Camping Near Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the best RV base camps in North America. Within a two-to-five-hour drive you can reach half a dozen national parks, stunning state parks, and vast stretches of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land where you can camp for free under a canopy of stars. Whether you prefer full-hookup RV resorts with swimming pools or rugged boondocking in the Mojave Desert, the Las Vegas region has a campsite for every style of traveller.
Red Rock Canyon: 13 Miles from the Strip
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the closest public campground to Las Vegas and one of the most scenic. The BLM-managed Red Rock Canyon Campground sits at 3,600 feet elevation with views of the Calico Hills and Wilson Cliffs. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and costs approximately $20 per night. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet but have no hookups, bring a full fresh-water tank and generator. The campground fills early on weekends from October through April, so arrive before noon on Fridays. The 13-mile scenic loop drive starts right at the campground entrance, making this an unbeatable location for sunrise and sunset photography.
Lake Mead & Boulder Beach
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service, offers several campgrounds within 30–45 minutes of the Strip. Boulder Beach Campground has RV sites with electric hookups and is ideally positioned for kayaking, swimming, and boating on the lake. Las Vegas Bay Campground and Callville Bay also accommodate RVs. Fees range from $20–$30 per night, and an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers the entrance fee. The lake's desert shoreline and crystal-clear water create a surreal contrast, you're camping beside a massive reservoir surrounded by barren desert mountains.
Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada's oldest and largest state park is just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas and features some of the most dramatic red sandstone formations in the Southwest. Atlatl Rock Campground and Arch Rock Campground both accommodate RVs with electric hookups and water. Sites cost $20–$25 per night plus a $10 park entry fee. The campgrounds rarely sell out on weekdays, but weekend reservations are recommended from September through May. Sunset at Valley of Fire is extraordinary, the sandstone glows brilliant shades of crimson, orange, and gold.
Zion National Park Campgrounds: 2.5 Hours
Zion is one of America's most popular national parks and a must-visit on any Las Vegas RV road trip. Watchman Campground (reservable on recreation.gov) and South Campground (first-come, first-served) are both located at the park's south entrance near the town of Springdale, Utah. Sites cost $30 per night and accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, though there are no hookups. Book Watchman sites 6 months in advance for spring and fall dates, they sell out within minutes of opening. If the park campgrounds are full, the town of Springdale has private RV parks, and Zion Canyon Campground offers full hookups just outside the park entrance.
Grand Canyon Campgrounds: 4.5 Hours
The Grand Canyon South Rim offers two campgrounds for RV travellers. Mather Campground is the largest, with over 300 sites, some accommodating RVs up to 30 feet. Reserve via recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead. Desert View Campground (first-come, first-served, $12/night) sits at the park's east entrance with fewer crowds and stunning sunrise views. Neither campground has hookups, but the park operates a dump station near Mather. Trailer Village, operated by Xanterra, is the only full-hookup RV park inside the national park, it books out quickly and costs approximately $55 per night.
Death Valley Campgrounds: 2 Hours
Death Valley National Park has several campgrounds spread across its vast 3.4-million-acre expanse. Furnace Creek Campground is the most popular, open year-round with 136 sites ($22/night, reservable October–April). Stovepipe Wells Campground ($14/night, first-come, first-served) sits near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Mesquite Spring Campground in the park's north section is quieter and rarely fills up. None have hookups, but Furnace Creek has a dump station and potable water. Note that summer camping in Death Valley is only for the most experienced and heat-prepared travellers, overnight temperatures in July can stay above 38°C (100°F).
Private RV Parks & Casino Camping
Las Vegas has an excellent selection of private RV parks, many of which feel like resorts. These are perfect for your first and last nights when you need to provision your RV or return it to the rental depot.
- Circus Circus RV Park: The only RV park directly on the Las Vegas Strip. Full hookups, pool, laundry, convenience store. Walk to casinos and shows. $35–$65/night depending on season.
- Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort: A top-rated resort on Boulder Highway with 700+ sites, full hookups, pool, hot tub, fitness centre, and a putting green. $45–$85/night. Excellent base for exploring the city.
- Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town: Attached to the Sam's Town casino and hotel, this KOA offers full hookups, a casino shuttle, and access to the hotel's restaurants and entertainment. $40–$70/night.
- Arizona Charlie's RV Park: Budget-friendly park on Boulder Highway with full hookups. $25–$45/night. Attached casino with dining options.
Dispersed BLM Camping in the Mojave
The Bureau of Land Management administers millions of acres of public land surrounding Las Vegas where camping is free for up to 14 consecutive days. Popular dispersed camping areas include the desert flats off SR-160 toward Pahrump, the Gold Butte area near Lake Mead, and the Lovell Canyon area in the Spring Mountains. There are no facilities, bring all your own water, pack out all rubbish, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Use the iOverlander or Campendium apps to find established boondocking spots with GPS coordinates and user reviews.
Booking Tips & Dump Stations
For national park campgrounds, reservations open on recreation.gov exactly 6 months before your arrival date at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Popular sites at Zion and the Grand Canyon sell out within minutes, so have your account ready and be online the moment reservations open. Dump stations are available at most private RV parks in Las Vegas (some charge $10–$15 for non-guests), at select Flying J and Pilot truck stops, and inside the national parks. Fill your fresh-water tank at every opportunity, desert campgrounds often have limited or no potable water, and carrying enough water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene is essential in this arid climate.