In the July 2015 edition of RV Life magazine, there is an article entitled “Cool Down in Las Vegas’ Techatticup Mine” featuring a historical gold mine in Nelson, Nevada which can be found about an hour south of Las Vegas. With fall just around the corner, many snowbirds will be heading to or through southern Nevada where this attraction is located. If you will be included in those flocking south this fall, I encourage you to stop at the Techatticup Mine for a visit. In addition to the mine, you will find much more to explore in the area. Traveling a few miles downstream from the mine in El Dorado Canyon you will arrive at the scenic shores of Lake Mojave where you can swim or play with your water toys. West of Nelson, shutterbugs will find the remnants of other mining operations calling to them to be photographed. North of town in Spring Canyon, intrepid explorers will discover a natural arch, while those driving south will enjoy classic desert scenery on Aztec Wash Road.
Aztec Wash Road
While no official campground exists anywhere in the immediate vicinity of Nelson, there are many opportunities to boondock on surrounding BLM land. When approaching Nelson from the north on Hwy 165, you will find boondocking opportunities on the dirt roads leading west and east from the highway at N35 44.842 W114 50.448 An easy to reach campsite for any rig can be found about 100 yards down the road to the west from the above coordinates, while those with some ground clearance will find scenic campsites (pictured below) about 300 yards down the road to the east. If you would like to be camped closer to the action at the Techatticup Mine, continue through Nelson on Hwy 165 and turn north at N35 42.550 W114 48.409, finding ample camping space up this road in about 100 yards. You can walk to the mine from your campsite.
Boondocking
Boondocking and exploring the area around Nelson equates to a great adventure in RVing! Enjoy your visit.
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
Is this a good area for atv and exploring on your dirt bikes and such, thanks