Friday, September 18, 2020

What You’ll Find at the Red Rock Canyon Campground

If you’re thinking of doing some desert camping, Red Rock’s only campground is open from September through May.

Head west on Charleston Boulevard and not far past the gun range and the “Red Rock Canyon” sign (and the ever-advancing edge of Summerlin), you’ll find Moenkopi Road on your left. Follow the road and you’ll wind up at the Red Rock Canyon Campground, the only developed campground in the area.

Tent camping area at Red Rock Canyon Campground

The campground covers a substantial area and includes group sites, individual sites, and RV spaces. As of the date of this post, COVID-19 restrictions limit the size of group campsites to 20 people and half the outhouses are closed. 

RV camping area at Red Rock Canyon Campground

The day the hubby and I drove out to scope out the campground it was about 95F, still a bit on the warm side for desert camping, at least for me. 

While many spaces have shade structures, there are no trees of any kind. Personally, I’d recommend waiting until it’s a bit cooler before you pitch a tent here. Due to the campground’s proximity to Las Vegas, I understand it tends to fill up quickly.

The road from the RV area back to the tent camping sites

If you’re camping at Red Rock, I’d bet you’re planning to get out and do some hiking along the Scenic Loop, so be forewarned: starting in November this year, reservations will be required to reduce crowding (which has become quite pronounced in recent years). According to the press release from the BLM, the reservation system for timed entry will be in effect through the end of May.

While the Red Rock Campground is the only campground near Red Rock Canyon NCA, developed campgrounds are also located at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mt. Charleston, and Valley of Fire State Park. Be sure to check ahead to find out what restrictions may be in place.


Are you planning to go camping soon, or did you get out during the summer? Leave a comment about your favorite camping near Las Vegas. 


All photos by Terrisa Meeks

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