Desert Camping in Nevada
Discover the best desert camping across Nevada. Discover the magic of desert camping. Dramatic landscapes, star-filled skies, and serene solitude.
Desert Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Fletcher View
Towering ponderosa pines and massive canyon walls create an unexpected mountain oasis in the Mojave, where vanilla-scented bark and seasonal streams replace the stereotypical sand-and-cactus desert just miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
Thomas Canyon
Lamoille Creek rushes through groves of shimmering aspens at 7,200 feet, where waterfalls tumble down granite cliffs and wildflower meadows glow with Indian paintbrush and lupine.
Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)
At 7,400 feet in the Egan Range, pinyon pines and junipers frame weathered rock formations that glow amber in the fading light, while spring wildflowers transform hillsides into splashes of unexpected color.
About Desert Camping in Nevada
Desert camping Nevada offers some of the most diverse and spectacular high desert landscapes in the American West, from the Spring Mountains' ponderosa pine forests to the stark beauty of the Great Basin. Nevada's desert campgrounds span dramatic elevation changes, ranging from low desert valleys to high-desert mountain ranges exceeding 8,000 feet, creating unique ecosystems where sagebrush meets alpine meadows.
Best Time
Spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) provide ideal conditions for Nevada desert camping, with moderate temperatures, blooming wildflowers in spring, and comfortable nights perfect for stargazing. Summer months (July-August) work well for high-elevation sites like Hilltop and Ward Mountain where temperatures remain pleasant at 7,000+ feet, while lower desert campgrounds become extremely hot with daytime temperatures exceeding 100°F.
Scenery Highlights
- Unique desert landscapes
- World-class stargazing
- Mild winter temperatures
- Solitude and wide-open spaces
Explore Desert Camping in Nevada
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve popular Spring Mountains campgrounds like Fletcher View and McWilliams 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends, while remote sites like Bob Scott often have first-come availability even during peak season.
- 2Bring significantly more water than expected—plan for one gallon per person per day minimum, as desert conditions increase consumption and many campgrounds lack potable water sources.
- 3Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings, especially at high-elevation sites where 70°F days can drop to freezing nights.
- 4A high-quality sleeping bag rated for 20-30°F ensures comfort at high desert locations.
Desert Camping in Nevada FAQ
We've ranked 20+ desert campgrounds in Nevada based on scenery, stargazing conditions, and accessibility. Top options offer dramatic landscapes and incredible night skies.
Desert camping in Nevada is best from October through April when temperatures are moderate. Winter offers mild daytime temps and cold nights perfect for campfires.
For desert camping in Nevada, bring extra water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), sun protection, layers for cold nights, and sturdy tent stakes for sandy or rocky ground.
Popular Nevada Campgrounds Book Fast
The best desert camping in Nevada book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Fletcher View
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