Take advantage of area’s weather with winter camping

Southern Nevada provides varied opportunities for cool-season camping on public lands surrounding Las Vegas. Located within easy driving distance of the city, developed camping areas near Lake Mead and Mojave, on the Colorado River, in desert wonderlands and high in the mountains beckon the adventurous. Additionally, primitive camping without developed facilities remains an option in many areas.

Administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies closest to Las Vegas, accessed by using the extension of West Charleston Boulevard, Highway 159. When you enter the conservation area, expect to pay a $7 fee per vehicle, waived for holders of federal recreational passes or passes available for Red Rock Canyon. Watch for the turnoff to the Red Rock Campground, two miles before you reach the turnoff to the visitor center and the scenic drive. Turn on Moenkopi Road and drive south one mile to reach the campground.

The mixed-use site contains 14 family sites for as many as nine people and seven group sites for 10-40 people. Located on the open desert, the campground offers drinking water, vault toilets, and the usual tables and grills, but offers no shade and no hookups or dump stations for recreational vehicles. Firewood may be purchased from on-site campground hosts. Camping fees run $15 for individual sites and $40 for group sites, except for senior or handicapped pass holders, who pay half the fee. Available on a first-come basis, campsites fill up fast on winter weekends and holidays. There is a two-week camping limit.

Of Nevada's five state parks located in Southern Nevada, Valley of Fire State Park north of Las Vegas and Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area near Laughlin offer camping. Valley of Fire has two campgrounds near Atlatl Rock with a total of 73 sites. Big Bend offers 24 sites. Campgrounds have shaded tables, grills and access to centrally located water and restrooms.

Nevada residents who have lived in the state for at least five years get a break on entrance and camping fees at both parks, paying $2 less than other visitors on each fee. Regular entrance fees are $10 at Valley of Fire and $9 at Big Bend, while camping fees are $20 each night. All RV campers pay a $10 surcharge for hookups available in both parks. A two-week camping limit applies.

By far the largest number of developed campgrounds lie within Lake Mead National Recreation Area including Lake Mead, Lake Mojave and portions of the Colorado River under the administration of the National Park Service. Additionally, concessionaires offer enhanced hookups for RVs. Some sites may be reserved, but all campgrounds contain many nonreservation sites. Expect to pay a $5 per vehicle entrance fee if you do not hold a pass. Camping fees are $10 per night or $5 for pass holders. All sites have a 30-day limit. Campers have a 90-day restriction on total use of sites in the recreation area within a calendar year.

Around Lake Mead, five areas include large campgrounds within developed facilities near marinas and resorts. Look for 154 sites at Boulder Beach, 80 sites at Calville Bay, 166 sites at Echo Bay, 89 sites at Las Vegas Bay and 153 sites at Temple Bar. On Lake Mojave, the park service maintains 145 sites at Cottonwood Cove and 173 sites at Katherine's Landing.

Although winter camping in the desert includes gearing up for frigid nights, by far the most challenges await winter campers in the mountains. Three of the seven developed campgrounds in the Spring Mountains National Recreational Area within Humboldt-Toyobe National Forest remain available for winter use. In Kyle Canyon, Kyle Canyon Campground offers 19 sites and Fletcher View Campground contains 11 sites. In Lee Canyon, McWilliams Campground has 31 sites. Fees at all sites are $19 per night. Pass holders pay half that fee. Restroom facilities remain open, but water will be shut off. Bring water from home in plastic containers because of freezing. Also bring firewood. Plan hearty, hot meals. Dress warmly in layers, including feet, hands and heads. Take your warmest sleeping bags and comforters for a good night's sleep after a day playing in the snow.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.