Camping at Fletcher View Campground – Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and Exploring the Hoover Dam by Kayak – Black Canyon Water Trail in Las Vegas

The natural beauty surrounding Las Vegas extends far beyond the Strip, offering two unique outdoor experiences: camping at Fletcher View Campground in the cooler elevations of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and kayaking at the Hoover Dam on the Black Canyon Water Trail, a serene water adventure with historic and geological significance. Both activities provide relief for those looking to escape urban settings and connect with nature.

Adventure Guide to Camping at Fletcher View Campground – Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Location & Features:
Located about 45 minutes northwest of downtown Las Vegas, Fletcher View Campground lies within the Spring Mountains. It's known for its year-round availability, thanks to RV hookups and a location at higher elevations that keep temperatures cooler than the valley below.

Why It's Unique:
The campground offers paved parking for RVs, tent areas, and access to scenic trails like the Stanley B. Springs Loop. With its shady aspen and spruce trees, it’s ideal for travelers who want an escape from the desert heat during summer and enjoy crisp mountain air.

Amenities:

Full electrical hookups for RVs
Picnic tables, grills, and fire rings
Drinking water and flush toilets

Adventure Guide to Kayaking Hoover Dam – Black Canyon Water Trail

Starting Point & Highlights:
The Black Canyon Water Trail begins at the base of Hoover Dam, about a 40-minute drive southeast of Las Vegas. Permits are required, but paddlers are rewarded with breathtaking views of steep canyon walls, natural hot springs, and the possibility of spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep.

Key Stops on the Trail:

Gold Strike Hot Springs: Perfect for relaxing in warm waters.
Emerald Cave: Famous for its shimmering green water during midday hours.

Best Way to Explore:
Visitors can rent guided tours or self-paddle their way along this calm section of the Colorado River.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for both camping and kayaking.
What to Bring:
- For camping: sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, and fire-starting supplies.
- For kayaking: life jacket, drybag, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Directions: Fletcher View Campground is 45 minutes northwest of Las Vegas along NV-157, while the Hoover Dam launch area is 40 minutes southeast via US-93.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Jack Chang4 months ago

Scenery is great, located in one of the best places to visit in Vegas area, the campground is small, maybe a dozen camp sites, odd number sites are open for reservation, even ones are first come first serve, usually packed up quickly, especially in the hot summer season, we stayed there many times to get away from brutal Vegas heat, but never camped in the winter when snow dresses up the mountains, would definitely like to try. The host is great, hard working, friendly, kept the restrooms spotless clean, and stops the none campers from entering the campground site, giving all campers great deal of privacy and security, making this campground one of my favorite. All sites have picnic table and fire ring, provide 30/50 electricity, no water hookups, but you can get potable water through many water faucets, the only complaint is no more shower service provided, other than that everything is great.

Eugenio Gonzalez2 years ago

What a relaxation! To be able to escape the city to this wonderful but peaceful place. My niece invited me and I really had a nice but beautiful time with the family camping here for few days. Imagined, closed to 5,000 above sea level I sort of was running out of air. But thank God I hot use to it. You have come here. For the price of $99 it was worth it every moment. This place has breathtaking views of the mountains and and nice beautiful little town up the trail. I fully recommend this place. It was cold at nights but nice during the day. By the way there are wild horses running around. I love this place

Cristy Ephlin3 months ago

We camped in spot number 7 during the second week of October. Had some really nice neighbors!

Jeffrey Whipple7 months ago

Great campground. This was an RV spot but we just used a tent. The bonus was we had a power outlet. The toilets have running water and there was a water spicket nearby. A little cooler here in the summer. We had a fire pit, bbq, and picnic table at the site.

Carl O'Neil2 years ago

Pretty nice campground with electric plug-in. Close to hiking, quiet at night. 11 spots available and it's first come first serve in the off season (winter). $33 per night unless you have some discount. Clean heated bathrooms, no showers and no water on our visit. Sites 4 and 5 have the best views and are close to the bathrooms. Site 10, ours, is the most private. Cool area worth checking out for a day or two, close to Vegas and on the edge of death valley. Snow on the ground and 18-20 degrees at night on our visit, 11/11-11-13.

Camping

Camping at Echo Bay Campground – Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Las Vegas

Camping

Camping at Callville Bay Campground – Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Las Vegas

Camping

Camping at McWilliams Campground – Mount Charleston in Las Vegas

Camping

Camping at Fletcher View Campground – Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and Exploring the Hoover Dam by Kayak – Black Canyon Water Trail in Las Vegas