Ghost Towns Around Vegas: Creepy, Cool, or Just Dusty?
Can a pile of old wood and rusty metal really give you shivers?
Are these ghost towns near Las Vegas just tourist traps or time machines?
And more importantly, are they even worth the drive?
I had the same questions until I finally hit the road to visit a few myself. What I found was part history lesson, part post-apocalyptic dreamscape, and honestly, kind of spooky in the best way.
Let’s break down the best ghost town in Las Vegas and the nearby ones that are actually worth visiting.
Nelson Ghost Town: The Star of Every Ghost Town Near Las Vegas
If you’ve ever searched for a ghost town in Las Vegas, you’ve seen Nelson. Also known as Eldorado Canyon, it’s the most popular for good reason.
Nelson, which is about 45 minutes south of the Strip, is where old mining history and desert vibes meet. There are broken signs, cracked gas pumps, rusty trucks, and even a plane crash that was used in movies. This isn't a fake setup. In the late 1800s, Nelson was a real mining town.
What makes it cool:
- You can explore barns full of antiques
- There’s a guided mine tour (you’ll need to book in advance)
- It’s Instagram heaven but also surprisingly peaceful
Location: 16880 NV-165, Nelson, NV
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon
Cost: Free to walk around, small fee for mine tour
Other Must-See Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas
Goodsprings
This is a ghost town that still breathes a little. Only 35 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Goodsprings has a few residents and one very popular stop: the Pioneer Saloon.
Built in 1913, the saloon has an old-west vibe and real history. Order a burger, grab a cold drink, and then walk the dusty roads lined with old wooden buildings and schoolhouses. It’s a mix of ghost town and time capsule.
Location: Goodsprings, Nevada
This is the perfect stop if you’re looking for a more social abandoned town near Las Vegas.
Rhyolite
This one is for the people who really love ghost towns. Rhyolite is about three hours from the Strip, close to Death Valley. It seems like a movie set. The giant stone ruins, the art installations in the open air, and the house made of bottles all make it feel like a dream.
You end up taking a lot more pictures than you planned to. You are surrounded by mountains, silence, and the sense that something used to happen here but doesn't anymore.
Location: Rhyolite, near Beatty, Nevada
Pro tip: Go in the morning. The heat is brutal by noon.
Are Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas Worth the Trip?
If you're tired of slot machines and big crowds, yes. These places are the opposite of the Strip. They’re quiet, strange, beautiful, and full of forgotten stories.
Each ghost town in Las Vegas and around it gives you something different. Some feel frozen in time. Others are halfway gone. All of them are full of character.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Ghost Town | Distance from Vegas | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson | 45 minutes | History, photos, mine tour | Free/$15 tour |
| Goodsprings | 40 minutes | Drinks and dusty western charm | Free |
| Rhyolite | 2.5 to 3 hours | Ruins, weird art, wide open | Free |
Tips Before You Go
- Bring lots of water
- Wear proper shoes, not sandals
- Don’t take anything home, not even a rock
- Be careful of snakes
- Check hours if you want a guided tour
Final Word
These ghost towns aren’t just abandoned buildings. They’re stories, frozen in the desert.
If you want something totally different from the flashy Vegas strip, take a drive. You’ll get dusty. You might get sunburned. But you’ll leave with a better story than any casino can give you.