Has anyone camped in the Vegas or surrounding areas during December? We are thinking of picking our sons up in Vegas and then spending Christmas somewhere there about. I've been checking park reviews and the state and National Parks sites but wondered if anyone had any experience to relate or places to suggest. We do not need lots of ammenities, we love to hike etc. Thanks.

Hi, We live in Las Vegas,(while waiting to F/T), and when we can't get out for a long trip, we often find a close place to take the trailer for a few days. Our two favorite close-in places are Oasis Las Vegas Resort, which is a large but very well run resort type place. It is convenient to everything, but quite urban.It is also close to the airport, but not uncomfortably so. Close to I-15, Silverton Casino,Bass Pro Shop, etc.We have been going there on and off for the past ten years.

 Second, about 60 mi west,Terrible's Lakeside RV Resort, in Pahrump, which is easily reached from Vegas.Pahrump is rural Nevada, but the resort has a seven acre lake,and offers full ammenities, except cable TV. Wi-fi cards work well there, as do cell phones. Many use RV parks in Pahrump as a base to explore Death Valley, in winter, when it is best to go there. Back in Vegas proper, Sam's town RV Park on the east side , is a reasonable place to stay,as it is attached to Sam's Town Casino and so has resturants, etc.I've also heard that one of the other parks on the east side has been newly renovated, but am not familiar with that.The RV facility at Circus Circus and another one downtown, are literally parking lots with hook-ups. downtown has a huge homeless problem (sadly).

Richard

About 50 miles north of Las Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park. Gorgeous red rock Indian country with many hiking trails. Most sites are water only, but they have added a new section that accomodates large rigs with electric and water (no sewer). Extremely quiet, about 15 minutes to Overton for supplies. This is by far our favorite campground, and we have been traveling fulltime for three years now.

All good answers so far. Dec is OK but a touch cold for my taste in Vegas. (last year or the year before it snowed) When in Vegas you could also try Las Vegas RV Resort...a block from Sam's Town and a bunch nicer...cheaper than the Oasis.

We stay at the Thousand Trails campground when in town, but you have to be a member to do so. We have camped in Las Vegas in December and it is was in the 50s during the day and sometimes below freezing at night. The Ethel M Chocolate Factory's cactus garden was decorated with lights and worth going to after dark. The gift shop was open. In addition to Valley of Fire, already mentioned, there is the Red Rock Recreation area west of town where you can hike and enjoy the scenery. Some friends have stayed around Saint George, Utah for Christmas and took day trips into Zion National Park during the day. Saint George is lower elevation than the camping closer to the park, so not as cold.

Now, if you don't mind basic accommodations, the Red Rock Conservation Area Camping just west of 215 and Charleston Blvd does offer some RV sites. The RV camping is limited and if you have a larger unit it is a gravel parking area but you will have a picnic table and fire ring. There are vault toilets and no water or showers. I don't know the cost of an RV space, but the main camping area is $10 per night. This is BLM land so you can hike out from the camping area - I found a lovely loop running last year - or go to Red Rock Conversation Area about another mile further and for $5 day pass there is access to some beautiful trails. The weekends are very busy with rock climbers and other visitors, but if you're willing and able to go more than a half mile from the parking areas, you will find solitude. Stop at the visitor center for a map and trail information.

Red Rock Canyon for boondocking with lots of hiking trails Oasis RV Resort is nice and has lots of amenities. Boulder Oaks RV Resort in Boulder City near Hoover Dam. Close to the river plus great hiking and mountain biking trails. http://www.aardvarkrv.com/boulderoaks/ About 2 hours away is Death Valley, with lots to see and do. Dec is a great time to see it, except if there may be heavy rains. Chance for flash floods. Las Vegas has had flooding problems during heavy rains.

Thanks, The Bear II, for mentioning Death Valley. We have stayed in Death Valley twice in December and both times we had nice weather. It is quiet there in December and with the short days the light is wonderful on the scenery. We dry camped at Furnace Creek both times and really enjoyed the evening ranger talks. Just bring in all of your own food and come with the fuel tank(s) as full as possible.

Edit: Also bring old shoes you can clean with water or bags to wrap around your feet if you go to Bad Water and walk on the salt.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Monday 14th of June 2010 07:19:58 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I had checked out a few of those so nice to get your feed back. The kids will be with us for a week and a half so may try a couple of these. I think the guys will like this location.