Christmas Tree Pass Boondocking
In Searchlight, Nevada
Guide & Details
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Christmas Tree Pass Road Searchlight, Nevada GPS: 35.264019, -114.778462 Elevation: 3553′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Bureau of Land Management 702-515-5000 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Christmas Tree Pass Boondocking: Free dispersed camping on BLM land near Bullhead City. Lots of room for any sized rig. OHV traffic is common here. Christmas Tree Pass Road is the southwestern border of the Spirit Mountain Wilderness. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the wilderness. You may only enter the wilderness on foot or via horseback. You may also enter the area from the Searchlight highway but the end on the Bullhead City side is much nicer.
About This Location
Christmas Tree Pass boondocking sites sits in southern Nevada, cutting through the Newberry Mountains. The main route, Christmas Tree Pass Road, links Laughlin and Searchlight for about 12 miles.
It’s a dirt and gravel road, so expect a bumpy, scenic drive. The landscape is rocky desert with scattered juniper trees, which add a bit of green to the otherwise dry vibes.
You might stumble on Grapevine Canyon nearby, which has some wild rock formations and petroglyphs if you’re into that sort of thing. Most boondocking spots are just dispersed along the road, nothing fancy.
Elevation at the Christmas Tree Pass boondocking sites is around 3,900 feet, so it’s a touch cooler than the lower desert. Some sections of road are rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is smart, but not always required.
Camping at Christmas Tree Pass boondocking sites are mostly on dirt pads, all shapes and sizes, and not always level. Smaller rigs or tents do best, but you’ll see folks try their luck with bigger setups.
The remoteness is half the appeal—no city noise, just the breeze and the occasional coyote. Don’t forget to prep before heading out, because services are basically nonexistent.
Cell coverage is spotty at Christmas Tree Pass boondocking sites, but you may catch a signal from Verizon or AT&T in some spots if you stand on one leg and hold your phone just right.
Directions
To get to the Christmas Tree Pass boondocking sites, start in Laughlin, Nevada. Head south on NV Highway 163 and you’ll spot the start of Christmas Tree Pass Road just outside of town.
The road is unpaved and heads straight over the Newberry Mountains. You’ll be on Christmas Tree Pass Road for about 16 miles—gravel, bumpy, but usually doable.
A high-clearance vehicle is best, but plenty of regular cars make the trip if you go slow. Eventually, you’ll hit US Highway 93 near Searchlight, marking the end of the Christmas Tree Pass boondocking sites.
Before heading out, check the road conditions. Some sections are washboarded and narrow, and pull-offs aren’t always easy to find.
Drive slow, keep an eye out for signs, and stick to the main route. Camping is all dispersed at the Christmas Tree Pass boondocking sites—no hookups, just pick a spot that suits your setup.
Make sure your vehicle can handle the terrain, and don’t forget to follow Leave No Trace rules.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping OHV Hiking Horse Trails 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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