Champion Road Boondocking
In Las Vegas, Nevada
Site Guide
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Las Vegas, Nevada GPS: 36.341408, -115.648895 Elevation: 7828′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – National Forest (Official) 702) 515-5400 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Champion Road Boondocking: Completely primitive camping, slightly leveled and cleared sites.Stretch of road in the Lee Canyon area of the mountains with many spots to camp. Great place to stay cool when it’s hot in the summer in Vegas. Lots of off roaring vehicles traveling on the roads, but many places to pull off and have a good deal of privacy.
Call the Mount Charleston information line to see if camping is permitted for the season or not, and also to check fire status.
About This Location
Free camping close to Vegas? Champion Road boondocking area checks that box. This is BLM land, so you’re not paying for a site, and you don’t have to deal with crowded campgrounds.
The area sits inside the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. That means you get mountain views, desert quiet, and a little more space to breathe.
Champion Road boondocking area has somewhere between 6 and 15 campsites depending on how folks are parked. The road’s gravel, and you’re about a mile from pavement before you hit the sites.
Facilities? Well, there aren’t any, so don’t expect bathrooms or hookups. RVs up to 45 feet can usually make it in, which is pretty generous.
Nearby, you’ve got other options like Mack’s Canyon and Lovell Canyon if you want to check out different scenery. There’s a lot to explore: the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and Red Rock Canyon are all within a reasonable drive.
If you’re driving a 4WD, you’ll be glad to have it—some stretches of the road get rough, especially after it rains. Summer weekends can get busy, but weekdays are usually quieter.
Boondocking here means relying on yourself for water, food, and trash removal. It’s a real desert camping experience, equal parts convenient and peaceful.
Directions
Getting to Champion Road Boondocking is pretty straightforward. Start in Las Vegas and head northwest toward the Spring Mountains.
You’ll drive on paved highways for most of the way, then turn off onto dirt roads that lead up to the Champion Road boondocking area. The main route is Champion Road, which is unpaved and about 8 miles from the nearest paved road.
If you’re coming from the Ely Ranger District, you’ll want to use Mill Creek or Berry Creek roads to connect with Champion Road boondocking area. There are other dispersed camping areas nearby, like Water Canyon, if you want to check them out.
Weather can make or break the road conditions out here, so check before you go. Most sites are primitive, so don’t expect services.
You’ll be able to get to Champion Road boondocking area and nearby spots like Berry Creek and Water Canyon for a decently quiet, off-grid camping trip.
Vehicle Access And Pricing
Champion Road boondocking area is accessible for most vehicles, and there are no fees required for camping. The road is mostly gravel, and you’ll see all kinds of rigs making it in—just keep an eye on the length of your vehicle and the current road conditions.
Fees
Camping here won’t cost you a thing. It’s free dispersed camping, so you’re not paying for overnight stays or parking.
That said, you’ve still got to follow the rules: respect the land, stay where you’re supposed to, and leave no trace. No reservations or permits are needed, which is honestly refreshing if you’re the spontaneous type.
Road Conditions And Accessibility
Champion Road boondocking area is gravel and usually accessible to most vehicles, including regular cars, trucks, and most campers. It’s maintained pretty well during dry weather, but things can get dicey after rain.
If you’re driving something with low clearance, just go slow—some spots can be rough. Stewart’s Point, not too far away, is similar but can be rockier. Always check the weather before you head out; it’s just not worth the risk otherwise.
Maximum Vehicle Length
Champion Road boondocking area can handle vehicles up to around 30 feet long without much trouble. Anything bigger, and, honestly, you might find yourself squeezing through some pretty tight spots. Those sharp turns can be a real challenge for longer rigs.
If your camper stretches past that 30-foot mark, it’s probably smart to check things out in advance. Maybe even walk the area first, just to be sure. The spaces here aren’t really marked or measured—it’s all pretty open, but that doesn’t always mean easy parking.
So, plan ahead and keep your expectations flexible. That way, you’ll have a safer, less stressful stay.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Biking Stargazing Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links
Bureau of Land Management
Recreation.Gov
National Park Service
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Leave No Trace
State Specific Information Links
Nevada Park Service
Nevada Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources
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