Mcwilliams
4.52362 reviewsQuick Facts
8,574 ftPrice
$25 - $50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
100 campsites
Season
Open season from May...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,574 ftPrice
$25 - $50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
100 campsites
Season
Open season from May...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMcwilliams
$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
Total Campsite Fees$25.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider702-872-5486
What Campers Say
4.52
Top-Rated
Based on 362 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."
Fees & Passes at Mcwilliams
$25 - $50/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: A $10 cancellation fee applies when canceling a reservation. Late cancellation fees also apply, dedu...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceThis mountain sanctuary serves as the exclusive home to two of nature's most remarkable treasures: the enchanting Mount Charleston blue butterfly, found nowhere else on Earth, and ancient Bristlecone pines that have witnessed millennia pass. These ecological wonders transform McWilliams into more than just a campground—it's a living museum where visitors can connect with rare species and ancient forests that tell the story of resilience and adaptation in the high desert.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,574 feet above sea level, McWilliams Campground offers a true high-altitude escape where the air is crisp and the views are endless. This elevated paradise provides welcome relief from desert temperatures, though visitors should take time to acclimate to the thinner air. The altitude creates perfect conditions for stargazing and offers a unique perspective where you can watch storms roll across the valley far below while basking in mountain sunshine.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Ponderosa and white pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across the forest floor. The majestic Spring Mountains rise all around, their peaks and valleys nourished by over 100 hidden springs that create pockets of lush vegetation in this sky-island ecosystem. From your campsite, watch as morning mist clings to distant ridges and evening alpenglow paints the rocky crags in shades of rose and gold.
Geological RegionWelcome to one of the Southwest's most extraordinary sky islands—the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area rises like an emerald crown above the Mojave Desert. This high-elevation oasis supports forests of stately Ponderosa and white pines, including groves of ancient Bristlecone pines, Earth's oldest living organisms. Here, the endemic Mount Charleston blue butterfly dances among wildflowers, while the unique geology creates a biological crossroads where desert, mountain, and forest ecosystems converge in spectacular fashion.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features paved roads and parking spurs, which may aid accessibility, but no specific accommodations for individuals with disabilities were mentioned in the available information.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating both single and double-family groups. Users noted that the sites are spacious, with enough room for tents and vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is variable; while some sites are reported to be well-spaced, others are closer together, offering less seclusion. Trees provide partial shade, enhancing privacy in some areas.
Total Campsites100 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor tent campers, sites in the 60s (Oxbow Loop) are better suited. RV users should take note that some sites have reversed layouts.
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping options were not mentioned. Sites are designed mainly for single or double-family occupancy.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops, with sites offering varying levels of privacy. Some loops cater to both RVs and tent campers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season from May 15 to October 27, depending on snow levels.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites are first-come, first-served and use the Scan and Pay feature. These cannot be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies when canceling a reservation. Late cancellation fees also apply, deducting the first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
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.
Hiking
The 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.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity on the Bristlecone Trail, offering a mix of challenging and scenic terrain.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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 Programs
The Spring Mountains Visitor Center offers guided hikes, educational programs, and evening events. Interpretive displays provide information on local flora, fauna, and history.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not explicitly mentioned, though the campground's high elevation suggests potential snow and cold conditions.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available due to the campground's location and lack of water bodies nearby.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire rings. Restrictions may apply during wildfire season.
- Quiet hours are enforced, though compliance varies.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh 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
33
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 to October 27.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, with large dumpsters available near the campground entrance. However, there were occasional reports of overflowing dumpsters during peak times.
Proximity to water featuresNearby natural springs feed the area, but there are no lakes or rivers within the campground.
Common complaintsIssues with camp host behavior and site maintenance (e.g., full fire pits and trash collection). Complaints about noise from other campers and generator usage.
HostMixed reviews about camp hosts. Some visitors found them helpful and friendly, while others reported rudeness and unavailability.
Campground Map
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
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
362 reviews
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 362 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...
Based on 362 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 362 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 362 reviewsShow more
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 362 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 362 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 362 reviewsShow more
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 362 reviewsPet-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 362 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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