Ghost Towns near Vegas ?

I am going to be visiting Vegas in October of this year and have started to research ghost towns. Rhyolite pops up as someplace to go. As anyone been there recently? How much of the town is still somewhat in tact and worth taking photos of? I hear that buildings such as the bottle house are behind fences. Can you get in or can someone let you in or is the place deserted?
Are there any other ghost towns very close to Vegas that are worth going to either in addition to or instead of Rhyolite? Also I see from the map that you are in Death Valley territory. What is worth shooting in regards to that nearby?

Thanks

Don

Google "ghost towns of america"

For example with maps:
http://www.ghosttowns.com/

I remember seeing a couple of ghosttowns aroud vegas/grand canyon that were a few buildings but in cool settings. But loong ago so don't remember where exactly.

Rhyolite is right on the highway, lighting is good from the East early morning. Just a few stone/concrete building walls. The Bottle house is very close, and although there is/was a fence, someone was there and we could photography from any angle desired, as close as we wanted. The Death Valley Sand dunes are not far, but the best shots are as the sun comes up meaning you have walk along the trail before dawn, not easy if you do not know the right way to do it or exactly where to go. Goldfield is another ghost town, but not very close (check the map). There is lots in Death Valley; you should stay nearby due to the distances . The Park is costly, and food is overpriced. Beattie is very close to Rhyolite , much cheaper(again, check the map).
Stan