19 Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Boondocking in 2024

Amenities:

Fire Ring
Near Water
Pets Welcome

Best Review:

This is part of the Lake Mead National Recreational Area. I stayed here for free. Maybe it’s off-season because the office where you would pay the entrance fee has been locked up for a while according to another camper. A ranger supposedly comes around, but I haven’t encountered them after a week. I entered from the north through the Cottonwood Cove entrance. There’s a handful of coves off Mead Davis Powerline Road. Nellis Cove is likely the last one accessible by 2WD coming from Searchlight, NV. It’s a little sandy in spots, but manageable in my Grand Caravan. Google Maps might take you to Nine Mile Cove, which you can camp at as well I’m told. Nellis Cove doesn’t appear on Google Maps, but it’s there.

8. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Free Campsites and Boondocking – Lake Mead NRA – Kingman Wash

Address
Kingman Washington Access Road
Temple Bar Marina, Arizona
GPS: 36.036007, -114.70769
Elevation: 1201′

Management: National Park Service 

The road in is Dirt and .6 miles from a paved road. Kingman Wash is open Year Round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 Days at Kingman Wash.

Best Review:

This was such a beautiful, low-key campsite. The reason there are not more reviews of this site and its surrounding sites is because they are SO GORGEOUS. Getting in is a little difficult, there is about 30-40 minutes of off-roading to get to this spot in particular but there are sites closer to the main road that take less time to get to, but there will be more people.

9. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Free Campsites and Boondocking – 24 Miles: – Jean Roach Dry Lake Bed

Address
Las Vegas, Nevada
GPS: 35.78465, -115.25949
Elevation: 2782′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

BLM land free to all -> first come first camped no reservations.

Best Review:

BLM land off of Las Vegas Blvd, near the 7 magic mountains (brightly colored rock art exhibit that you can’t miss). The BLM land is a dry lake bed that is used as a popular off-road racing site, mainly on the weekends. I will update with exact directions soon.

10. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Free Campsites and Boondocking – Terribles Casino Parking

Address
Las Vegas, Nevada
GPS: 35.778845, -115.326336
Elevation: 2848′

Management: Casino

Four very large lots for truck and RV parking.

Best Review:

Most of parking lot is closed off. We stayed in lot for diesel trucks but did NOT use truck spot. Parked along the fence near freeway. No problems

11. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Free Campsites and Boondocking – Christmas Tree Pass

Address
Christmas Tree Pass Road
Searchlight, Nevada
GPS: 35.264019, -114.778462
Elevation: 3553′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

Free dispersed camping on BLM land near Bullhead City. Lots of room for any sized rig. OHV traffic is common here. Christmas Tree Pass Road is the southwestern border of the Spirit Mountain Wilderness.

Activities:

OHV
Hiking
Horse Trails

Best Review:

After 11 days of peace and quiet I would stay here again, as it is only 30 miles from Laughlin. There were a few power company crews passing me, very seldom, and they were friendly and I felt safe. I parked my truck on a wide and level spot with my door facing the winter sun.

After turning on Christmas tree pass road I followed it to the first road on the right and followed it back a mile or so and never was bothered by anyone. Stayed here in a Truck Camper.

12. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Free Campsites and Boondocking – Bonelli Bay

Address
Temple Bar Marina, Arizona
GPS: 36.043981, -114.461896
Elevation: 1201′

Management: National Park Service 

The road in is Dirt and 8 miles from a paved road. Bonelli Bay is open year round. The maximum RV length at Bonelli Bay is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Bonelli Bay.

Best Review:

From Hwy 93 take the road to Temple Bar. The toll station for collecting the NP fee doesn’t seem to be active in winter. After 16 miles, at a sharp curve to the right, turn left into the dust road. The road has deep cross grooves that may not be passible by 2WD vehicles. After 8 miles you get to sandy shores at the lake, either having gone straight to Bonelli Ramp, or having turned right to Bonelli Bay. The shore is swampy and the lake cannot be accessed walking. Waste management at the turn-off from the paved road. Gas at Temple Bar daily from 8 to 5, Regular only. Next gas 50 miles at Boulder.

13. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Free Campsites and Boondocking – Lake Mead NRA – Bonelli Landing

Address
Bonelli Landing Road
Temple Bar Marina, Arizona
GPS: 36.083545, -114.485137
Elevation: 1234′

Management: National Park Service 

Part of the Lake Mead National Conservation Area.

Best Review:

There are wild donkeys, wild horses, and a stray bull. The animals kept their distance as well. The water was warm and pretty clean. The road to the site is a 6 mile dirt road with some soft sand spots. I was able to navigate it easily in a 2WD heavy van, and even saw someone show up in a 2WD sport car. If you are not confident in your soft sand navigating skills, bring a 4WD.

I would not recommend RV/trailer unless you are confident in your dirt driving abilities (it’s a long walk to get service to call a tow). The dirt road is washboard, and hilly. At the beginning of it is a dumpster, so pack out what you bring in please! The place was clean, help keep it clean! The road to get to the dirt road is 20 miles long (when coming from the Hoover Dam highway) and in the middle of nowhere, so you may feel like you’re lost. There is absolutely no signal, so be prepared for that navigation-wise. There is no water, so bring plenty of your own, especially in the hot months. There also is nothing to offer shade. It can get a bit windy at times too. Overall this place is a GREAT getaway for the ultimate boondock fan!

14. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Free Campsites and Boondocking – Ivanpah Dispersed

Address
Unnamed Road
Primm, California
GPS: 35.57267, -115.39243
Elevation: 2605′

Management: Bureau of Land Management

Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Needles District. No reservations. First come, first served.

Best Review:

The minute we got off the highway the road is not paved. There are a few bumps in the beginning but we over came them with our minivan. After about 1 mile the road opens up to a huge flat area where you can sleep anywhere. We drove by the Google directions and 400 feet before the last turn left we spotted a small paved area on our right with a restroom and picnic tables. It is a quiet place, very clean and we slept here with another RV.

5 Low Cost Alternatives to Boondocking

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1. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Budget Permit Camping – 6 Mile Cove

Address
Searchlight, Nevada
GPS: 35.45249, -114.680208
Elevation: 653′

Management: National Park Service 

The road in is Dirt and 6 miles from a paved road. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.

Amenities:

Near Water
Restrooms
Trash Cans

Best Review:

Waterfront camping along Lake Mohave near Searchlight, Nevada. Accessible by passenger car and RV on a dirt road. Multiple outhouse toilets and dumpsters on-site. Gets very crowded during the summer months but not bad if you arrive early on a Friday. Not very crowded in off peak times. This is part of the Lake Mead NRA so park fee applies.

2. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Budget Permit Camping – Boxcar Cove – Lake Mead NRA

Address
Las Vegas, Nevada
GPS: 36.11977, -114.784
Elevation: 1201′

Management: National Park Service 

Boxcar Cove – Lake Mead NRA is open Year Round. You may stay 15 days at Boxcar Cove – Lake Mead NRA. Dispersed camping on Lake Mead.

Best Review:

A pass is required to enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A Federal Interagency pass will get you in. Otherwise it is $20 for 7 days and $30 for a yearly pass.

3. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Budget Permit Camping – Crawdad Cove

Address
Crawdad Cove Road
Las Vegas, Nevada
GPS: 36.1281, -114.7968
Elevation: 1201′

Management: National Park Service 

Dispersed camping at Lake Mead National Park. Permit is $20/week no fee for National Park Pass holders. The camping is a few miles down the road near the waterfront.

Best Review:

Camping is limited to a total of 90 days within any consecutive 12-month period. Unless otherwise specified, camping is limited to 15 days per visit at a specific backcountry area. After 15 days, campers must either move to another backcountry area or developed campground, or leave the park.

The nearest potable water, aluminum recycling, an rv dump station, and dumpsters can be found at Callville Campground. To get there, go east on 167 and then four miles towards the lake. The nearest showers are in Callville Bay and Valley of Fire State Park, about a half hour rive on 167. The entrance fee at VoF is $10. Self-service laundry facilities are available at Callville Bay

4. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Budget Permit Camping – Government Wash

Address
601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, Nevada
GPS: 36.130915, -114.837129
Elevation: 1240′

Management: National Park Service 

The road in is Gravel and <1 miles from a paved road. Government Wash is open All. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 15 days at Government Wash.

Best Review:

Free boondocking site in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. 15 day limit posted but does not seem to be enforced. Some homeless spilling out from Las Vegas. Restrooms at entrance; dumpsters.

A permit is required to access this site as it is inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A federal interagency pass will get you in. Otherwise, fees are: $20 for 7 days or $40 for the year.

5. Nelson Nevada Ghost Town Budget Permit Camping – 8 Mile Road

Address
8 Mile Road
Las Vegas, Nevada
GPS: 36.1364, -114.8226
Elevation: 1276′

Management: National Park Service 

A permit is required to access this site as it is inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A federal interagency pass will get you in. Otherwise, fees are: $20 for 7 days or $40 for the year.

Best Review:

We camped here at the end of November in a campervan. Bumpy road. Lots of big rigs. I liked it better than Government Wash, because it is greener, there are less people and the water is easier to get to. Good ATT and Verizon cellular. Dumpsters are near the paved road. Closest flush toilets are at Government Wash. Closest vault toilet is at Boxcar Cove. Dump, fill, laundry, (coin) showers, booze, and groceries are at Callvile.

What To Expect When Visiting the Nelson Nevada Ghost Town

When exploring the Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada it is like exploring a parcel of the Wild West. This is without the spectacles of the noontime gunfights along with bordello fashion and nightlife. This area is ideal for photographers, desert explorers, curious visitors, and adventurers. While in Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada, you can wander the seasoned buildings of some of the private property along with some underground mine tours.

Located in the Eldorado Canyon, the town is in a corridor adjoining the Colorado River, which was once famous for being rich in gold. The town is surrounded by charming rusted vehicles along with perfectly silvered timber from the Techatticup mine. It is relatively difficult to tell that this area had an unruly history of civil war deserters, body mining feuds, claim jumpers, renegade Indians as well as Prohibition-era bootleggers. The people are friendly and eager to tell you their version of the many tales of the mining town.

For photographers, the subjects are everywhere, from model A’s and T’s to the yucca cactus and of course the grizzled citizens. You will need to pay for the photoshoot but for $1 it has to be one of the cheapest deals in Nevada.

Getting to the Nelson Nevada Ghost Town From Las Vegas

There is no doubt that Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada is the best ghost town to visit near Las Vegas. Furthermore, the area is relatively easy to access; unlike some of the biggest national parks in the state, you will not have lots of driving time.

The whole trip will only take you approximately 3 to 4 hours; this gives you enough time to do other activities in Las Vegas. The Nelson ghost town is located about 45 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip on the road to Searchlight and Laughlin. Visiting Searchlight should be on your agenda since you are on a few minutes up the road on Hwy 95.

From Las Vegas, you will take Beltway 215 east towards Boulder City and then merge on to I-11. You will then take an exit at the U.S-95 and then drive past the dry lake bed that is on the right side. After a short while, you will come across Hwy 163 for Nelson on the left side.

Take that particular exit and then drive straight for about 15 minutes before getting to the town of Nelson. You should then keep left at the fork, and within no time, you will be at Nelson ghost town.

Since the Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada is located in the middle of nowhere, there is no public transportation for touring this particular area. As a result, you can always rent a car in Las Vegas in order for you to access that area. If you plan to visit Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada during the high season, which is often from May through to the end of September, you should consider renting a car in advance.

We visited in November when the temperatures were in the 60’s but if you go during hot weather as always take plenty of water and stay hydrated.

The Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday. When visiting the Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada, you should consider bringing a few snacks and drinks since there are no stores or restaurants nearby.

Despite the fact that this historical ghost town has been commercialized, it remains quite an experience. When you are done touring this ghost town, you can always go east towards Nelson’s Landing, located at the end of Eldorado Canyon.

Regrettably, Nelson’s Landing was destroyed in the 1974 flash flood. However, you will still be able to enjoy the scenic views from this incredible spot. Furthermore, from this scenic spot, you either go towards the Old Nelson’s Landing Road to Colorado River or go to the Nelson’s Landing Cliff Jumping area; here, you will be able to enjoy the incredible view of the water.

Things To Do At the Nelson Nevada Ghost Town and Gold Mine

When visiting the Techatticup gold mine, you will be able to go above and below ground through the mine as well as into the rich history of the town. The area has an average of 95 to 115° Fahrenheit throughout the year except during the winter months. Your tour guide will be able to take you through Techatticup Millsite and the Savage Mine. In addition to that, you will be able to rent a canoe or a two-person kayak and row through the Colorado River in the canyon below.

There are several fun activities you can do while in Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada, including;

Picnic sites

You can pack a picnic and look for a rock or bring a chair and enjoy a spectacular view of the Colorado River. Here you will be able to enjoy what nature has to offers. Furthermore, you can walk down to the river and have some fun activities down there with your friends or family.

Photoshoots

The Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine is famous for photoshoots. Furthermore, this area popular for movie backdrops and music videos. This means that you can never go wrong when it comes to photoshoots.

Tour the Techatticup Gold Mine

You can spend approximately three to four hours exploring the gold mines in this ghost town. Here you will be able to learn more about the town and explore some of the mining areas in person.

Exploring the Town

Since the town is relatively small, you can walk around it pretty much fast. However, there are several little things that you can see that makes the trip unforgettable, and you might even end up spending several hours going from one spot to another spot.

When visiting this ghost town, you will be able to observe small objects that were left behind or even walk through rooms and streets that once full of life. This is an excellent way of experiencing how life was back then. Furthermore, finding a genuine abandoned town isn’t an easy task; buildings that are decent and in non-hazardous condition, along with personal items of inhabitants in the great state, makes visiting Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada a perfect abandoned town to visit.

Visit Hoover Dam

Once you are done with the Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada, you can always visit the Hoover Dam. The dam is the second-largest dam in the United States. The dam was built back in 1932, and it was the largest as well as the most powerful dam in the world until 1940.

This dam construction was so large that it spawned a city called Boulder City, which was the largest city in Nevada at that time. Here, you will have the chance to walk on the second tallest bridge in the United States as you step right over the border of Arizona and Nevada. Since this area is ideal for a photoshoot, you should ensure you bring fully charged photo devices. The location is known for its picturesque views of the Hoover Dam along with other scenic views.

Final Thoughts About Visiting the Nelson Nevada Ghost Town

The Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada is truly a unique adventurous place that will live in your memories forever. While in this abandoned town, ensure that you explore the goldmine, hoover dam, the ghost town, and enjoy a sunset at the river with your friends and families.

You will get to experience Techatticup mine, which is the oldest and the richest mine in Nevada. Here you will be able to see remains of old-world tools along with other vital artifacts. The mine and ghost town is an unforgettable place, and it was used in two motion pictures with several movie props left behind, including a crashed airplane.

If the lawless ghost town rich with gold mines and incredible Hoover Dam view isn’t enough for you, you can always decide to visit the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Valley of Fire, where you will be able to enjoy a spectacular and dramatic rock formation in the west coast. The area features 197 thousand acres of natural beauty along with some incredible views that are available for you to experience. You will find another detailed article about Red Rock and the Valley of Fire on our website.

As an adventurer, visiting Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada should be at the top of your bucket list for the Vegas area. You will never regret visiting this historic ghost town. As we conclude, we hope that you have found this article beneficial. Feel free to contact us with questions as you plan your visit to the Techatticup Ghost Town and Gold Mine In Nevada.

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