Red Rock Campground
3293 Moenkopi Rd Las Vegas, NV 89161
Red Rock Conservation Area has only one campground and this is it. It has 72 sites ranging from $10.00 to $60.00 a night depending on the site and size. This campground is quite busy in the fall, winter, and spring, and not so busy in the summer (go figure). It is within 5 miles of the main gate to Red Rocks and across the road from Calico Basin, which is not in the park. Both areas are home to hiking, unlimited climbing (trad, sport, bouldering), and canyoneering. It is hard to get a walk-up site, so it is best to book in advance through www.recreation.gov There are no hook-ups, dump stations, or showers here. Also, shade structures are limited to sites, so be prepared. Some sites do have campfire rings, tables, and in-ground BBQs, again do your booking early so you can get the site you want. The campground is located 10 minutes west of Las Vegas, very close to town and the 215 HWY.
Lake Mead Campgrounds
Boulder Beach Campground, 268 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005
Lake Mead is America’s first National Recreation area. It is home to a variety of campgrounds with access points to the lake, hiking trails, and bike trails. Many of the campgrounds offer hookups, showers, and even wifi depending on which place you choose to stay. If you are traveling to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas look for sites to stay at the Boulder Beach Campground. It is about a 30-minute drive from Las Vegas and about a ten-minute drive from the town of Boulder City. This side of the lake has a lot of infrastructure including marinas, showers, and other amenities. If you are traveling north and want to see the Lake on your way to Valley of Fire or Zion, you can use the Callville Bay or Las Vegas Bay campgrounds. All these sites offer a variety of options like picnic tables, fire rings, and bbq pits.
Valley of Fire State Park
29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040
Valley of Fire is Nevada’s first State Park and is located about 50 minutes north of Las Vegas. You can reach this park by taking the 15 North Highway or you can access it through Lake Mead. Depending on how you want to get to Valley of Fire use your GPS to route you in the direction you feel is best for your trip. Valley of Fire has a variety of campground options and offers showers. They are year-round and it is best to book your site early. This park is seasonal with visitors due to hot summer months, also National Park Passes WILL NOT WORK for access this is a State Park so check the website for fee information.
Mount Charleston Camping
Forest Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124
Mount Charleston is just north of Las Vegas about 45 minutes and has a variety of camping (free and paid) spots. The camping is varied and varies in elevation ranging between 7,000 and 9,000 feet. This makes for great summer camping when in town, if it is over 110 in Las Vegas, it usually is about 85 degrees during the day and cooler in the evenings. All the sites are booked online and they do offer some walk-up spots. These areas book quickly due to mto people escaping the heat. The camping is year-round and close to several amazing hiking trails, cross country and downhill mountain biking trails, single pitch and multi-pitch climbing areas, and ski spots during the winter months. Kyle Canyon is the closest access point to town and a little further north is Lee Canyon, which has dispersed camping, a ski resort in the winter, and fun hiking in the summer. Lee Canyon also just opened its new lodge, which is home to great food, drinks, and views. There are also a lot of day-use spots and picnic areas as well.
Willow Beach
25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445
Willow Beach is located about 1 hour south of Las Vegas as you head towards the Grand Canyon. It is home to the Colorado River below the Hoover Dam. This is a great place to camp and explores depending on the weather and time of the year. The water is much colder than the lake so be prepared. The campground offers hookups, rentals, and a variety of other amenities. It is a popular place to kayak based on the fact that you can paddle up to Dam Hoover or to the Emerald Cave. The Emerald Cave is a tiny limestone cave on the river that turns green when the sun hits the water at a certain time of the day. On Sundays, the NPS does not allow motorized boats on the river, which is nice. This is a great place to check out and spend some time down in. It also has access points to hot springs which are located off the river just upstream. Do your research and be prepared for rapid changes in temperatures and weather.