What are the fire rules at Red Rock Canyon Campground?

Fire rules at Red Rock Canyon Campground: Campfires in provided fire rings only. BLM fire restrictions apply. Check blm.gov/nevada.

What is the best time to visit Red Rock Canyon Campground?

Feb–May: Peak climbing season. Desert wildflowers in March–April. Sep–Nov: Crowds drop significantly after summer closure.

What are the best things to do near Red Rock Canyon Campground?

Near Red Rock Canyon Campground: Scenic Loop Drive (13 mi, one-way) — timed entry required, open 7am–3pm, $15 vehicle fee. Calico Hills climbing and hiking — the best sandstone in the Southwest. Keystone Thrust trail (5.5 mi RT) — walks along the geological fault line where gray limestone sits on top of younger red sandstone.

Is there wildlife at Red Rock Canyon Campground?

Wildlife alert for Red Rock Canyon Campground: Desert bighorn sheep frequently seen on the Calico Hills. Mojave rattlesnakes active April–October. Gila woodpeckers and roadrunners common.

What are the common problems at Red Rock Canyon Campground?

At Red Rock Canyon Campground: Campground closes June 1 through August 31 every year. Solution: Plan spring or fall visits only. Check blm.gov/red-rock for exact opening and closing dates.

What are the insider tips for Red Rock Canyon Campground?

Insider tips for Red Rock Canyon Campground: Timed entry for the scenic drive sells out days in advance — book on Recreation.gov the day reservations open The campground has a 14-night maximum stay — climbers regularly max out their stay in spring

What makes Red Rock Canyon Campground unique?

Calico Hills at sunrise from the campground — walk directly into the formations from camp in 15 minutes on an unmarked social trail before the scenic drive opens at 7am. No crowds, extraordinary color, similar views to the scenic drive but completely empty.

How do I book a campsite at Red Rock Canyon Campground?

Red Rock Canyon Campground is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Red Rock Canyon Campground"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/red-rock-canyon-campground to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Red Rock Canyon Campground

2,000 climbing routes, 20 miles from the Strip — the Southwest’s best front-country climbing camp

Red Rock Canyon NCA, NV4.5 (2156)3,300 ft

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The Red Rock Canyon Campground sits inside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and a world away from it. Over 2,000 rock climbing routes attract climbers from across the country, and the campground is the premier basecamp for them. Non-climbers come for hiking, scenic driving, and the surreal contrast of desert camping with casino towers visible on the horizon at night. Sites are open and sunny with limited shade — the reason it closes June through August. Spring and fall are spectacular and rarely crowded for a campground this close to a major city.

Things to do nearby

Calico Hills trailheadScenic DriveLas Vegas StripScenic Loop Drive

Best For

Rock climbersDesert hikersLas Vegas visitors wanting natureSpring and fall road-trippers

Site Types

TentRV (no hookups, 35ft max)

Amenities

Vault Toilets

Drinking Water

Fire Rings

Picnic Tables

Rock Climbing Access

Scenic Drive Access

Pet Friendly

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Season

September 1 to May 31 (closed June–August)

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Closed June through August — dangerous heat. No hookups. Limited shade. Separate timed-entry ticket required for scenic drive. All sites must be reserved online.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard: full refund if cancelled 4+ days before arrival.

Why campers love Red Rock Canyon Campground

Over 2,000 rock climbing routes 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip — the premier climbing destination in the Southwest. Non-climbers come for the 13-mile scenic drive, multiple day hikes, and the surreal contrast of desert camping with casino towers on the horizon at night.

What's new in 2026

Scenic drive timed entry system expanded to weekdays 2024. Check blm.gov for current requirements.

What campers say about Red Rock Canyon Campground

"Climbed routes all day, watched the Vegas lights appear from camp at sunset, slept in silence 20 miles from the Strip. The contrast is hard to believe."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

"Saved us $200/night over the Strip hotels. Better views. Go figure."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

"Closes June through August — summer heat is dangerous. Spring and fall only."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

Not the right fit if…

✕You’re coming June–August — campground closes due to extreme heat

Frequently asked questions

How much does Red Rock Canyon Campground cost per night?+

Red Rock Canyon Campground costs $15 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None

What season is Red Rock Canyon Campground open?+

Red Rock Canyon Campground is open September 1 to May 31 (closed June–August). Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 11:00 AM.

Does Red Rock Canyon Campground have hookups?+

None

What is the maximum RV length at Red Rock Canyon Campground?+

Red Rock Canyon Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Red Rock Canyon Campground?+

Red Rock Canyon Campground is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

Are pets allowed at Red Rock Canyon Campground?+

Red Rock Canyon Campground is pet friendly. Pets must be kept on leash.

What is the cell service like at Red Rock Canyon Campground?+

Verizon and AT&T: decent signal throughout the canyon. Las Vegas infrastructure reaches this far.

How far is Red Rock Canyon Campground from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Las Vegas — 20 miles east. Supermarkets on W Charleston Blvd.