Red Rock Canyon Campground

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

Location: Red Rock Canyon NCA, NV, NV

Price: From $12 per night

Price range: $12–$25 per night

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (2156 reviews)

Season: September 1 to May 31 (closed June–August)

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 A

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.

Amenities: Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Rock Climbing Access, Scenic Drive Access, Pet Friendly

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/red-rock-canyon-campground to be notified when sites open up.

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.

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.

What is new at Red Rock Canyon Campground: Scenic drive timed entry system expanded to weekdays 2024. Check blm.gov for current requirements.

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

Fire rules: Campfires in provided fire rings only. BLM fire restrictions apply. Check blm.gov/nevada.

Things to do 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.

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

Skip Red Rock Canyon Campground if: You’re coming June–August — campground closes due to extreme heat.

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..

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

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

Nearby campgrounds: Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway Group Picnic Sites (Las Vegas, NV), Kyle Canyon Picnic Area Day Use (Las Vegas, NV), Cathedral Rock Picnic Area (Las Vegas, NV), Hilltop (Las Vegas, NV).