Written by: Lisa & Anthony Petrarca
Every Anniversary we try to go someplace new to camp and explore. The problem we have is our Anniversary is on New Year’s Eve and we travel around weather, which limits us to the coast or desert.
With that being said, there’s one place we return again and again because there’s so much to do (we barely scratch the surface with each visit.)
The Ultimate Guide to Hiking & Free Camping at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City, NV
We’ve visited this area three separate times and still haven’t crossed everything off our list. Most people drive past it on the way to Las Vegas or the Hoover Dam without realizing how many incredible hikes, hot springs and slot canyons are tucked into this desert playground.
Lake Mead is a hidden gem only 30 minutes from Las Vegas, which makes it a perfect “add on” to a Vegas trip for a break from the crowds.
There are several beautiful places to camp ranging from free to reasonably priced campgrounds. Where you decide to stay is weather dependent. Free camping is usually in wash areas and subject to flash flooding.
Always check the weather in NV/AZ/UT before camping and/or heading into a slot canyon. During our trip it was scheduled to rain several days so we opted to stay at our favorite paid campground the entire trip, Boulder Beach Campground.
The beauty of van-life travel is it’s easy to move campsites if a waterfront spot opens up for a night or two, which is exactly what we did on our last night…because we’re always here for the BEST views!
We had a big hike planned for this trip:
Gold Strike Hot Springs
4.5 miles roundtrip — Difficult
We attempted this one in the past with our pup, but quickly realized even with his amazing rock climbing skills it wasn’t possible where the fixed ropes were attached (all 9 of them!) This hike eventually ended at the most beautiful hot springs overlooking the Colorado River. It was definitely the most ambitious hike we’ve done in Lake Mead, and to be honest, way more difficult than expected. The fact we hadn’t been training or working out for almost two months due to our long road trip down south, and I (Lisa) being sick for a month after that, definitely made it hard. Our first mistake was underestimating the strength needed to complete it…we definitely should’ve trained for this one. Add in my (Lisa’s) fear of heights, creating a whole new level of difficulty (my legs shake uncontrollably due to fear), expending much needed energy to get down and climb back out (thankfully I was able to power through it.) I’ve shared this before, but in case you don’t know, we’ve been on a fear-conquering journey, which basically means “Do it afraid!”
I’ll be turning 60 this year, Anthony will be 61, and we want to see, experience, and try so many things while our bodies are still able. Fear has held us back for too long (his is claustrophobia), so we’ve been charging at bucket list items that normally would’ve been off-limits in our younger years.
It’s crazy how fear can stop you from truly doing the things you’ve dreamed of, whether it’s hikes or traveling and exploring the world up close and personal in a van/RV.
We’re not getting any younger, and realized the time we’ve been waiting for is always NOW! 💪🏼😜
Okay, let’s get back to the good stuff. We realize this hike isn’t for everyone, so we’ll be sharing all the amazing things to do in this area so everyone can enjoy, along with some past favorites giving you lots to choose from to add to your bucket list.
Our next stop was a fun, quirky day trip to recover from the hot springs hike.
Nelson Ghost Town
This old mining town feels like stepping onto a movie set — because it literally is one. We can honestly say it’s a must see! Rusted cars, vintage gas pumps, crashed planes, cool double-decker RVs, and wild movie props scattered everywhere, making it a dream spot for photographers. You can wander through original historic buildings or take a guided mine tour into the Techatticup Mine to see what life was like during the gold rush days. It’s quirky, a little eerie, and one of the most unique stops we did on this trip.
After the ghost town we continued down the road where it dead ends at:
Nelson’s Landing / Lake Mohave
You can camp and launch kayaks/SUP right on the lake or camp just before the small road if your vehicle is too low.
⚠️ This is a wash area so be sure to check the weather before camping or visiting.
You can also take the high road to an overlook area (we did both). This is definitely worth the short drive. Our last hike of this trip was:
Owl Slot Canyon
2 miles — Easy
It’s a short, unique hike, famous for owl spotting in a slot canyon (Tip: Look for white poop high on the cliffs to spot the nests). It’s a perfect, fun, quick adventure stop.
⚠️ Again, be sure to check the weather before entering a slot canyon — NEVER go if rain’s expected. (We actually had to wait until our last day to hike it due to rain.)
Unfortunately we didn’t spot any owls (we even went at sunset (aka feeding time.)
We did find a nest though, saw a beautiful sunset, and hiked under a full moon, so we considered it a success in spite of no owls.
Here’s additional hikes to add to your list:
🥾 The Best Hikes Around Lake Mead
📍Liberty Bell Arch (5.5 miles roundtrip — Moderate)
A quiet desert trail leading to a massive arch tucked in the mountains. Expect big views, zero shade, and peaceful solitude. One of the most underrated hikes in the area.
📍Arizona Hot Springs (Ringbolt Trail) (5.8–6 miles roundtrip — Moderate/Hard) We loved this one and felt it should be listed as moderate. We did this hike on a previous trip and it’s a fav! It’s an easy walk through a slot canyon, and the hot springs are in the slot canyon…such a unique and amazing place to soak! Come early or in cooler months — this trail gets HOT and is closed (May 15–September 30) due to extreme heat.
📍White Rock Canyon Trail (4–6 miles — Moderate) A choose-your-own-adventure hike with sweeping canyon views. You can turn this into a loop or hike to the river and back. Quiet and scenic with fewer crowds.
📍Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail (7.5 miles roundtrip — Easy) An old rail route turned scenic path through massive tunnels overlooking Lake Mead. You can go as far as you want, making it a short or long hike. It’s wide, flat, and perfect for viewing sunrise, sunsets, or biking.
📍 Hoover Dam Bridge Walk (1 mile — Easy) Short but unforgettable. Walk the pedestrian bridge for jaw-dropping views of the dam and Colorado River from above.
📍Anniversary Narrows Slot Canyon (2–3 miles — Easy/Moderate) A fun and photogenic slot canyon perfect for exploring. Slight elevation gain and lots of winding sandstone walls.
📍Petroglyph Canyon (4 miles roundtrip — Moderate) History meets hiking. Ancient rock art is along the trail as you climb toward Liberty Bell Arch.
Where to Camp (Including Paid & FREE Camping)
BEST FREE SPOTS (Vanlife Gold)
📍Kingman Wash
- Dirt road access
- Huge dispersed camping area
- Beach camping right on Lake Mead
- Popular with vanlifers & RVers
📍Government Wash
- Close to Las Vegas
- Very easy access
- Tons of lakeside dispersed spots
- Great winter camping
📍Stewart’s Point
- Quiet & underrated
- Amazing sunset views
- Near Valley of Fire area
📍Bonelli Landing
- Remote & peaceful
- Great stargazing
- Long dirt road access (check road conditions)
📍Telephone Cove
- Near Temple Bar
- Remote & scenic
- Great if you want zero crowds
📍Cottonwood Cove Dispersed Areas
- Near Katherine Landing
- Good Lake Mohave boondocking
📍Nelson’s Landing
- Direct access to the Colorado River
- Great cliffside views
- Kayaking access toward Lake Mohave / Black areas
Paid Campgrounds
Boulder Basin / West Lake Mead (near Hoover Dam)
📍 Boulder Beach Campground
- 💰 ~$20/night
- 🚐 RV + tent, restrooms, water
- Close to swim beaches + Hoover Dam
- One of the most popular + easiest access
📍Lake Mead RV Village
- 💰 ~$45–55/night full hookups
- ⚡ Full RV hookups + showers
- Private concession campground near Boulder Harbor
Temple Bar Area (Arizona side of Lake Mead)
📍Temple Bar Campground
- 💰 ~$20/night
- Bathrooms + water
- Boat launch + marina nearby
- More remote and quieter than Boulder Beach
Callville Bay Area
📍Callville Bay Campground
- 💰 ~$20/night
- Restrooms + water
- Good mid-point campground with marina access
Overton Arm / North Lake Mead (super scenic & quiet)
📍Echo Bay Campground
- 💰 ~$20/night
- Water + restrooms
- Amazing desert solitude vibes
Lake Mohave
📍Katherine Landing Campground
- 💰 ~$20/night
- Near Laughlin/Bullhead City
- Showers, marina, store
- Great basecamp if you want civilization nearby
📍Willow Beach Campground
- 💰 ~$20–$35/night
- Bathrooms & water
- SUP/Kayak rental/launch site to Emerald Cove, Black Canyon, and Arizona Hot Springs
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do not stay in wash areas if rain is forecasted in NV/AZ/UT — flash flood zone
Why We Keep Coming Back
Every trip we discover something new—another trail, another hidden canyon, another perfect campsite. Lake Mead is wildly underrated and absolutely packed with adventure.