Desert camping in Nevada with swimming
Explore mountains, lakes, high desert, and hoodoos in this western state.
97% (150 reviews)
- Nevada
97% (150 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Nevada
Dog-friendly getaways
11 top desert campgrounds in Nevada with swimming
97%
(127)
Schellraiser
92 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Mc Gill, NV
The Schellraiser music festival offers a variety of seasonal camping options on our 80-acre private campground in the cool high desert of far Eastern Nevada's Steptoe Valley, near the small town of McGill.
Our Lotus Belle-brand bell tents are solar powered and fully furnished, with king-, queen- and twin-size beds, Avocado-brand mattresses, rugs, loveseats, floor lamps, charging ports and wi-fi service.
Our campground also features two solar-powered shipping container homes; the larger of the two homes also has a small kitchen area and now serves as our clubhouse from Thursday through Sunday nights.
Car camping and pitch-your-own-tent sites without power are available, as well, as are furnished yurts without power.
We currently have a heated six-unit restroom/shower trailer on site.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, TO ENSURE THAT OUR CAMPGROUND MEETS YOUR EXPECTATIONS: We are a totally off-grid campground, in an extremely remote part of rural Eastern Nevada. To reach our campground, you must travel eight-tenths of a mile off the main highway, on a dirt road that is susceptible to flooding from record snowmelt from April to mid-July during wet years. Drivers with Teslas and other low-clearance vehicles are strongly advised to look elsewhere for lodging; Subaru drivers may actually enjoy the brief trip out.
PLEASE READ ALL CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS, OUR FIRE BAN ADVISORY AND CAMPGROUND RULES BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR STAY WITH US.
ABOUT THE AREA: Schellraiser is just minutes away from the High Schells and Bristlecone wilderness areas, and within an hour's drive of Nevada's wildest mountain and desert scenery.
High peaks, rugged canyons, wild rock formations, natural hot springs and ghost towns are all around us, and the surrounding area is teeming with wildlife, including the state's largest elk herd.
ABOUT US: We're the home base of the annual Schellraiser micro-fest, which brings bands like Ladytron, Mercury Rev, Blonde Redhead, Asleep At The Wheel, The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Old 97's, Houndmouth, Death Valley Girls, Titus Andronicus, Nikki Lane, Shannon Shaw and BRONCHO to the nearby McGill Pool Park each June.
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$18
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95%
(55)
Water front on Topaz Lake
7 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Topaz, CA
Learn more about this land:Beautiful lake front property on Topaz Lake , we have 6 rv sites to choose from on 4 acres .First come first serve . Bring your Rv or pitch a tent . Bring your whole family. We have kayaks and paddle boards . Fishing boat available to rent . Life jackets available and a peddle boat too ! Lots of float toys !!
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$50
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98%
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Beagletopia Among The Desert
1 site · RV1 acre · Enterprise, NV
Las Vegas has been booming for years. With all this growth, we were able to get our quiet little place before it got too crazy. We enjoy being close to all the happenings with easy access in and out but are more off the beaten path on a quiet road. We are home to the Southern NV Beagle Rescue Foundation, warmly known as Beagletopia.
Learn more about this land:
Convenient dry camping, self contained RV spot. (generators may be used on your own. no power supply) Open desert views and close to the Las Vegas strip! Las Vegas strip is @ 9 miles, 15 minutes away)
We are close to shopping and the Raiders practice stadium. Hike in nearby Red Rock canyon (25 min away) or Mt Charleston (1 hours). Local I-15 highway is only 5 minutes to get to.
When you choose to stay with us, you support a local nonprofit dog rescue. You may see some of our local wildlife and wake up to the dogs tracking and starting the day.
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$33
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Merlin Springs Secluded Camping
1 site · RV, Tent400 acres · Gerlach, NV
Merlin Springs is adjacent to the Black Rock Desert Conservation Area, just 10 miles outside Gerlach, Nevada.
The Property is located on 400 acres in a valley, surrounded by spectacular
views of the Buffalo, Selenite, and Granite Peak mountain ranges.
The Black Rock Desert and Gerlach are home to the Burning Man Festival, which attracts approximately 70,000 visitors annually.
The area also boasts a variety of outdoor recreation, including Hiking,
Mountain Biking, Land Sailing, Rocket Launching, Hot Springs, Photography, Stargazing, and more.
Guided hikes and bike rides by certified interpretive guides available to help you explore and navigate the greater Smoke Creek Black Rock area. Inquire for details.
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$44
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87%
(67)
Herzog Homestead
5 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Deeth, NV
Learn more about this land:This Ranch sits halfway between WELLS and Elko Nevada just off the I 80 if you go north of the next freeway exit 5 miles East of us (Exit 333 Deeth) you can drive north to Charleston or Jarbidge Nevada it’s about 50 miles to Charleston or northeast to O’Neil Basin, Taber creek, or 12 mile hot springs then to the south of us we have the Ruby Mountains and beautiful Lamoille Canyon they’re about 30 to 50 miles depending on the route you take if you go through Secret Pass and another 30 or so miles south you have the ruby marshes then we have south fork reservoir 15 miles south of Elko Wildhorse reservoir 60 miles north of Elko is Angel Lake about 40 miles away 8 miles south of Wells we also have Ruby Mountain Brewery just 15 miles south of Wells in Clover Valley plus many other beautiful places to visit
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$25
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Booked 1 time
Desert oasis
22 sites · RVs10 acres · Montello, NV
Beautiful isolated land off the grid living my dream is to turn it into a free range farm/ permaculture food forest. There are Wild horses and lots of other wildlife.Learn more about this land:Beautiful desert oasis amazing views grass and sage brush, only about a hour away from Wendover. Shoot guns, ride motorcycles and four wheelers, pretty isolated no neighbors for miles enjoy the peace and quiet. Right next to 40 acres of BLM land. Cannabis and party friendly. Dirt roads some 2 wheel drive cars can drive there as long as there not too low to the ground. Camp by the silver Dodge Caliber.
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$13.65
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Little D's
27 sites · RVs, Tents39 acres · Lovelock, NV
Set your tent or camper on 39 acres of slightly rolling hills and flat land and pleasantly colored green sage brush as far as you can see. There are also mountains in the distance for a pleasant vista in the mornings. You will be drydocking as there is nothing but land please carry out your garbage.
The property is about 45-50 minutes from Rye Patch State Park where there is
fishing, boating. WiFi , showers, picnic tables.They have rv and tent .sites but get filled quickly
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$23.75
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Off-grid Emu Farm Desert Getaway
2 sites · RVs, Tents41 acres · Reno, NV
Unplug and unwind at our off-grid desert mini farm near Pyramid Lake and Moonrocks. Speak to your host about learning more about our off-grid living and to visit our emus, chickens, bunnies, and goats. Chat with us about visiting Moonrocks on our private road. Connect with nature and enjoy the desert's beauty. A unique camping experience awaits!
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$108
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Saved 13 times
Camp in the Woods
13 sites · RVs160 acres · Yerington , NV
160 acres in the woods with 2 natural springs or artesian wells - private secluded location - Lots of freedom - Beautiful views - Douglas Fir - Pine - Oak - Forest Land - Abundant wildlife including wild turkeys, wild pigs, black tail deer, and much more - Off the grid - Located approximately 35 miles due west of Red Bluff - - Map Coordinates are → 40.160705 / -122.808948do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offersLearn more about this land:Majestic desert and mountain views all around. This mini-ranch is located 5 minutes from the winding Walker River, 15 minutes from the beautiful Carson River and Fort Churchill State Historic Park, and 20 minutes from Lahontan Lake. If you have a fondness for farms, desert landscapes and rivers, then you'll enjoy the scenery and picturesque surroundings. The ranch is located around the heart of the farming sector of the Mason Valley and is surrounded by thousands of acres of lush, green farmland and quaint family cattle ranches nestled right smack in the middle of thousands upon thousands of acres of scenic nature. An hour's drive will take you to either Reno, Virginia City, or Carson City; take your pick. Lake Tahoe is about an hour and a half drive. The nearest town is Yerington Nevada, which is 10 minutes away (about ten miles). There are three casinos in Yerington, and there is also a well kept public pool. Yerington also has restaurants and a bowling alley. There are also many natural hot springs ALL OVER the area. The commercial hot springs resorts in Carson City seem to be quite a big attraction among travelers. Depending on the size of your RV, you do have the option of situating your RV inside of the metal barn (as an extra during booking, see details in the extras category), if you prefer a shaded/sheltered area. You may also purchase use of electricity, 110V, 12 amps (as an extra during booking, see details in the extras category). Expect to wake up to our crowing roosters because our chickens like to roam the ranch, so your pets must be contained so they won't try to eat our chickens. The chickens do get locked in their coop at night. Occasionally, we will give you free fresh eggs when our hens are laying. Here at the campsite, there is plenty of parking and space to maneuver.
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$46.55
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Luxury Trailer on Off-grid Emu Farm
1 site · Lodging41 acres · Sutcliffe, NV
Nestled on a breathtaking 41-acre off-grid desert land near Pyramid Lake and Moon Rocks, our property offers an unforgettable stay in a private, luxurious travel trailer next to our off-grid farm. You'll find yourself surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert landscape and breathtaking views of surrounding mountains as you relax and unwind in style under the starry night sky. You will find endless ways to experience the joy of sustainable living without compromising on luxury.
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$178.60
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Saved 5 times
Private mini playa in desert valley
3 sites · Tents40 acres · NV
Owned by locals who respect the land, we love this piece of tranquil Northern Nevada Desert Valley Lakebed. We love to listen to the songbirds in the morning, enjoy breezy afternoons, occasional exciting winds and storms you can watch roll through the valley, and vibrant Nevada sunsets. We love to share our happy place with you guys too. Happy camping!Learn more about this land:Enjoy a slice of private playa out on this Northern Nevada 40+ acre property.
View desert as far as the eye can see, explore the lakebed on bike, follow the Dry Valley trails. Enjoy a private burning man party (without the fire please; fire season is upon us and has been affecting our valley these past years.) Valley is tranquil, and can get very hot. Bring your own water and shade.
Less than 15 min away from a gas station and quick-stop, and just 20 minutes to Susanville for supplies, takeout, breweries, etc. 20 minutes to beautiful Pyramid Lake.
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$16
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Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Desert camping in Nevada with swimming guide
Overview
When most people think of Nevada, one of two things come to mind: either Las Vegas or desert landscapes. It's an understandable assessment; after all, most of the state's population is concentrated in the Las Vegas area, and much of the state is, indeed, rugged desert land. In fact, it’s the driest state in the union. That said, Nevada offers plenty more than casinos and barren expanses and is a fantastic place if you want to get out in nature without crowds. Here you’ll find massive mountain peaks, ancient rock formations, Wild West towns, oddball roadside attractions, and plenty of opportunities to commune with nature in near silence.
Where to go
Northern Nevada
Nevada's northernmost stretch is characterized by Wild West nostalgia and quiet communities, many heavily influenced by the descendants of the Basque immigrants who settled the region in the 19th century. The western part is home to both the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and the Black Rock Desert, where Burning Man is held every year. Continue further east and you'll find yourself in the remote Ruby Mountains, an amazing place to hike, camp, and birdwatch.
North-Central Nevada
This quiet swathe of Nevada has some of the best outdoor attractions in the state, from the Lehman Caves system in Great Basin National Park to the massive sand dunes appropriately known as Sand Mountain. If you really want to get a feel for the region, take a long drive down desolate Highway 50, which follows the old Pony Express route. Drive far enough west and you'll end up in Lake Tahoe, offering year-round recreation and easy access to the largest alpine lake on the continent.
Central Nevada
Vast central Nevada offers a mix of quirky roadside attractions and rocky scenery. Cathedral Gorge State Park is particularly fantastic, with otherworldly caves, towering hoodoos, and more than its fair share of jackrabbits. Fans of the supernatural won't want to miss a trip along the so-called Extraterrestrial Highway, which passes Area 51 along with all sorts of UFO-themed oddities.
Southern Nevada
Although Las Vegas is southern Nevada's undisputed star, there's plenty to see and do in the region beyond Sin City, from immersing yourself in Wild West history at the Pioneer Saloon in Jean to learning about the history of hydroelectric energy at the massive Hoover Dam. If you want to take a hike, head to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where you'll find over 30 miles of red sandstone-flanked trails.
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