the van you have reserved if you show up with more than two people and have only booked a two-passenger camper van.

The standard RVs, which are generally 24 feet long, are designed for families or four but can also be very comfortable for two people.

Map of Campgrounds & RV Resorts near Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV for Camping - Climate Chart

More Campgrounds in the Southwest

Nearby Camping in California: One of the most beautiful parks and camping areas in the Southwest is Joshua Tree National Park, just 3.5 hours from Las Vegas. Set up beside bizarre rock formations and Joshua trees.

Camping in Utah: For travelers heading into Utah, have a look at our articles on campgrounds around St. George or nearby Zion National Park. In the high country, see our articles on camping in Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. In Northern Utah, you can find great spaces to pitch a tent or park your RV in the campgrounds around Moab, including nearby Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.