Where to Camp Near Reno, Nevada
The “Biggest Little City in the World” provides the perfect base camp for exploring the great outdoors
Reno is a community of many layers waiting to be unraveled. Along with a Downtown district and up-and-coming neighborhoods like Midtown, which mixes restaurants and bars with a thriving art scene, the “Biggest Little City in the World” is also the perfect base for exploring the great outdoors in Northern Nevada. The region boasts lakes and mountains, historic sites, and vast landscapes that demand an overnight stay. So head for the city limits and spend some time on the outskirts of Reno with enticing campgrounds that offer adventure by day and stargazing at night.
Black Rock Desert
Take the so-called Burner Byway, a two-lane highway between Reno and the Black Rock Desert, to reach Black Rock City, the site of Burning Man. The festival takes place just one week a year, but you can visit the playa (a dry lake bed) almost any time you like to enjoy remote camping on primitive sites. It’s an opportunity for peaceful solitude, but be prepared to bring everything needed with few — if any — resources or assistance available. Make sure to clean up after yourself and leave nature as you found it. No reservations. No fees. Just show up.
Pershing County
Rye Patch State Recreation Area sits in a remote part of Northern Nevada, about 120 miles northeast of Reno between Lovelock and Winnemucca. Yet it’s worth going out of your way to visit for water skiing, kayaking, and other activities on the 22-mile long, dam-built reservoir that interrupts the winding Humboldt River. Named after the wild grass that grows in the area, Rye Patch has two campgrounds, each with 25 lots that include access to hot showers and a dump station. The region, littered with ghost towns and secluded mine entrances, attracts gold prospectors from around the country. (Explore with caution; some mines are dangerous or sit on private property.) Entry begins at $5, while camping begins at $15. Reserve your space with an online reservation.
Pyramid Lake
Despite spanning 125,000 acres, Pyramid Lake represents a mere remnant of the massive Lake Lahontan that covered much of Nevada millions of years ago — it also happens to be one of the most beautiful desert lakes in the world. The clear blue waters provide a rare opportunity to score large cutthroat trout and see rare cui-ui, which are exclusive to Pyramid. Indigenous tribes control the lake and its surrounding land, welcoming visitors who adhere to strict protocols to respect the area and keep it clean. Permits (issued per vehicle) are required to camp and fish. Pelican Point is the most popular campground, with easy access to a boat launch and beaches, although the sand can be rocky at times. Day use permits are $22. Overnight camping starts at $32.
Lahontan State Recreation Area
Lake Lahontan is a dam-made reservoir near Fallon, a community rich in agriculture and home to the farm that produces Frey Ranch whiskey. The state park that surrounds it boasts several camping opportunities, including a fully developed campground at Silver Springs Beach No. 7. Visitors are encouraged year round, but the views of soft sand, clear blue water, and rows of cottonwood trees are especially picturesque in the fall when the leaves turn. (Just know the showers and flush toilets aren’t accessible during the off-season between October and May.) There’s also plenty of fun by the water, from horseback riding to boating and catch-and-release fishing. Some even like to kayak to Fort Churchill, 15 miles away, via the Carson River and back. Entry begins at $5. Camping begins at $15. Make a reservation online.
Fort Churchill State Park
Camping in Fort Churchill State Park is almost like spending the night in a ghost town. Trails lead to the ruins of Fort Churchill, built in the early 1860s amid battles with local Paiute and Bannock tribes, before the U.S. Army abandoned it by 1869. Today, visitors are welcome to spend time paddleboarding or fishing for bass on the Virgin River. The clean and convenient Samuel Bucklands campground features 20 sites, picnic tables, and rows of cottonwood trees that provide plenty of shade. Scout Camp, another option a few miles away, is more remote with a tougher trek to the river, but far less crowded if you crave a degree of solitude. Rates begin at $20 per night. Park entry starts at $5. Book online for a reservation.
New Washoe City
The stunning Washoe Lake State Park comes with a few challenges. Located between Reno and Carson City, the extremely shallow lake is subject to low water levels, depending on drought conditions, that can limit boating. Swimming isn’t recommended due to environmental degradation caused by high algae levels, traces of mercury, and low oxygen. Instead, it’s best to admire the views and explore the surrounding grounds, which are popular for horseback riding, hiking, and spotting wildlife, from bald eagles to white pelicans. Between a casual visitation rate and large supply of campsites (nearly 50), Washoe Lake provides a great spot to spend the night with small crowds and minimal fuss. About half of the sites have utility hookups, and shared spaces include showers and a dump station. Expect to pay at least $5 for entry and $15 for camping. Secure your spot with an online reservation.
Lyon County
As the place where gold was first discovered in Nevada, Dayton is loaded with history, from the state’s oldest cemetery to an original Pony Express station. Dayton State Park, which runs alongside the Carson River and is split in two by the Lincoln Highway, offers 10 RV-ready campsites with picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and a dump station. The lush and colorful site features at least two hiking trails that lead to the crumbling stone walls of the Rock Point Mill, built in 1861. You can also test your fishing skills, just like Indigenous tribes did on the same site hundreds of years ago. Be ready to pay a $5 entrance fee. Camping begins at $15 with online reservations available.
Lake Tahoe
No trip to Northern Nevada is complete without a detour to Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. The lake’s Nevada side feels a little more playful, from the high-end real estate of Incline Village to the casinos in Stateline. Zephyr Cove on the southeast shore, however, is the top destination for nature lovers, with an RV park and campground. There are close to 60 campsites with barbecue grills, picnic tables, and food lockers to protect your meals from any curious bears roaming through miles of pine trees; the sites are just a short walk to the beach, shower facilities, and even a laundromat. Don’t miss the incredible views of the crystal blue waters via a sunset cruise on board the M.S. Dixie II, a vintage-style paddleboat that’s an iconic part of the Zephyr Cove experience. For campsites, book online.
Douglas County
One of the more underrated camping spots in Nevada, Topaz Lake is a small reservoir fed by the Walker River south of Gardnerville. The lake teems with trout and since it’s on the state line, a fishing license from either Nevada or California is valid. The park has its share of first come, first served primitive camping and more than 40 formal sites available by reservation, including 15 with RV hookups. Showers, a dump station, pit toilets, and a fish cleaning station are available. Camping begins at $20 per night with reservations available online.
Mineral County
The park surrounding a 29-mile stretch of the East Walker River provides a serene retreat in Yerington, highlighted by four historic ranches on property. Pitchfork Ranch dominates the main section of the park and is geared toward the general public, welcoming visitors to camp at the Riverbend or Quail Run campgrounds. (The latter is ideal for RVs with power hookups.) Activities here are more serene, from bird watching to fly fishing on the Elbow, a famous bend on the river. Camping rates begin at $15 per vehicle. You can also opt for one of four cabins with prices starting at $120 per night. Reserve online.