Nevada is one of the best destinations for outdoor adventures. It boasts more mountain ranges than any other state and over 200 lakes. With so much public land, campers have their pick of free camping locations. Whether you're climbing mountains, scaling boulders, traversing the desert, or swimming lakeside, you're in for a treat. Check out these four gorgeous spots for dispersed camping in Nevada.

Best Dispersed Camping in Nevada

Dispersed camping is often better than camping in a campground. The sites are larger and more remote, giving campers plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors in peace. Best of all, dispersed camping is free. Most dispersed camping areas are on federal land, so there's no fee to camp. The tradeoff is forgoing potable water, electric hookups, and sometimes fire pits. But for the price of free, it's well worth it. We’ve partnered with The Dyrt to bring you the best dispersed camping in Nevada.

4 Best Places to Disperse Camp in Nevada

1. Mack's Canyon

Located only an hour's drive outside of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston is the best place to camp and play in Nevada. When it comes to Mount Charleston, Mack's Canyon is the premiere dispersed camping area. It's on the north end of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, a popular spot to beat the heat. The camping area supports tents and small RVs and includes pit toilets. Campers have access to picnic areas, hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and picturesque overlooks.

2. Water Canyon

If you're exploring northern Nevada, the Water Canyon Recreation Area is your choice for dispersed camping. About ten miles from Winnemucca, Water Canyon is known for its secluded location and rugged terrain. This dispersed area offers picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets. Campers enjoy the hiking and biking trails, climbing spots, ATV roads, and photo opportunities. As a special bonus, bikers have access to the 40-mile-long Bloody Shins Trail System.

3. Pahranagat

The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge Area is one of the best places in Nevada to go bird watching. It's located in southern Nevada just outside of Crystal Springs. The area offers dispersed lakeside sites along the beautiful Upper Pahranagat Lake. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups and include pit toilets. Campers have immediate access to boating, fishing, hunting, hiking trails, and diverse bird populations—including several endangered species. 

4. Stewart's Point

Stewart's Point is a popular dispersed camping area along the Overton arm of Lake Mead. The sites accommodate tents and RVs, and the area includes a pit toilet. Sites are expansive, giving campers ample space between neighbors. Campers have breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Mead and the surrounding mountains. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor adventurers. Between the trails, wildlife, climbing areas, and water activities, there's something for everyone.

When campgrounds fill up, dispersed camping saves the day; no reservations necessary. Make sure you check out the dispersed camping in Nevada next time you're heading to one of the many outdoor playgrounds.