We get a lot of feedback, tips, and reports from our customers on the places they most love to visit in our campervans, so today I’d like to share a few recommendations for van camping spots around Las Vegas.
Vegas is a place known mostly for its gambling and wild night-life, but many people don’t realize that there are also many natural wonders and beautiful desert camping areas nearby. The advantage of being near Vegas is that you can go into the city to pick up supplies if needed, or even to have a night out, and then head right back into the wilderness.
So, where do our customers typically like to van camp around Vegas?
Willow Beach
Beaches might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Las Vegas, but actually, this beach campground on the banks of the Colorado River can be a great place to lay in the sun and even go kayaking or canoeing on the river. It also has a very modern campground with all of the amenities. It can get crowded, so you may want to call in ahead to see how full they are, if you’d rather avoid the crowds.
Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort
On the off chance that you actually want to spend part of your trip in the city of Las Vegas itself, there is an RV campground that will allow you to spend your days at the casinos, theaters, and restaurants, while saving on the cost of hotel rooms. In fact, the campground itself has a lot of similar amenities to what hotels in Vegas normally offer, including a pool, waterfall, golf course, laundry facilities, spa, fitness center, and more.
McWilliams
Pretty much the opposite of Oasis, this is a great place to get away into the mountains, for some peace and quiet. It includes a 6.2 mile trail, with plenty of opportunity for hiking and biking, heated bathrooms, and well-spaced campsites. There are not electric hookups, however, something to be aware of.
Atlatl Rock
This is a very modern campground in the Valley of Fire State Park. True to it’s name, the entire park is composed of bright red stone, which blazes in the strong sunlight of the Nevada desert, looking a bit like Mars. Some things that stand out about this park are the facilities, which include shaded areas for cooking and hanging out.
Red Rock Canyon
Another Martian landscape, this one’s canyons are great specifically for climbing. In addition to that, it has plenty of area for hiking and photography, but be aware that it can get crowded in the Summer. However, if all you’re looking for is a climb, you don’t necessarily have to camp here; it’s near enough to the city and other campgrounds that you could also make a day trip out of it.
Cathedral Gorge
This beautiful park and campground is situated near a historic Mormon farming community called Panaca, and has been maintained as a representation of the pioneer days. This makes for a great family camping trip, with plenty to learn about the way people lived in the olden times, as well as comfortable and affordable campsites.
Lake Mead and Lake Mojave
If you’re looking for some watersports and boating, these are a great place to keep cool and have some fun. The breeze coming off the lakes definitely has a cooling effect, and you can also check out the nearby Cottonwood Cove Marina for restaurants and boat rentals. There are even house boats available, if you want to take a break from the Vanlife to actually sleep on the water.