McWilliams Campground – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Spring Mountains NRA

McWilliams Campground is a high-elevation forest campground in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, set in Lee Canyon just west of Las Vegas, Nevada. Surrounded by ponderosa and white pines and cool mountain air, this campground is a popular escape from the desert heat below. With paved roads, spacious sites, and quick access to some of the area’s best hiking trails, McWilliams makes an excellent base camp for exploring Mount Charleston and the surrounding Spring Mountains.

Location & Access

McWilliams Campground sits at roughly 8,300–8,600 feet in elevation in Lee Canyon, about 50 miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas. Campers reach the area by driving U.S. Highway 95 north out of Las Vegas, then turning onto State Route 156 (Lee Canyon Road) and following it up the canyon to the signed campground entrance. The drive is paved the entire way and offers sweeping views of the Spring Mountains, making the journey itself part of the experience. Nearby attractions include the Lee Canyon Ski Resort, Old Mill Picnic Area, and the open meadows and viewpoints that dot the recreation area.

Campground Overview

McWilliams is one of the largest and most developed campgrounds in the Spring Mountains NRA, with around 75 campsites spread across multiple loops among the pines. Sites are generally spacious and can accommodate tents, trailers, and many RVs, with a mix of single and double sites available. Thanks to the elevation and dense tree cover, summer temperatures are typically much cooler than in the Las Vegas Valley, making this a very popular warm-weather weekend destination. Reservations are often available for some sites, with others offered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on season and forest service management.

Amenities

Despite its mountain setting, McWilliams Campground offers a solid set of amenities. Each site generally includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, and the campground features paved roads and parking spurs for easier access. Flush toilets and drinking water are typically available in-season, along with trash collection and a host area. There are no electrical hookups or showers, so this remains a more traditional national forest camping experience, but the combination of cool air, shade, and basic comforts makes it feel both rustic and convenient at the same time.

Hiking Trails & Nearby Recreation

One of the biggest draws of McWilliams Campground is its proximity to some of the best hiking and biking in the Spring Mountains. The campground sits near the Bristlecone Trail, a roughly 6.2-mile loop that climbs through high-elevation forest and offers views of ancient bristlecone pines and the surrounding peaks. Upper and lower Bristlecone trailheads are located near the campground area, making it easy to hike directly from camp. A short drive down-canyon brings you to the Sawmill Trailhead, where the 1.3-mile Sawmill Trail offers a shorter outing with views of the surrounding ridges. In addition to hiking, visitors enjoy mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives throughout the Spring Mountains NRA, with frequent chances to spot birds, mule deer, and other high-country wildlife.

Summary

McWilliams Campground combines cool alpine forest, convenient access, and excellent nearby hiking into one of the best mountain camping experiences close to Las Vegas. With its shaded sites, paved infrastructure, and direct access to trails like the Bristlecone and Sawmill routes, it’s a great choice for tent campers, trailers, and RVs looking for a classic national forest getaway. If you’re planning a trip to the Spring Mountains and want a comfortable base camp for exploring Lee Canyon and the high-elevation landscapes of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, McWilliams Campground is an outstanding place to start.