Macks Canyon Boondocking in Las Vegas, Nevada – Guide & Tips

by John Rodgers / Monday, July 28, 2025 / Published in Nevada Free, Free Camping

a landscape with trees and mountains in the background - Macks Canyon Boondocking in Las Vegas, Nevada

Macks Canyon Boondocking
In Las Vegas, Nevada
Guide & Tips

ADDRESS
FR 085 – Mack’s Canyon Road Las Vegas, Nevada GPS: 36.349721, -115.681065 Elevation: 8176′
MANAGEMENT
Public – Forest Service (Official) (702) 872-5486 This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Mack’s Canyon Boondocking: The road in is Dirt. Mack’s Canyon Dispersed Camping is open year round. You may stay 14 days at Mack’s Canyon Dispersed Camping.

About This Location

Macks Canyon boondocking sites tend to draw a crowd of boondockers and dispersed campers who want some space. Along the rough dirt road, you’ll spot plenty of tent camping sites with privacy and some pretty solid desert views.

Facilities? Nope, not here. You’ve got to bring your own water, food, and anything else you’ll need. Whatever you pack in, you’re expected to pack out—no exceptions.

Fires are almost always banned at Macks Canyon boondocking sites because of fire danger, so plan on using a camping stove. The road isn’t impossible, but it’s definitely not smooth, and having a 4×4 or something with good clearance makes life a lot easier. Most people use tents, but you’ll see the occasional small trailer parked closer to the entrance.

Stays are capped at 14 days, which is actually pretty generous. Don’t count on cell service; it’s spotty at best, though sometimes Verizon 4G/5G will pop up if you’re lucky. The elevation—about 8,100 feet—means it’s usually a good bit cooler than down in Vegas, especially during the summer.

The trails nearby Macks Canyon boondocking sites are great for hiking or just wandering around if you want some peace. Just be sure to follow the rules and fire restrictions—nobody wants to be that person who ruins it for everyone else.

Directions

Getting to Mack’s Canyon Boondocking isn’t too complicated, but you’ll want to pay attention. Start out of Las Vegas heading northwest on Highway 95, then keep your eyes peeled for Lee Canyon Road (FR 087).

After a few miles, you’ll see the turnoff for Mack’s Canyon Road (FR 085). That’s where the pavement ends and the dirt begins. The road can get rough, rocky, and steep in places, so if you’re in a big rig or RV, you might want to scout ahead. It’s not exactly a Sunday drive.

The road gets officially closed about two miles in, so don’t plan on going forever. Most Macks Canyon boondocking camping spots are before that closure, scattered along the way. Sites are a bit tight and not always flat, so it’s a bit of a treasure hunt to find a good one.

If you’re driving a 2WD with decent clearance, you’ll probably make it to some of the first sites, but 4WD is a safer bet if you want to go deeper. Campfires are a no-go, so stick to propane stoves.

Plug these GPS coordinates into your phone: 36.3497° N, 115.6811° W. The elevation is around 8,100 feet, so pack for chilly nights. You’ll need to bring all your water and supplies, since there’s nothing up there.

Cell service is hit or miss, but sometimes you’ll get lucky with Verizon in Macks Canyon boondocking sites open spots. And before you even leave, check the latest road conditions—the last thing you want is to get stuck halfway up the mountain.

Vehicle Access And Pricing

Macks Canyon boondocking sites are one of those rare spots—free dispersed camping, no reservation fees, nothing. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking to camp near Las Vegas without blowing your budget.

The road leading in is gravel, and honestly, it gets a bit rough in places. High-clearance vehicles are definitely the safer bet, but if your car doesn’t hug the ground, you could probably make it in if you take it slow.

Thinking about bringing an RV? Well, here’s where it gets tricky. The road narrows and gets bumpier after the first half mile around Macks Canyon boondocking sites, so small to mid-sized RVs might be able to handle that stretch, but anything bigger could be pushing it.

You won’t find any paved roads or developed campsites here. Most parking spots are sloped, and space for larger trailers is pretty limited, so it’s not exactly a big-rig-friendly zone.

This is true primitive campingat Macks Canyon boondocking sites. There are no hookups, no water, no trash bins—nothing. Bring everything you need, especially plenty of water, because you won’t find it out there.

Cell service is pretty unreliable, so don’t count on streaming or easy communication. The roads can be narrow and a bit twisty, so just take it easy on the drive in.