Camping near Nellis AFB

Just a few miles northeast of Las Vegas, Nellis AFB is one of the Air Force’s largest bases. Spanning 14,000 acres, the base is used for advanced combat aviation training. Access is restricted to authorized military personnel and sponsored civilians, though tours are available. There’s a golf course on the base, though plenty of outdoor recreation options can be found in and around the Las Vegas area. There’s an RV park near the base for military personnel. Additional RV parks can be found in Las Vegas, while campgrounds can be found in nearby state and national parks and recreation areas.

Nellis AFB and Las Vegas Vicinity

The Desert Eagle RV Park, which is only available to DoD cardholders and retirees, offers

full and partial hookup sites, while private RV parks and resorts, and plentiful amenities, can be found within the Las Vegas city limits. For rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and seasonal camping, head to the Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, west of the Las Vegas Strip. North of Las Vegas, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge  offers wildlife and free primitive, backcountry, and dispersed car camping.

Valley of Fire State Park

Northeast of Nellis AFB, Valley of Fire State Park offers a surreal landscape of red sandstone canyons and cliffs in the Mojave Desert. Tent and RV camping is available at two campgrounds inside the park, including one that’s open year-round, while dispersed camping options can be found outside the west and east entrances to the park.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

With 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons and two lakes, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers water recreation, along with hiking and biking trails. Camping options include around 900 public tent and RV sites across more than a dozen national park and concessionaire-run campgrounds. Car, horseback, shoreline, and backcountry camping options are also available.

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Mount Charleston and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area offers a respite from the desert heat. Recreation options include hiking, biking, rock climbing, and winter activities, including a ski resort. Camping options include rustic cabins, developed campgrounds, backcountry sites, and dispersed camping in three wilderness areas.  

Nellis AFB offers tours of the base Mondays through Fridays from September to May. Tours are not available over the summer due to the extreme high temperatures in the desert. The base holds large “Reg Flag” combat exercises throughout the year, which visitors can view from outside the base. Spring and fall offer the best weather for most outdoor recreation in the area. Head to Lake Mead for summer recreation and Mount Charleston for winter sports.