Las Vegas Bay Campground (Lake Mead)
601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Las Vegas Bay Campground (Lake Mead)
$10.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary between $10 for senior pass holders and $20 for regular users per night. Park entry is $25 daily. An annual pass costing $80 is available...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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$20.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(702) 293-8906lake_information@nps.gov
About this campground
Discover your desert oasis at Las Vegas Bay Campground, where towering palm trees sway above sun-dappled campsites and fragrant oleanders bloom between ancient cottonwoods. This natural sanctuary attracts an enchanting cast of wildlife—from melodious songbirds and swift lizards to curious antelope squirrels and the occasional coyote padding through at dusk. Each campsite offers its own private haven, thoughtfully screened by lush native vegetation that transforms the stark desert into an unexpectedly verdant retreat.
Las Vegas Bay Campground accommodates tents, RVs, and vehicles. It features both general and no-generator loops to cater to different camper preferences.
Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of American conservation history at this campground nestled within Lake Mead National Recreation Area—one of the nation's pioneering National Recreation Areas. This designation represents a visionary moment in our country's commitment to preserving spectacular landscapes for public enjoyment, making your camping experience part of a grand tradition of outdoor recreation that has welcomed millions of visitors since its establishment.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect camping weather during spring's wildflower blooms and winter's crisp, star-filled nights—the two seasons when the desert truly shines for outdoor enthusiasts. While summer brings the intense heat that defines the Mojave, savvy visitors know that spring and winter offer those magical 70-degree days and cool evenings that make campfire conversations and morning hikes absolutely sublime. The reliably dry conditions mean you can count on clear skies and stunning sunsets year-round.
ElevationPerched within the iconic Mojave Desert landscape near the shimmering expanse of Lake Mead, this campground offers the unique desert elevation experience—where dramatic temperature swings between day and night create perfect sleeping weather and spectacular sunrise viewing opportunities. The desert positioning provides those quintessential big-sky vistas that make the American Southwest so captivating.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where rugged desert beauty meets unexpected pockets of emerald abundance. Dramatic canyons carve through the terrain, creating a backdrop of sculptured rock formations that glow gold and crimson at sunset. The surprising lushness of palm groves and flowering plants creates cooling microclimates throughout the campground, while expansive views stretch toward distant mountain ranges. This remarkable convergence of desert and oasis offers photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers an ever-changing canvas of colors, textures, and natural wonders.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, this campground showcases the Mojave Desert's remarkable geological story. Ancient canyons reveal millions of years of Earth's history in their stratified walls, while hardy palm trees and resilient desert flora demonstrate nature's incredible adaptation to this arid environment. The proximity to Lake Mead's historic waterline adds another dimension to the landscape, where you can witness the intersection of water and desert that has shaped this region for millennia. This unique positioning offers visitors a front-row seat to one of North America's most distinctive geological theaters.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not extensively detailed, but reviews mention all campsites are paved and level.
Sites SizeSites vary in size; 'spacious enough for two tents' was noted, and larger RVs such as 40-ft trailers can fit, though some turns are tight.
Sites PrivacySites are moderately private with landscaping providing separation. 'Palm trees, oleanders, and cottonwood trees provide privacy' was noted.
Total Campsites72 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites in the non-generator loop for a quieter experience. Sites near restrooms and water spigots are noted for convenience.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight sites near the edge offering great views and privacy, as well as proximity to restrooms and water.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites accommodate up to 6-8 guests, based on user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground has paved loops, with sites featuring parking areas, picnic tables, and fire pits. Some loops prohibit generators.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; camping is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityLas Vegas Bay Campground is first-come, first-served with no advance reservation system. User reviews indicate the campground often fills up during weekends and peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available for Las Vegas Bay Campground; camping is first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Las Vegas Bay Campground offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. Nearby trails include Owl Canyon and others offering scenic desert views. Swimming in nearby water bodies and occasional bird-watching are popular activities as well.
Hiking
Hiking is available, with trails such as Owl Canyon mentioned as a nearby highlight. Trails are described as easy and scenic, suitable for families and pets.Swimming
While not a designated swimming area, some campers note recreational swimming opportunities, 'You can hike down in the canyon to the water and take a swim.'Wildlife viewing
Reviews mention wildlife such as quail, roadrunners, and coyotes. 'You can hear the coyotes at night' is a common sentiment.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible with mild weather and quiet conditions. Some visitors prefer winter for opportunities such as stargazing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are not explicitly detailed, though some users imply upstream kayaking could be possible.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits are available at each site. No explicit restrictions on fire usage mentioned.
- Quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM are enforced.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include extreme heat during summer, wind exposure, and wildlife like coyotes. User reviews mention issues with ants at specific sites.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Boulder City, approximately 8 miles away, including Boulder City Hospital.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is not explicitly mentioned; however, spring and fall seasons are generally ideal for desert camping.
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are available at both ends of the campground. Some reviews note inconsistent trash removal ('trash can in the ladies' bathroom still hadn’t been dumped').
Proximity to water featuresApproximately 8 miles from Lake Mead shoreline and near wetlands. Hiking trails lead to water bodies.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include generator noise, lack of showers, outdated facilities, and cleanliness issues in bathrooms.
HostSome reviews mention friendly hosts, although inconsistent presence has been noted. Hosts enforce payment and quiet hours.
Campground Map
601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Driving directionsLocated just minutes from Las Vegas off Lakeshore Road near Henderson, NV. Take Lake Mead Parkway east to the entrance. Follow the road about 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Las Vegas Bay access road and take your first left onto Las Vegas Bay Campground Road. You will arrive at the campground in approximately one mile.
Paved roads lead to the campground. Access is straightforward from major routes and the campground is easily reachable. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.Nearby places
Boulder City (approximately 8 miles away)
Henderson (approximately 10 miles away)
Las Vegas (approximately 20 miles away).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Boulder City and Henderson, which are 8 and 10 miles from the campground respectively.
Camper Reviews
4.3
101 reviews
Las Vegas Bay Campground (Lake Mead) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, this campground is valued for its scenic setting, quiet atmosphere (especially after 10 pm), and proximity to Las Vegas. Some common issues include noise from generators and occasionally unclean restrooms. Visitors frequently mention the affordability and natural beauty of the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 101 reviews
What Campers Love
Highly praised for lush vegetation, privacy between sites, proximity to trails, and affordability. Reviews highlight that 'after 10pm, the site was extremely quiet' and 'beautiful landscaping that...
Based on 101 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticism includes noise from generators, occasional issues with unclean restrooms, and some sites being 'too small for larger trailers.' Additional complaints include lack of showers and...
Based on 101 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a flashlight as there's no lighting at night. Campers recommend the no-generator loop for a quieter experience. Some suggest bringing portable showers as there are none on-site.
Based on 101 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter and early spring are noted as the best seasons due to mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer visits are less recommended due to high temperatures.
Based on 101 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Cannot recommend this enough for those looking to get further away from Las Vegas. There was little to no light pollution.' 2. 'Each site seems to have a parking space, a picnic table, a fire...
Based on 101 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details are limited, but site #72 is near a trailhead and some sites are described as 'spacious enough for two tents.'
Based on 101 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features include level paved sites; detailed experiences aren't documented.
Based on 101 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and leash rules apply. Reviews note trails are dog-friendly.
Based on 101 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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