Red Rock Canyon Campground

Red Rock Canyon Campground is a stunning and serene camping destination located in Nevada. Nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, the campground offers a peaceful and unique experience to campers of all ages. The campground is conveniently located only 30 minutes away from Las Vegas and is surrounded by the beautiful Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Rod Rock Campground in the fall with a beautiful flower ground cover.
Rod Rock Campground in the fall with a beautiful flower ground cover.

The campground is operated by the Bureau of Land Management and has a total of 53 campsites. The campsites are spread across three loops and are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads. The campground is suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season. The campground is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from September to May when the weather is milder.

Red Rock Campground is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and there are several hiking trails that campers can explore. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has over 30 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. The trails offer stunning views of the canyons, rock formations, and desert flora and fauna. The trails are well marked and maintained, and hikers are advised to carry plenty of water, especially during the summer months.

The campground also has several picnic areas that are perfect for family gatherings and group activities. The picnic areas are equipped with tables, grills, and shade structures. There is also a group campsite that can accommodate up to 40 people. The group site has a covered pavilion, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.

The campground has a visitor center that provides information about the campground, the conservation area, and the surrounding attractions. The visitor center has a small bookstore that sells maps, guides, and souvenirs. The staff at the visitor center are knowledgeable and friendly, and they are always happy to provide assistance.

Red Rock Canyon Campground sign
Red Rock Canyon Campground sign

Red Rock Canyon is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. The campground is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and the desert landscape is awe-inspiring. The campground is also close to several attractions, such as the Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. The proximity to these attractions makes Red Rock Campground an ideal base camp for exploring the area.

Campground Map

The facilities at Red Rock Campground are basic but well maintained. The campground has vault toilets, but there are no showers or hookups. The lack of amenities is compensated by the natural beauty and tranquility of the location. The campground is also pet-friendly, and pets are allowed on the trails and in the campsites.

Red Rock Campground is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities. The campground offers a unique and peaceful camping experience that is hard to find in the Las Vegas area. The stunning natural beauty, the hiking trails, and the proximity to attractions make Red Rock Campground an ideal destination for families, groups, and solo travelers. Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-packed vacation, Red Rock Campground has something for everyone.

Campground Summary

NameRed Rock Canyon Campground
LocationRed Rock Canyon Conservation Area, Clark County, Nevada
Elevation3,400 ft
Number of Sites53
ReservationsRecreation.gov
AmenitiesPicnic tables, fire rings, tent pads, vault toilets, but no showers or hookups, pet-friendly,

Red Rock Canyon, CA Winter 2004

In the winter of 2004, I decided to purchase a 4×5 camera. The reasons are too many to go into in this report. So, in February my brother and I jumped into my Jeep and drove North towards Red Rock Canyon about 2 hours away. It was a beautiful day, and we almost made it all the way to Red Rock Canyon before my Jeep turned up a little 4×4 trail leading up to an old mining district.

The hike in this area was amazing. A short hike from the car, and it seemed we traveled years back in time as we hiked up the narrow valley towards the mine opening. We scouted the area before I hiked back down to the mine opening that grabbed my attention. The dark sun dried wood held back the collapse of the purple and yellow rock piled high above.

This simple black and white polaroid was my first large format taken in the wilderness. I was amazed when I opened up the lens and peered through the ground glass for the first time. My imagination soared when I realized I was using equipment very similar to the great photographer of the past. Looking at an abandon mine through the glass of a camera that will be abandoned by technology seemed poetic. It took my 15 minutes to compose, re meter, compose, double-check and finally press the cable release to capture this image, but the time flew by in my world. The camera and subject matter may be a scene from the past, but I think that this image represents my future.