Mount Charleston
Mount Charleston, NV
A forested mountain range above Las Vegas where temperatures stay many degrees cooler than in the valley. Drive up Kyle Canyon for pine forest, picnic spots and trails; in winter the road can have snow.
Charleston Peak, at about 11,900 feet (3,630 m), is the highest peak in the Spring Mountains and lies about 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Las Vegas. The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, established by Congress in 1993 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, covers about 317,000 acres (roughly 1,280 km²) and rises from about 3,000 feet (910 m) to the summit. Ancient bristlecone pines grow there, among other trees. In summer it is much cooler up high than in the valley.
Kyle and Lee Canyon are the two points of access; Lee Canyon has a ski area. There are several campgrounds and picnic areas as well as numerous hiking trails, including the South Loop Trail and the North Loop Trail. Plan on half a day for the drive through Kyle Canyon; in winter, snow can affect the road.
- Nearest town
- Mount Charleston, NV
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.2600, -115.6430
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and November. Hot in June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fletcher View CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Mount Charleston · 13 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Kyle Canyon CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Mount Charleston · 31 pitchesTentsDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Hilltop CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Mount CharlestonTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- Red Rock Canyon CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Mount CharlestonTentsCaravans
- Wine Ridge RV Resort & CottagesMotorhome stopover17 mi from Mount Charleston · 139 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Preferred RV ResortMotorhome stopover19 mi from Mount CharlestonMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Nevada · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mount Charleston?
Mount Charleston is in Mount Charleston, NV, at GPS 36.2600, -115.6430. It is about 19 mi from Pahrump.
Can you camp near Mount Charleston?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fletcher View Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Mount Charleston?
Places worth a stop nearby: Red Rock Canyon (15 mi), Fremont Street Experience (28 mi), The Neon Museum (29 mi) and Seven Magic Mountains (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mount Charleston?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)