Quick Facts

8,574 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mcwilliams
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees range from $25 to $50 depending on the type of site. Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
702-872-5486
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 691 reviews

215 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhiking

Some mention

noise

"McWilliams Campground is generally well-regarded for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and accessibility to hiking trails. However, some users have expressed concerns about camp host behavior, maintenance issues, and occasional overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mcwilliams

36.3092, -115.6825

Driving directionsFrom Las Vegas, Nevada, take Highway 95 north 29 miles to junction with State Route 156/Lee Canyon. Turn left and travel 19.5 miles to the campground, which is on the right.
The campground can be accessed via State Route 156/Lee Canyon, which is paved. However, it's noted that opening dates may vary due to snow levels.
Nearby places
50 miles to downtown Las Vegas.
Nearby supplies
Null

Best Time to Camp at Mcwilliams

Experience nature's natural air conditioning as temperatures drop a refreshing 20-30°F cooler than the Las Vegas valley below. Summer days bring perfect hiking weather with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons, while autumn paints the mountainsides in golden aspen hues. Winter transforms this high-country retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, occasionally delaying the campground's spring opening but rewarding patient visitors with pristine white landscapes and peaceful solitude.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in NV

Especially popular in summer; 20–30°F cooler than Las Vegas, ideal hiking weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 27; crisp fall weather and mountain views are attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 15, so late spring visits are pleasant but season is shorter.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access limited by snow; campground typically closed outside May–Oct window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 to October 27.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season from May 15 to October 27, depending on snow levels.
  • Current Alerts: Opening dates vary based on snow levels.

About Mcwilliams

Escape the neon lights of Las Vegas and discover a hidden alpine paradise just 50 miles away. McWilliams Campground beckons from its perch in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, where towering pines replace palm trees and cool mountain breezes offer respite from desert heat. This forested sanctuary invites adventurers to explore winding hiking trails, tackle exhilarating mountain bike routes, and lose themselves in panoramic vistas that stretch across the Mojave Desert below.
McWilliams Campground caters to a variety of campers, whether they prefer tent camping or RVs. The sites are well-suited for individual and family campers, with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options available.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in must be completed before the first night.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

McWilliams Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. The campground is close to the 6.2-mile Bristlecone Trail and the 1.3-mile Sawmill Trail, which appeals to both casual hikers and adventure-seekers. Wildlife viewing is a unique highlight, with wild horses and the rare Mount Charleston blue butterfly often spotted near the campground.
HikingThe campground provides access to the 6.2-mile Bristlecone Trail and the 1.3-mile Sawmill Trail. The Upper and Lower Bristlecone trailheads are conveniently located near the campground, making hiking a popular activity. Trails feature diverse terrain and stunning views of the Spring Mountains.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity on the Bristlecone Trail, offering a mix of challenging and scenic terrain.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight of the campground, with visitors reporting sightings of wild horses, deer, and various bird species, including hummingbirds. The area is also home to the rare Mount Charleston blue butterfly.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Spring Mountains Visitor Center offers guided hikes, educational programs, and evening events. Interpretive displays provide information on local flora, fauna, and history.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh winds and cold temperatures are common due to the high elevation. Wildlife, including wild horses and chipmunks, may approach campsites.
Active AlertsOpening dates vary based on snow levels.

Weather at Mcwilliams

Reviews

4.5
691 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mcwilliams is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
McWilliams Campground is generally well-regarded for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and accessibility to hiking trails. However, some users have expressed concerns about camp host behavior, maintenance issues, and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 691 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently cite the campground's cleanliness, flush toilets, proximity to hiking trails, and cooler temperatures compared to Las Vegas. The natural surroundings, including sightings...
Show more
Based on 691 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include rude or unhelpful camp hosts, inconsistent maintenance of facilities (e.g., locked water spigots, overflowing trash), and lack of cell phone service. Some users also...
Show more
Based on 691 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including firewood and water, as these may not be available on-site. Earplugs are suggested to mitigate noise from neighboring campers. Planning...
Show more
Based on 691 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is especially popular in the summer due to its cooler temperatures. Winter conditions may limit accessibility due to snow, as noted in some reviews.
Based on 691 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is an amazing escape from the desert heat, with clean facilities and beautiful surroundings.' - User review. 2. 'Wild horses visited our campsite, adding to the magical charm of...
Show more
Based on 691 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight certain campsites as particularly desirable, such as Site 27 for its shade and proximity to restrooms. However, some sites are criticized for lack of privacy or...
Show more
Based on 691 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns were not a significant theme in user reviews, though the paved roads and parking spurs may aid mobility for some visitors.
Based on 691 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several reviews mention the enjoyment of bringing dogs to the campground. Leashes are required for pet safety.
Based on 691 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Mcwilliams? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Nevada

Campgrounds
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
Mcwilliams