Beach Camping in Nevada: Best Beach Campsites 2026

Most campers would assume that because Nevada is a landlocked, high desert state, beach camping is difficult to come by. However, the Silver State happens to be home to hundreds of campsites set not only on the shores of Lake Tahoe but also next to desert lakes and the popular Colorado River near Las Vegas. Nevada allows for year-round beach camping, so take your pick of RV parks on the Colorado River in the south during mild winters, or tent, kayak, or boat camp among the pine trees at Zephyr Cove during the hot summers. For a little more adventure, check out the lesser-known parts of the state—pitch a tent on the sandy beaches of Pyramid Lake or do some RV camping and enjoy the picnic areas on the Carson River near Highway 50, or the Walker River near Toiyabe National Forest. Nevada also has some wonderful state park camping at spots like Washoe Lake and Fort Churchill, both with beach access.

96% (12) • 38 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Nevada

Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

1. Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

96%

(12)

Silver Springs, NV · 1 site · Tent, RV

Lahontan Shores Ranch is a 20-acre high desert retreat overlooking Lake Lahontan in Silver Springs, NV. The site offers panoramic views across open deserts and distant mountains. From this elevated perch, a private hiking trail winds down to the lake, where you can swim, kayak, fish, or just relax by the water. Nested within public land to the west and across the lake, this site offers a true sense of seclusion, tranquility, and connection to nature. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the water, then relax under a blanket of stars as the desert sky turns pitch black. In the morning, start your day outdoors, savoring your coffee as you take in the uninterrupted views and dramatic desert terrain. Ideal for tents, rooftop campers, and self-contained RVs, Lahontan Shores Ranch is a peaceful high desert hideaway for those seeking raw, rugged Nevada beauty. Please note: The property is located approximately 2 miles off Highway 50 and is accessed via a dirt road. A 4x4 vehicle is required for safe access, especially in wet conditions. There are no street lights, so we strongly recommend arriving during daylight hours. A site map will be provided upon booking

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$25

/ night

Catalina Island Company

2. Catalina Island Company

Avalon, CA · 27 sites

Catalina Island offers a unique camping experience that immerses you in its stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities. With campgrounds located in Avalon and Two Harbors, you can enjoy both convenience and adventure. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Black Jack Campground lies just below the 2,097-foot peak of Mt. Orizaba, the island's highest point. Parson's Landing, a hidden gem seven miles west of Two Harbors, provides a tranquil beachside camping experience, while Little Harbor, recognized by Sunset Magazine as "One of the Best Campgrounds in the West," offers breathtaking views on the island's backside. For a truly distinctive adventure, consider our Boat-in Camping sites, perfect for those who want to explore the island from the water. If you prefer to enjoy nature without the hassle of packing gear, we also provide Tent Cabins in Avalon and Two Harbors, in addition to traditional tent sites. No matter which campground you choose, you will be surrounded by Catalina Island's endless beauty and warm hospitality. Enjoy nearby attractions such as swimming holes, hiking trails, and local restaurants and shops, making your camping trip an unforgettable experience.

Albion River Campground

3. Albion River Campground

Albion, CA · 3 sites

Nestled along the stunning Mendocino coast beside the picturesque Albion River, Albion River Campground & Marina stands out as a unique destination for camping and boating enthusiasts. This campground is one of only two locations on the Mendocino Coast that offers both sheltered river moorage and direct access to the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for adventurers seeking a blend of tranquility and excitement. Rich in history, the nearby Albion River Bridge, completed in 1944, is the last of its kind in California and adds a charming backdrop to your stay. Located just south of Mendocino, California, the campground is perfectly situated where the Albion River meets the ocean, providing a serene environment for both RV and tent campers. Albion River Campground is a popular annual destination for various outdoor activities. It attracts abalone dive clubs, avid cod and salmon fishing groups, crab lovers, and kayak and canoe enthusiasts. Visitors can choose to navigate the ocean swells or explore the scenic beauty of the Albion River, ensuring a memorable experience filled with adventure and relaxation. With its unique features and proximity to natural attractions, this campground is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Mendocino coast.

Great Basin National Park

4. Great Basin National Park

97%

(59)

National park in Nevada · 114 sites

Remote high desert park is home to peaks, caves, ancient bristlecones, and dark night skies

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Toilets

Campfires

Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area

5. Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area

100%

(16)

State park in Nevada · 24 sites

This popular destination for waterside fun sits along the shores of the Colorado River.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Cathedral Gorge State Park

6. Cathedral Gorge State Park

100%

(3)

State park in Nevada · 22 sites

Southeast Nevada gem is a geological wonder of slots canyons, cathedral-like spires, and hoodoos

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

Cave Lake State Park

7. Cave Lake State Park

100%

(2)

State park in Nevada · 4 sites

With a 32-acre lake surrounded by mountains and trees, this Nevada park offers a scenic getaway.

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Rye Patch State Recreation Area

8. Rye Patch State Recreation Area

100%

(1)

State park in Nevada · 47 sites

A Nevada park offering reservoir access, water play, and camping.

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Toilets

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Kershaw-Ryan State Park

9. Kershaw-Ryan State Park

100%

(1)

State park in Nevada · 15 sites

Tall canyon walls hide a lush desert oasis at Kershaw-Ryan, an an ideal base camp.

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Campfires

Washoe Lake State Park

10. Washoe Lake State Park

100%

(1)

State park in Nevada · 49 sites

Just a stone’s throw from Reno and Carson City, this park sits on a lake at the base of the Tahoe Range.

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Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

11. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

94%

(123)

National forest in California · 933 sites

Beautiful lakeside views and endless exploration on the Nevada/California border.

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Toilets

Campfires

Echo Canyon State Park

12. Echo Canyon State Park

50%

(3)

State park in Nevada · 33 sites

This southeast Nevada park offers excellent fishing, water sports, and camping.

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Toilets

Campfires

Dayton State Park

13. Dayton State Park

State park in Nevada · 10 sites

In the historic town of Dayton, this Nevada park is known for its huge cottonwood trees and Carson River access.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Most campers would assume that because Nevada is a landlocked, high desert state, beach camping is difficult to come by. However, the Silver State happens to be home to hundreds of campsites set not only on the shores of Lake Tahoe but also next to desert lakes and the popular Colorado River near Las Vegas. Nevada allows for year-round beach camping, so take your pick of RV parks on the Colorado River in the south during mild winters, or tent, kayak, or boat camp among the pine trees at Zephyr Cove during the hot summers. For a little more adventure, check out the lesser-known parts of the state—pitch a tent on the sandy beaches of Pyramid Lake or do some RV camping and enjoy the picnic areas on the Carson River near Highway 50, or the Walker River near Toiyabe National Forest. Nevada also has some wonderful state park camping at spots like Washoe Lake and Fort Churchill, both with beach access.

96% (12) • 38 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Nevada

Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

1. Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

96%

(12)

Silver Springs, NV · 1 site · Tent, RV

Lahontan Shores Ranch is a 20-acre high desert retreat overlooking Lake Lahontan in Silver Springs, NV. The site offers panoramic views across open deserts and distant mountains. From this elevated perch, a private hiking trail winds down to the lake, where you can swim, kayak, fish, or just relax by the water. Nested within public land to the west and across the lake, this site offers a true sense of seclusion, tranquility, and connection to nature. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the water, then relax under a blanket of stars as the desert sky turns pitch black. In the morning, start your day outdoors, savoring your coffee as you take in the uninterrupted views and dramatic desert terrain. Ideal for tents, rooftop campers, and self-contained RVs, Lahontan Shores Ranch is a peaceful high desert hideaway for those seeking raw, rugged Nevada beauty. Please note: The property is located approximately 2 miles off Highway 50 and is accessed via a dirt road. A 4x4 vehicle is required for safe access, especially in wet conditions. There are no street lights, so we strongly recommend arriving during daylight hours. A site map will be provided upon booking

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$25

/ night

Catalina Island Company

2. Catalina Island Company

In the historic town of Dayton, this Nevada park is known for its huge cottonwood trees and Carson River access.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Z

Zack

2 weeks ago

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

This was such a lovely, unique, beautiful, and tranquil spot. We didn’t see anyone else the whole time we were there. We were greeted by a family of wild horses on our first morning. Such a great spot! We will be back!

J

Judi

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

1 night at Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

The view from the campsite was great. I was worried about finding the spot after reading some of the reviews, but the host provided excellent directions so we got there no problem.

M

Michael

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

Thank You Christina. Though I had an Adventure getting there, it was Well worth it. The View is Spectacular. I should have taken more Pictures. Peaceful and Quiet. And not many People. New to RVing, and Retirement, And gaining experience Driving my Tacoma and 16 ft Trailer, cause getting there Tested my Truck, my Trailer, And Me. It was an Adventure. And really not that bad. Thanks again Christina. And will certainly visit again.

M

Michael

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

Though it was a test to reach the site in my Tacoma pulling a 16 ft Trailer, the end destination was worth it. Spectacular View. And a peaceful setting. Will definitely make a return visit. Thank You Cristina.

E

Erica

September 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

We loved our stay at Christina's land. It was easy to find with the directions Christina sent us and the campsite set up was great. We were on a long road trip so this was the perfect spot to stop for the night before we continued on. The views were incredible - we lucked out in having amazing clouds during the day, a great sunset and beautiful star gazing at night, couldn't have asked for more! It was very private, we never saw anyone other than some kayakers passing by, but it also felt very safe. It got very windy at night so be prepared for that and the beach down at the lake is very rocky but a great place to explore. We'd definitely come again!

L

Ludger

September 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

We are returning campers and enjoyed Christina's Hipcamp just as much the second time. If you like solitude and a great view, this is the place.

L

Ludger

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

We really enjoyed our stay at Skyline View. Christina's directions were excellent and we found the location easily. The site was well maintained and the views exceptional. The solitude and quietness was exactly what we were looking for.

K

Karen Mishell

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

I went camping this weekend with a group of friends and we had a great time. Christina is very kind and was always attentive to any questions. The place is easy to find by following the directions and Google Maps. Once there, the view is amazing, and it’s also very easy to follow the hiking trail to the lake. We had an incredible experience!

R

Ryan

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

Hard to find but amazing! High clearance and gps needed.

M

Michelle

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

Christina was very communicative and helpful! The site is very private and has a great view.

J

Jennifer Zabarte

May 2025

16 ft car

With pets

2 nights at Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

Such a peaceful spot! The view over the lake was gorgeous, especially at sunset, and I loved how quiet it was at night. The dirt road was a little bumpy, but totally worth it. --- I'd definitely come back.