A Guide to Camping Las Vegas-style

Camping sites in Las Vegas aren't as plentiful or luxurious as Las Vegas resort casino accommodations, of course, but Las Vegas camping sites are most definitely an inviting option for nature-loving bargain travelers open to the camping experience. As you'll notice in the camping site descriptions below, Las Vegas glamor can't help but spill over into extra amenities at camping sites in Las Vegas. Most of these Las Vegas camping sites are NOT your typical backcountry roughing-it camping sites. Camping in Las Vegas also offers easy access to extraordinary city and desert excursions just beyond your Las Vegas camping home base. The Las Vegas camping sites highlighted in this Las Vegas camping guide include a mix of traditional tent camping sites as well as RV camping sites.

KOA
Las Vegas boasts at least two camping sites by KOA, a familiar camping standard throughout the U.S. The KOA Circus Circus camping site is a top choice for its Circus Circus Drive Las Vegas address and proximity to the Las Vegas strip. The KOA site describes this camping site as the 'world's most exciting campground'. Campers at this Las Vegas camping site have full access to the Circus Circus family resort, including the Adventuredome indoor theme park, midway circus shows, pool, spa, arcade and restaurants. KOA Las Vegas landscaped Super Sites come with patios and outside furniture. The camping site also offers big screen TV in the Great Room, free wifi, coffee from the espresso bar and a dog park, for those bringing the family pet along. Sites are available for RVs, tent trailers, tents, vans and other camping vehicles. The Las Vegas KOA's most popular premium pull-thru 50 amp camping site is priced at $66.41 per night. Las Vegas Campers can save more with the KOA Value Rewards Kard.
Location: 500 Circus Circus Dr, Las Vegas

Seibt Desert Retreat
This Las Vegas camping resort, an hour outside of the city, resembles a desert camping oasis with its exotic landscaping and stone arches. Seibt Desert camping site caters to campers who prefer a more holistic and environmental vacation experience. The restaurant at the camping site serves organic and non-organic food (nothing fried) and uses no microwave or plastic containers. Landscaping is earth-friendly -- no sprinklers or insecticides. Comfort features include outdoor solar heated swimming pools and a 10-foot waterfall, indoor spa with Cybex fitness center, saunas, steam room and Jacuzzis (in and outdoors). A putting green, pet center, and bowling are also available, along with free WiFi Internet and a wide selection of domestic, European and Australian wines. The 202 RV camping sites include regular and luxury camping sites, priced from $24 to $45/night.
Location: Highway 160 and Leslie Road at the North end of Pahrump, sixty miles Northwest of Las Vegas

Thousand Trails
This Las Vegas camping site is just six miles from the Las Vegas strip and bills itself as a peaceful camping 'preserve,' offering the cooling shade of pinzanata and oak trees and Nevada mountain views. Become a member of the Thousands Trail club to earn discounts at Thousand Trail camping sites across the U.S. This camping site offers 209 full hookup sites, RV rentals and more rustic cabins, cottages and yurts Amenities are a bit more campground basic, including Internet Access, horse shoes, pool table, swimming pool, and playground. Check online for a copy of the company's recreational lifestyle Trailblazer Magazine.
Location: 4295 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas

Oasis Las Vegas Resort
'Tropical Casablanca' is the theme at this Las Vegas camping RV resort, located south of the Las Vegas strip. The resort offers standard, deluxe and premium landscaped sites, priced from $39 to $70, depending on the season, holiday or day of the week.
landscaped sites with full-hookups. Campers get to enjoy the beach front waterfall pool, an adult spa with pool, 18-hole natural green putting course, state-of-the-art fitness center and high-speed Internet. The Paradise at the Oasis Restaurant serves a variety of food and drinks, including beer and wine. Most weekends, campers can take part in the Oasis Las Vegas barbecue or karaoke. Texas Hold-Em takes place Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the club house Hollywood Room.
Location: 2711 W. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas

Valley of Fire State Park
Las Vegas campers can choose from several camping sites within Valley of Fire State Park, the biggest and oldest Nevada state park, named for its beautiful red desert sandstone. Within the park, a variety of hiking trails lead to the many sandstone formations, including the Beehives, Fire Canyon, Silica Dome, Mouse's Tank natural rock basin, Rainbow Vista, Seven Sisters, White Domes and Duck Rock. Stop by the visitor center for detailed hiking maps and various interpretive exhibits. $5 entrance, $7 camping, $30 + $4/vehicle groups
Location: Valley of Fire State Park is 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas, exit 75 off Interstate 15.

Red Rock Canyon
This Las Vegas camping site offers a much more rustic bare bones outdoor camping experience within the beautiful Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Located southwest of Las Vegas, the Canyon takes its name from the red sandstone cliffs and canyons. The campground features 55 camping sites, 24 walk-in sites and 10 group sites. The Canyon entrance fees is $2 for motorcycles and $5 for with a $10 camping fee. Activities within Red Rock Canyon include hiking, rock climbing and scrambling, caving, biking, horseback riding and a 13-mile scenic drive around the Canyon. Popular Las Vegas hikes within Red Rock Canyon include the Las Vegas Overlook and Lost Creek Canyon.
Location: Charleston Blvd west to the recreation area or I-15S to NV 160, then west to NV 159 north (Blue Diamond).

Also see: Best Places to Hike in Las Vegas by this author.

Sources:
http://koakampgrounds.com/where/nv/28138/
http://www.seibtdesertretreat.com/photo-gallery.html
http://www.1000trails.com/getaways/nevada/lasvegas.asp
http://www.oasislasvegasrvresort.com/
http://www.roadcamping.com/rv/Nevada/Overton/property_4587/rv_parks_campgrounds.html
http://www.publiclands.org/explore/site.php?search=YES&back=Search%20Results&id=325 Valley of Fire
http://www.publiclands.org/explore/site.php?search=YES&back=Search%20Results&id=309 Red Rock Canyon