South McCullough Wilderness
RV Guide
Introduction
South McCullough Wilderness is made up of nearly 45,000 acres in the state of Nevada. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and was designated in 2002. There you'll find mountains that range in elevation from 2,500 to just over 7,000 feet. There are foothills all around the area decorated by a variety of cacti, flowers, and other vegetation.
The rock formations in the area are nearly two million years old and are a sight to see. If you are an animal lover, there are plenty of animals in the area to see such as bighorn sheep and mountain lions. Many people who visit Nevada head for the bright lights and busy atmosphere of Las Vegas. South McCullough Wilderness will get you away from the lights and surround you in the beauty of nature.
Visitors of South McCullough Wilderness enjoy activities such as riding dirt bikes, enjoying a hike, and even a bit of mountain biking! There are plenty of beautiful nearby campsites that are also managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There you can park the RV during your visit to South McCullough Wilderness.
RV Rentals in South McCullough Wilderness
Transportation
Driving
South McCullough Wilderness is located on the border of Nevada and California. You'll find it in the southwest corner of the Silver State. If you're visiting Las Vegas, you can find South McCullough Wilderness just 45 miles south. Many people take State Route 164 from Las Vegas to get to South McCullough Wilderness.
After exiting off of State Route 164, the roads become dirt and quickly lead to the northwestern corner of South McCullough Wilderness. Depending on which route you take, road conditions can vary quite a bit. It is in your best interest to travel in a high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. You won't have to worry about the roads closing for blizzards or downpours of rain due to the local weather.
Make sure you pack a physical map in the glove box of the RV in the event that you lose cell phone reception. Once you arrive at South McCullough Wilderness, the majority of transportation is either done on foot, mountain bike, or off-highway vehicle. The roads and paths in and around the wilderness are gravel and can become quite rugged.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in South McCullough Wilderness
Campsites in South McCullough Wilderness
First-come first-served
Kingman Wash Lake Mead National Recreation Free Camping
While visiting South McCullough Wilderness, you can stay at Kingman Wash if you're looking for a free campground. One of the best things about camping here is that you are surrounded by mountains and you have a view of Lake Mead. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. RV campers and tent campers will enjoy dispersed camping with no modern amenities other than vaulted toilets.
This campsite is more so recommended for people staying in an RV due to the lack of picnic tables or fire rings available. It's important that you only camp there during the dry season due to the threat of flash flooding. You'll be able to watch wildlife, swim in the lake, take part in water activities, or go for a casual stroll around the campground. This place is perfect for the whole family and you don't have to worry about it becoming crowded since it is so large.
Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground
Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is another great option for those visiting South McCullough Wilderness. If you find yourself visiting during the summer, you'll enjoy how cool this campground gets because it's surrounded by mountains. It's located on Lake Mohave, which provides plenty of activities during the day. Camping there you will be able to choose from one of 45 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you're looking for a campground with modern amenities, you'll like the running water and toilets that are available there. All the campsites have their own fire ring and picnic table for your convenience. On particularly hot days, campers can enjoy the shaded canopy area that is located in Cottonwood Cove. Unfortunately, you won't find any RV hookups available there, but you will find a dump station near the entrance. There aren't many campsites as great at Cottonwood Cove Lower around this area of Nevada.
Boulder Beach Campground
Lastly, there is the Boulder Beach Campground. This is a great place for those visiting South McCullough Wilderness to rest their heads. You won't have to worry about it being crowded since there are over 150 campsites to choose from. Each of these sites has a picnic table and a fire pit. This campground has potable water, bathroom sinks, and flush toilets available. There are no reservations, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All 154 campsites have a gravel pad that is convenient for RV campers but may need a little padding for tent campers. Speaking of RVs, they must be less than 41 feet in length to camp at this campground. It may be important to note that there aren't any hookups available for RVs. On your way out, you can use the dump station provided at the exit of the campground. It's located on Boulder Beach which provides several fun activities such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and more.
Seasonal activities in South McCullough Wilderness
In-Season
Hiking
If you're looking for an active thing to do to enjoy during your visit to South McCullough Wilderness, hiking is a great option! There are several different types of terrain in the area, making it perfect for hikers of all skill levels.
There are flat trails available throughout the wilderness for those looking for a relaxing walk, while there are also steep and rugged trails for those more experienced. You may want to wear hiking boots for safety purposes if you're considering taking a rigorous hike.
Fishing
Another popular peak season activity that the whole family can enjoy is fishing. During your stay at South McCullough Wilderness, you can cast a reel in one of the main streams or lakes in the area.
There are a variety of different fish you may catch, including bass, redband trout, Yellowstone cutthroat, and more. Be sure that you have your fishing license before heading out to the water. Get a fire started and you've caught yourself an evening meal!
OHV Riding
The last peak season activity that visitors enjoy is a little more adrenaline- related. OHV or off-highway vehicles are vehicles such as dirt bikes and four-wheelers. These can be incredibly fun for the entire family to ride on. You will have to bring your own OHV to South McCullough Wilderness. It is important that you only enjoy this activity in designated areas. Maps are available where you can see where off-highway vehicles are permitted.
Off-Season
Mountain Biking
If you're a thrill-seeker, you may want to enjoy a bit of mountain biking when you visit South McCullough Wilderness. There are plenty of different areas that vary in terrain and provide the perfect spot to mountain bike. While there aren't specific trails, the entire area could be used to enjoy this activity. Because some of the wilderness is very rugged, it is highly encouraged that you wear proper safety gear such as a helmet.
Picnicking
After a long day of mountain biking or hiking, what is better than a delicious meal? Picnicking is another fun activity that just about anyone can enjoy while visiting South McCullough Wilderness.
There are two important things to keep in mind if you plan on picnicking in the area. For starters, don't feed wild animals, no matter how cute they are. Secondly, please clean up after yourself to help maintain South McCullough Wilderness for future guests.
Wildlife Spotting
Speaking of cute animals, bring a pair of binoculars to enjoy a bit of wildlife viewing. There are several different animals in the South McCullough Wilderness. The more commonly seen animals are mule deer, quail, and bighorn sheep. Of course, there are a variety of different birds in the area as well, including eagles. Keep an eye out for the branded Gila Monster roaming around, as they are a bit more rare to catch a glimpse of.
