Best Campgrounds in Nevada

Nevada’s vast desert landscapes, rugged mountain ranges, and starlit skies create an outdoor paradise often overlooked by travelers focused on the neon lights of Las Vegas. Beyond the casinos and shows lies a wilderness waiting to be explored, with campgrounds nestled among pine forests, beside alpine lakes, and within striking distance of some of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking solitude among ancient bristlecone pines or family-friendly adventures near crystal-clear waters, Nevada’s diverse camping options offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. Join us as we explore the Silver State’s most spectacular places to pitch a tent or park an RV.

Valley of Fire State Park Campgrounds

Number of Campsites: 72 (Atlatl Rock: 44, Arch Rock: 28)
Reservation Website: parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire
Address: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040

Just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas lies a crimson wonderland of twisted, weather-sculpted sandstone formations. Valley of Fire State Park earns its name honestly—the brilliant red Aztec sandstone appears to be ablaze when caught by the day’s first or last light. Here, 40,000 acres of dramatic landscape offers a camping experience unlike any other.

The park features two small campgrounds: Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock. Both are nestled among the vibrant red rock formations that make this park famous. As darkness falls, the busy daytime park transforms into a sanctuary of silence and stars. The Milky Way stretches across the night sky with remarkable clarity, unhindered by light pollution.

Each campsite comes equipped with a shaded table, fire ring, and grill, with water and restrooms available nearby. While the sites don’t offer hookups, they provide a perfect basecamp for exploring the park’s scenic drives, petroglyph displays, and numerous hiking trails.

The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Summer brings intense heat that can soar above 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. For those seeking the perfect campsite, arriving mid-week offers the best chance at securing a spot, as these first-come, first-served sites fill quickly during peak seasons.

Morning light brings the surrounding landscape to life, as sunbeams paint the red rocks in brilliant gold. Evening turns the formations into silhouettes against purple and orange skies. It’s a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise all wrapped into one unforgettable camping experience.

Great Basin National Park Campgrounds

Number of Campsites: 131 (Lower Lehman: 11, Upper Lehman: 24, Baker Creek: 38, Grey Cliffs: 16, Wheeler Peak: 37, Strawberry Creek: 5)
Reservation Website: recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2244
Address: 100 Great Basin National Park, Baker, NV 89311

In the remote eastern edge of Nevada stands Great Basin National Park, a place of startling diversity and unspoiled wilderness. Here, the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak dominates the skyline, ancient bristlecone pines whisper tales of millennia gone by, and the mysterious Lehman Caves reveal underground wonders.

The park offers six developed campgrounds, each with its own character and elevation. Lower Lehman Creek sits at 7,300 feet, while Wheeler Peak Campground climbs to a breathtaking 9,886 feet—one of the highest campgrounds in Nevada. This range of elevations means campers can choose their ideal climate, from the warmer lower sites to the refreshingly cool mountain camps.

At Wheeler Peak Campground, the air carries the fresh scent of pine and fir trees. Morning brings the melodic calls of mountain bluebirds and the gentle rustle of aspens. From your tent, trails lead to alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pine groves, and panoramic vistas that stretch for over 100 miles on clear days.

Lower Lehman Creek Campground offers the convenience of being open year-round, with the soothing sounds of the creek providing a natural soundtrack to your camping experience. Baker Creek’s sites sit nestled among groves of aspens and pines, offering welcome shade and the delight of golden leaves quaking in autumn breezes.

What truly sets Great Basin apart is its night sky. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, the stargazing here ranks among the best in the continental United States. On moonless nights, the heavens reveal themselves in breathtaking clarity—thousands of stars, planets, and the cloudy band of the Milky Way create a celestial show that modern life has made increasingly rare.

The best camping season runs from June through September, though early and late season visitors should prepare for cold nights. Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but Lower Lehman Creek accepts reservations. Each offers tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water (except for the primitive Strawberry Creek).

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park (Spooner Lake)

Number of Campsites: 50
Reservation Website: parks.nv.gov/parks/lake-tahoe-nevada
Address: 2005 NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89452

On the Nevada side of magnificent Lake Tahoe lies a camping destination that combines mountain forest serenity with access to one of America’s most beautiful alpine lakes. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park encompasses multiple areas, but the camping facilities at Spooner Lake offer an ideal base for exploring this scenic wonderland.

Situated at 7,100 feet elevation, the campground sits nestled among fragrant Jeffrey pines and white firs. Spooner Lake itself is a small but picturesque mountain lake, its surface reflecting the surrounding peaks and clouds. The morning mist rising off the water creates an almost mystical atmosphere as the day begins.

The campsites offer a balance of privacy and convenience, with sites spaced comfortably among the trees. From your campsite, an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails beckons—over 60 miles of paths wind through forests, meadows, and along ridgelines with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe’s cobalt blue waters. The famous Flume Trail, considered one of the premier mountain biking routes in the country, can be accessed from near the campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with early risers often spotting deer grazing in morning light, eagles soaring overhead, and even the occasional black bear (safely observed from a distance). The area’s flora changes dramatically with the seasons—spring brings wildflower displays, summer offers lush green forests, fall transforms the landscape with golden aspen groves, and winter blankets everything in pristine snow.

The campground typically operates from May through October, depending on weather conditions. With its moderate elevation, temperatures remain pleasant even during summer months when valley areas might be sweltering. Evening brings refreshing mountain air and the gentle chorus of crickets and frogs.

For those seeking adventure beyond hiking and biking, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe are just a short drive away, offering swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating opportunities. Nearby Sand Harbor features one of the most beautiful beaches on the lake, with remarkable granite boulders dotting the shoreline and extraordinarily clear water.

Red Rock Canyon Campground

Number of Campsites: 53
Reservation Website: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234767
Address: 3293 Moenkopi Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89161

Just 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers an escape from the city that feels worlds away. The campground sits within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, surrounded by the spectacular scenery that makes this one of Nevada’s most photographed landscapes.

The campground rests at the base of the dramatic Wilson Cliffs, where layers of red, orange, and cream-colored sandstone create a stunning backdrop for your camping experience. The contrast between the rust-colored rocks and the desert’s muted greens creates an otherworldly landscape that changes colors throughout the day as the sun traverses the sky.

Unlike many desert campgrounds, Red Rock’s 4,500-foot elevation offers moderate temperatures for much of the year (though summer days can still reach sweltering heights). The sites are thoughtfully arranged among Joshua trees, yucca plants, and creosote bushes that fill the air with their distinctive desert fragrance after rain showers.

Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire pit with grill, and tent pad. The campground offers vault toilets but no water, so campers must bring their own supply. The lack of water hookups and limited RV length (no vehicles over 35 feet) help maintain the natural, uncrowded atmosphere even though Las Vegas lights can be seen glowing in the distance.

During the day, opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. World-class rock climbing draws enthusiasts from around the globe to test their skills on the sandstone faces. Hiking trails range from easy walks through desert gardens to challenging scrambles up colorful canyons where seasonal waterfalls create surprising oases. The 13-mile scenic drive provides access to numerous viewpoints and trailheads.

As evening approaches, the setting sun illuminates the red rocks with an intense glow that photographers travel miles to capture. After dark, the desert comes alive with a different energy as nocturnal creatures emerge and stars fill the sky—though the nearby glow of Las Vegas somewhat diminishes the stargazing compared to more remote Nevada campgrounds.

The campground operates from September through May, closing during summer months when desert temperatures become dangerous. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance, particularly for weekends and holidays.

Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground

Number of Campsites: 22
Reservation Website: parks.nv.gov/parks/cathedral-gorge
Address: 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Rd, Panaca, NV 89042

In eastern Nevada’s high desert lies a landscape of fantastical spires, fluted columns, and narrow passageways carved from soft bentonite clay. Cathedral Gorge State Park preserves this unique geological wonderland, where erosion has sculpted a miniature “cathedral city” from ancient lake bed sediments.

The campground sits surrounded by the park’s dramatic formations, offering immediate access to the maze-like slot canyons and cathedral-like chambers that give the park its name. Sites are arranged in a large loop with desert vegetation providing some privacy between neighbors. Each includes a table, shade ramada, fire ring, and grill—welcome amenities in this exposed desert environment.

Morning light brings the beige and tan formations to life, highlighting their intricate textures and casting dramatic shadows across their rippled surfaces. The silence here is profound, broken only by the occasional call of a raven or the whisper of wind moving through the narrow passages of the nearby formations.

Despite the desert setting, modern amenities include flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. The campground’s 4,800-foot elevation means nights cool down considerably even when days are warm—a welcome relief during spring and fall camping seasons. Winter brings cold temperatures but often rewards hardy campers with the striking sight of occasional snow dusting the formations.

Miles of hiking trails wind through the park’s most scenic areas. The Miller Point Trail leads to panoramic views of the badlands below, while the Cathedral Caves paths guide visitors into narrow slot canyons where the temperature drops noticeably and sunlight filters down in thin beams. Photography enthusiasts find endless compositions among the textured walls and rippled surfaces that change character throughout the day as light shifts across them.

The park’s remote location in Lincoln County means light pollution is minimal, creating opportunities for spectacular stargazing. The Milky Way appears as a bright river of light across the night sky, with thousands of stars visible to the naked eye.

Cathedral Gorge operates year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. The campground accepts both reservations and walk-ins, with sites often available midweek even during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts About Camping in Nevada

Nevada’s campgrounds offer an incredible diversity of experiences, from the fiery red sandstone of Valley of Fire to the alpine meadows of Great Basin, the forested shores of Lake Tahoe to the otherworldly formations of Cathedral Gorge. Each location provides its own unique window into the natural wonders of the Silver State.

What connects these varied destinations is the opportunity to experience landscapes of remarkable beauty while disconnecting from the noise and pace of modern life. Whether you’re seeking solitude among ancient bristlecone pines, family adventures beside crystal-clear waters, or the simple pleasure of starlit desert skies, Nevada’s campgrounds deliver experiences that linger in memory long after the tent is packed away.

The best times to visit most Nevada campgrounds are spring and fall, when temperatures reach a comfortable middle ground. Summer works well for high-elevation sites like those in Great Basin National Park, while winter camping is possible but requires preparation for cold conditions.

Whichever season or location you choose, Nevada’s campgrounds invite you to discover the natural treasures of a state whose outdoor offerings remain somewhat of a secret compared to its more famous attractions. Here, in the quiet corners beyond the casinos and shows, awaits a wilderness experience that reveals the true heart of the Silver State.