Top Camping Sites Near Las Vegas

Cottonwood Cove Resorts offers a "home away from home" less than an hour from Las Vegas with a comfortable waterside resort for those who don't want to 'rough it,' plus houseboat rentals, something almost unknown in the desert. Nearby, you can also find some of the finest campgrounds in the area, on Lake Mead and Lake Mojave. While Nevada summers are hot and very dry, these lakes are truly an oasis in the desert. You can pitch a tent or park an RV, but the most interesting alternatives are the houseboats that sleep from 2-12 folks with on-board kitchens, dining and bathroom facilities. The full-service marina at Cottonwood Cove offers everything from houseboat and powerboat rentals to repair and supplies. You can rent a fishing or ski boat or a personal watercraft for a few hours, a day or a week. Houseboat rentals are available from 2-7+ days and are available in four sizes and six configurations. Whichever way you choose to enjoy life on or near the water, this resort is perfect for every taste.

Panaca is a quiet Mormon farming community established in the 1860s. This is the oldest surviving town in eastern Nevada with a rich heritage and scenic agricultural vistas. Those interested in 19th century architecture can appreciate the historic homes. Panaca is a little piece of the past that still remains much as it was at its inception. It's also one of the few "dry" towns – with no casinos – in the state. This is a favorite stop for people traveling to Cathedral Gorge State Park, offering year-round camping and exploration of nearby ghost towns. The Lincoln County Airport is situated about two miles west of Panaca and can accommodate a small aircraft or you can drive the two and a half hours and enjoy the experience. Cathedral Gorge Park is a living slice of the past, when the desert was covered by a massive lake. There are dramatic canyons, spires and awe-inspiring rock formations. Make sure to stop at the visitor's center to learn about the prehistoric history of this family-friendly park. Picnic and camping facilities and the stone water tower were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, with some still visible and utilized to this day. The campground has 22 sites, with tables, charcoal grills and sunshades. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations. The cost is $12 per night, and the campground is open year-round.

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Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's piece of Red Rock country. The red sandstone rock formations were originally laid down as sand dunes some 150 million years ago, giving this oldest state park a long history of human use and occupation. The prehistoric Basketmaker and Anasazi Pueblo cultures that occupied the area from 300 BCE to 1150 CE left their mark with petroglyph panels. At sunset and sunrise, the red rocks glow with a fiery brilliance, giving the park its name. There is an entrance fee charged per vehicle when you enter the park, with additional fees charged for campsites. All camping is first-come, first-served within the campground featuring 72 units. Each campsite has shaded tables, grills, water and restrooms, with a dump station and showers available for campers' use. There is a limit of 14 days in a 30-day period. RV sites with power and water hookups have been added, and they cost an additional $10 to the regular fee. The park is open year-round.

Hilltop Campground is just 40 miles from Las Vegas in the beautiful Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Visitors can choose to hike, go horseback riding and enjoy the natural beauty of this forested desert oasis. The campground is much cooler than Las Vegas, lying at an elevation of 2,500 meters. You may enjoy the hike to the top of Mount Charleston but be sure to bring your own water, since there is no running water at this time. Spring Mountains is named for the 100+ springs in the area. From the unique Mount Charleston blue butterfly to the ancient Bristlecone pine, there is always something new to discover. As the description states, the campground is situated so campers are awarded sweeping views of the Mojave Desert below and Spring Mountains above, with stands of juniper, ponderosa pine and mountain mahogany providing limited shade. The campground is open year-round, and offers single, double and triple campsites with picnic tables, campfire rings and grills. Some sites have stairs from the parking spur to the campsite. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Check the website for updates on water availability. Firewood may be purchased from the host and roads and parking spurs are paved. Tent sites are $17 a night and reservations are accepted through recreation.gov.

The Ruby Mountains Ranger District is made up of the East Humboldt and Ruby Mountain Ranges. The South Ruby Campground has all of the desired camping amenities, including water and a restroom. This is the perfect quiet site for river and stream fishing. The campground is located near a vital waterfowl nesting area, and is beneath the snow-covered Ruby Mountains. The area is covered with springs, meadows and grasslands and is open from May 3 through September. There is portable water and a vault toilet provided for use. Cost is $15 for one unit per night and $30/night for double, with each extra vehicle costing $5 per night. Day use is a $5 charge. Both loops are open and the water is on but always check the website for water updates.

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