The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Boondock Near Las Vegas & Beyond 🌟🏜️

If you’re an RV lover looking for the perfect combination of adventures, freedom and peace and quiet, then finding the best places to boondock around Las Vegas and its amazing surrounding is like hitting the jackpot. Boondock camping is the one time that you get to say goodbye to the commercial campgrounds and spend time surrounded by the rawness and the untamed beauty that is all around in the Southwest. The best part? It’s often completely free!

Whether you’re on the hunt for places to boondock at beautiful desert outlooks, tucked away in the mountains, or alongside famous landmarks, this guide features the best RV boondocking locations in Las Vegas and beyond. From insider camping advice to epic places for boondock RV sites, here it is!

Why Boondocking is the Best RV Adventure

Boondocking — or dry camping, or off-grid camping — is camping for free in remote areas without hookups for water, electricity or sewer. It’s not only a camping style; it’s a way of life that brings you close to nature, celebrates self-reliance and draws in those people who yearn for total freedom.

Why Boondock?

• Cost Savings

Boondocking is generally free, so it allows you to keep your travel costs way down. Instead of outlying funds for traditional RV parks, you’ll be parking on BLM land or other undeveloped spaces.

• Stunning Locations

The best places to boondock give you stunning views and enable you to wake up to sprawling desert valleys or towering red rock formations.

• Peace and Privacy

Whatever the reason, there are so many benefits to boondocking as opposed to staying in crowded RV parks including the peace and quiet you experience when truly getting away from the crowds.

• Flexibility

You can also pick your campsite according to your comfort level — from a whole lot of silence and remoteness to close proximity to popular landmarks and trails.

Best Boondocking Near Las Vegas

Las Vegas may be synonymous with bright lights and nightlife, but it also serves as a portal to some of the most astonishing landscapes in the region. Here are the best boondocking near Las Vegas areas to park your RV and enjoy the great outdoors.

1. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

This huge area is just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and has tons of RV boondock possibilities. You’ll discover gorgeous lakeside sites with views of the water, canyons and mountains.

• Why It’s Great: Not far from Sin City, yet all about peace and Mother Nature.
• Camping Tip: Explore areas near Government Wash, a scene-y boondocking ditch with tons of room for RVs.

2. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive

The park is an oasis in the desert, just a half-hour west of the city.

Red Rock Canyon is located 15 miles west of Las Vegas, and is a boondocker’s dream with breathtaking rock formations, a variety of hiking trails, and tons of open space for parking your RV.

• Why Camp Here?  Endless photo opportunities and unique desert scenery
• Boondocking Tip: There’s no camping in the park, but BLM land is nearby (such as Lovell Canyon) with fantastic sites for an RV.

3. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

InThis WSA and wilderness area has been added to the Sloan Canyon NCA because it was part of the Desert Ruin proposal and it generally contains lands with sufficient wilderness qualities to fit within the NCA boundary.

One of those lesser-known boondock RV sites, the Sloan Canyon area offers rugged isolation and beautiful scenery. Situated south of Las Vegas, it’s a prime choice for backcountry enthusiasts looking to get away from it all.

• Extras: Mysterious petroglyphs, wildlife sightings and stargazing opportunities.
• Travel Note: Expect bumpy roads; and RV with high clearance might be necessary.

4. Pahrump Desert Trails

For those yearning to leave Vegas behind altogether, yet keep it close enough, there are numerous boondocking opportunities in Pahrump . Its desert landscape offers isolated camping spots and proximity to attractions such as Death Valley.

• Pros: Secluded wilderness and close to Death Valley National Park.
• Pro Tip: Spots like the NV-160 corridor are a favourite for fellow boondockers, so scout your site early.

Subheading Highlight: Best RV Boondocking Locations Outside Las Vegas

If you’re up for going out a bit further from Vegas, the Southwest opens up an incredible palette of best RV boondocking locations. These top boondock RV sites offer epic views and are close to national treasures.

1. Valley of Fire State Park

An iconic jewel an hour from Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire epitomises the classic desert scenery with its red sandstone formations and colourful canyons.

• Nearby Boondocking Tip: BLM land located near Lake Mead and also located at the borders of the park, provides free camping for RVs.
• Best Activities: Discover rock formations such as Arch Rock and the Fire Wave.

2. Mojave National Preserve

Located two hours south of Las Vegas, this preserve is simply beautiful desert at its finest. Boondocking opportunities exist near iconic destinations such as the Kelso Dunes or Cima Dome.

• Why Visit? Immense open spaces ideal for solitude breath, hiking and reconnecting with nature.
• Camping Wisdom: After selecting a level ground and rebelling in the little grassy cosmos, do walk around the micro-system.

3. Gold Butte National Monument.

If true solitude is what you’re after, Gold Butte, an awesome spot about two-and-a-half hours from Las Vegas, is your ticket. With incredible geology, ancient petroglyphs and (if the time of year is right) even rarer wildlife, it is on the bucket list for boondocking.

• Camping: Dispersed camping on BLM lands in the monument.
• Insider Tip: It’s a hard area to get water or supplies so bring enough of both.

4. The National Parks: Bryce Canyon and Zion

Although Bryce and Zion provide developed campgrounds, those in more of an explorer spirit can find dispersed camping on nearby BLM land.

• Boondocking Tip: Zion offers off-park camping on Kolob Terrace Road, and places like Dixie National Forest open boondocking opportunities near Bryce Canyon.
• Must-See Sights: Angel’s Landing in Zion and the Amphitheater at Bryce.

Subheading Wrap-Up: What RVers Should Know Before Boondocking

Boondocking is a cool (if not scary, for newbies) learning experience. In order to get the most out of your adventure, and have a stress-free experience, here’s what you need to know when finding boondocking RV sites:

1. Respect Nature

• Leave No Trace.
  Leave no trace, don’t bother the wildlife, or wreak havoc on the environment.

2.Prepare Equipment for Off-Grid Camping

• Make sure your RV batteries are charged, and consider bringing a generator or solar panels.
• Purchase the necessary water, food and supplies for the duration of the trip.
• Take along a set of tools for minor repairs, and some extra fuel for emergencies.

3. Preview Your Site

Boondocking utilizes public land, and certain spots may be off limits. Use apps like iOverlander or Compendium to find available sites and their conditions.

4. Safety First

Park in lighted, flat places, and pressurize spare tires and maintain sufficient gas to ensure that you aren't refueling in remote places.

Get Started on the Best Boondocking Adventures Today!

Whether you’re new to boondocking or a seasoned traveler seeking the best places to boondock, Las Vegas and its surrounding areas provide some of the most breathtaking and wallet-friendly opportunities to experience the magic of RV travel. Between the serene desert trails and stunning canyon overlooks, each stop brings a different encounter with nature and liberty.

What are you waiting for? Contact JumboCamprs, Pack the RV, hit the road and begin your off-grid adventure around Las Vegas, and beyond. It is the open air!... The silent nights!. .. And the definite occasions! 🌟🏞️