Desert camping near Mesquite with climbing
A desert oasis in the Virgin River Valley with plenty of outdoor adventure.
- Mesquite
Popular camping styles for Mesquite
2 top desert campgrounds near Mesquite with climbing
Barney Flat
Travis E.’s Land
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Desert camping near Mesquite with climbing guide
Overview
Located in the Virgin River Valley in southern Nevada, along the Nevada-Arizona border near Utah, Mesquite combines small town charm with casinos and resort amenities, along with a large concentration of world-class golf courses. Outdoor adventurers will find plenty of options nearby, from hiking and biking, to rock climbing, off-roading, fishing, and wildlife spotting. While camping options within Mesquite are limited to RV parks with amenities like full hookups and wifi, campers don't have to go far for developed and primitive camping in nearby state parks, national monuments, parks, and recreation areas, on BLM land, and glamping options in the desert.
Where to go
Mesquite and Vicinity
Within Mesquite, RV campers have several RV parks to choose from, including Solstice Motorcoach Resort and Sun Resorts RV Park. Just south of Mesquite, the Gold Butte National Monument offers petroglyphs and rugged terrain for off-road exploration, along with primitive camping options. Across the border in Arizona, the Virgin River Canyon National Recreation Area offers hiking, water play, and wildlife viewing, along with two designated wilderness areas and a BLM campground with pull-through RV sites.
Valley of Fire State Park
Fifty miles southwest of Mesquite in the Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire State Park is known for a surreal landscape of red sandstone canyons and cliffs. There are two campgrounds inside the park for tent and RV camping, including one open year-round. Dispersed camping options can also be found just outside the west and east entrances to the park.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons and two lakes, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Getting out on the water is the main draw here, though biking and hiking trails are also available. More than a dozen national parks and concessionaire-run campgrounds offer around 900 tents and RV sites. Vehicle, horseback, shoreline, and backcountry camping options are also available.
Utah
Head to Utah for a wide range of outdoor activities, including epic mountain biking near St. George, hiking, ATV riding, kayaking, and scuba diving in Sand Hollow State Park, and water play at Quail Creek State Park. Zion National Park is also nearby, and offers scenic drives, towering canyon walls, slot canyons, and gorges. Plenty of developed campgrounds are available in the various parks, along with RV parks around St. George.
When to go
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Mesquite for outdoor activities, including camping. Summer temperatures can soar and become dangerously warm for certain activities, and many desert campgrounds will be closed then. Mesquite hosts several popular events throughout the year, including the Nevada Open Golf Championship In November, and the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival and Mesquite Motor Mania in January.
