Forest camping in Nevada with wildlife watching

Explore mountains, lakes, high desert, and hoodoos in this western state.

89% (44 reviews)
89% (44 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nevada

Under $50

Available this weekend

8 top forest campgrounds in Nevada with wildlife watching

97%
(138)

Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents96 acres · Reno, CA
When you come to camp here you are on a working farm in transition. Girlfarm has been a local food go to for restaurants, farm family members, and regenerative agriculture interests. Today, the farm is looking forward to a new course in agri tourism as we begin planning walking gardens, art installations in the landscape, and interactive classes. If you would like a list of grass fed meats available, veggies, or herbs just text your host before arrival. We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper who we could offer trade for camp care - text host directly. Its been a huge water season so skeeters are around we also recommend tents have a rain fly and ground cloth. Welcome It was important to choose a partner like Hipcamp to invite like minded individuals who respect both the natural environment and the idea of less is more. At any time you may encounter farming activities, building out of tiny houses for future bookings, or gardens in the process of creation. As we move toward offering the land as a place to both find solitude or chosen participation our Flyte and Sparrow experience will hopefully be a place you will want to return to as your own tradition.
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from 
$15
 / night
94%
(9)

Sage Desert Dreams

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Mount Charleston, NV
Get out of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature when you stay in this unique place. Local Deer and fox roaming the area if you are lucky to see them. Wake up to a gorgeous mountain/valley view , BBQ during the day and enjoy smore's with the firepit at night. Miles of hiking right off the property and in the surrounding areas. Lots of local dirt bike, side by side riders in the area as well, and horse back riding! If your a plant enthusiast like me, you will have fun scoping out all the natural medicinal herbs naturally growing in the area, i.e. sage, mullein, brigham tea, and many more! Enjoy the entire valley with the view and privacy up on the hillside. Some neighbors across the street in a container home and tent rentals about a half mile away. This is an outdoor off grid Glamping experience! Bring items you would normally bring camping (DRY CAMPING), but you have the luxury of having shelter, bed, sofa bed, refrigerator/ freezer, propane grill, propane stove, well water provided, and ability to have camp fire as the dome is located on private land not Forest land. Wifi is provided complimentary and as a luxury. Wifi is supported by Starlink and works about 85% of the time due to its remote location and weather conditions. RENTAL AMENITIES BBQ charcoal grill Bed linen Carbon monoxide detector Ceiling fans Coffee machine Cooking utensils Fire extinguisher First aid kit Internet wireless (85%) Mountain Parking Parking on street Pets allowed Private porch Refrigerator Security system Shower Smoke detector Smoking allowed outside Suitable for events Disclaimer: Please do not follow any maps/ or GPS coordinates given by the rental/booking site. THERE IS NO ADDRESS. Please only use instructions provided to you by the host so that you do not get lost. 4-wheel drive highly recommended as it is off-road/ off-grid driving... You will be required to drive a vehicle with at least a 5 inch clearance above the ground so that you may be able to drive over the rocks without damaging your vehicle. The off road portion (the last 4.5 miles) ride is very bumpy, off road- means no pavement/ no gravel. You are off-roading in the mountains friends! Please keep in mind that there is no refund or cancellation policy if you decide to opt out of using a 4WD or vehicle that does not have the 5inch clearance.
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from 
$159.20
 / night
100%
(7)

Lower bristlecone camp / rv / van

1 site · RV1 acre · Las Vegas, NV
LOCATED IN TOIYABE NATIONAL FOREST YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY PICTURESQUE MOUNTAINS, 1000 YEAR OLD BRISTLECONE TREES, WILD HORSES AND GREENERY, A SHORT 40 MINUTE DRIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, THIS PROPERTY IS A HALF AN ACRE AND IS MINUTES FROM THE SKI LODGE AND THE BEST HIKING. COME UP FOR SOME FRESH MOUNTAIN AIR.
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from 
$36
 / night
96%
(37)

Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Reno, NV
We love to pass our free time here in the sunshine and juniper drafts overlooking the Sierras. Some days we watch the electric storms across the valley, other afternoons we picnic and nap while listening to the birds and wind.  We love the peace and silence, which feels remarkably remote and only 20 minutes from Reno.  Learn more about this land: We would love to share our 12 junipered acres with nature enthusiasts like ourselves. Bring your tent or camper and spend afternoons watching beautiful sunsets and wildlife from our land.  Spectacular expansive views across the valley to the Sierras and Mount Rose.  Conveniently 15 minutes from South Reno (40 minutes from North Lake Tahoe), the silence and absolute privacy here are restorative and replenishing.  We do not have trash collection services available and we ask all guest to practice a “leave no trace” philosophy.  **Because of extreme fire risk in our area we ask guests to refrain from having campfires for now. As this area is home to beautiful wildlife (and a few other distant homeowners) please visit with an intent to respect the quiet and privacy that makes this area so pleasurable for us all.  Thanks for visiting and enjoy your time!  
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from 
$130.05
 / night
50%
(6)

Cottonwood Ranch

17 sites · RVs, TentsJackpot, NV
Situated in the heart of Nevada’s Great Basin, Cottonwood is a fifth generation working horse and cattle ranch. For the last two decades the Smith family has opened their doors to guests from around the world.  The wide-open space affords visitors the opportunity to set aside their busy lifestyles and reconnect with themselves and nature.  Throughout the years Cottonwood Ranch has undergone many changes.  Recently we have decided to step back from the dude ranch structure and provide a place for guests to camp and enjoy the surrounding environment on their own.    It is a family operated ranch so young and the old can be found around the ranch engrossed in varies activities.  Horses, dogs, cows, and a wide variety of birds are a given to be seen but you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of antelope, mule deer, elk, or even a moose.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent at Cottonwood Ranch in O'Neil Basin.  Family owned and operated the 30 mile long dirt driveway is well worth the trip.  The RV and campsites are located adjacent to the barnyard area. It is a very laid back, non- fancy, rustically ranch atmosphere.  We invite you to share in what we call home and make your self at home during your stay.  There are full service RV spots and available camping sites to pitch a tent.  RV sites are $40/night and camping $20/night.  The headquarters of the ranch is surrounded by private meadows used for livestock and wildlife throughout the year.  Cottonwood Creak meanders along side the corral down through the heart of the meadows.  Irrigation ditches run close by the camp sites which makes for a fun splash pad for the kiddos.  Access to the wilderness trail-heads varies upon direction of drive, the longest perhaps a 1 1/2 hr drive to the boundary looking out across the Jarbidge Peaks.  There is also miles upon miles of 2-track roads that traverse the foothills ideal for ATV use.Horses are usually wrangled out of the meadows everyday for various ranch work but you would have a chance to view the horses while in the corral.  Upon inquiry during your stay there might be other activities going on such as helping feed orphaned calves, pet a horse, livestock sorting, etc.Dogs are a big part of the ranch.  Most of the resident dogs are working livestock dogs border collie mix type dogs.  They are all very friendly.
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from 
$40
 / night
100%
(1)

Mtn City Fishing Hunting camping

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Owyhee, NV
Thank you for checking out the Mountain City Hunters Camping Fishing site. This camping site is located just south of the border of Idaho by 16 miles and in the northern tip of Nevada. It's in an isolated location surrounded by 1000 of acres of BLM and Indian reservation land. The beautiful property sits directly on the Owyhee River with barbwire ole fencing required to keep the cattle out. Please cross over at your own risk when fishing on the 2 acres of open property. There are tons of trout available and we found the Fall to be one of the best times to catch them. We were there a few weeks ago 9/23 and picked up seven trouts in less than hours. Fun for all. There are tons of hunting spots in Idaho and Nevada in this area from Ducks, antelope, Deer, Elk, you call it! This site borders and just outside of the Duck Valley Reservation. We see hunters go up to Rio Tinto and across the Bridge to Nowhere, all within minutes of the Mtn city. The town of Mtn City is referred to as a Ghost town today. It was once busting with people back in the 1930's to 1977's with copper and silver mining in and and around the surrounding area. If you drive around, you will see ruined homes and mines that have been condemned now but it's certainly fun to take a hike or 4-wheel in the area and check it all out. Privacy, quiet, peace, and wild animals roam the area. Tons of hiking and off-roading trails everywhere can be found here. It's a quiet, peaceful area with a total of 14 very kind and helpful residents that live in town full-time. This camping area has a long 2 acres of running River along it for fishing. The water is low right now, FALL/WINTER 2023, because they are working on the dam which actually makes fishing better. Bring worms or even bacon. These fish are hungry. There is TONS of flat land on this site to serve several RV's and 1 POLE with 110 outlet, if needed. We have wifi for your convenience but once you leave the area, there is NO WIFI anywhere for many miles. A local small bar is located next to the property. It doesn't look like much from the outside but worth checking out. Great cold beer, whiskey, Bourbon just no wine can be found there. They also have a few slot machines and smoking is allowed inside. There is also food during the Late spring, summer, and early Fall after 5PM available for those who want a break. Rex runs this place and cooks the best. I recommend the Rex Burger. If you need a grocery store, gas, or even a few supplies, head north to Owyhee Reservation to the "Our Grocery or Ace Hardware". It is about a 15 min drive away. The closest city is Elko, 1.5 hours away, and or Boise 2.5 hours away. There is also a local health/urgent care in the town of Owyhee (Indian reservation) in case of emergency. Again, this is a very remote, private place many folks don't know about it. There is also several reservoirs with excellent fishing close by if you want to take a boat out there. Check out: Maning Reservoir Sheep Creek Reservoir Dry Creek Reservoir Wild horse Reservoir and many more. And the River is right on site. Please cross over the barbed wire on the property at your own risk. We are not responsible for getting yourself hooked up if that happens. There are spots you can pass through. Just be sure to leave the way it was when you leave, please. Well, we hope you consider this ole fun retreat and one more thing. The older building on the land is an old historic jail. We are working on it and in time we hope to Air B&B to use it. Give us another year for that. Enjoy, have fun, and be safe!
Pets
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from 
$50
 / night
Booked 2 times

The Field of Dreams campgrounds

10 sites · RVs, Tents54 acres · Montello, NV
Learn more about this land:This is the Field of Dreams Artists Community campground. Located east of Montello Nevada at the foot of the pilot mountain range. There are thousands of acres of hiking and camping. Rock climbing and mineral exploration.
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from 
$30
 / night

Siesta Sunrise

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Las Vegas, NV
Siesta Sunrise is located in Mountain Charleston, NV and has become an oasis for hikers, tourists, and locals looking to escape the heat of the summer as well as enjoy beautiful scenery while enjoying outdoor activities. Located on private property, this site offers an opportunity to unplug and escape the surroundings of the city and become engulfed in Mother’s natural wonder. Come. Stay. Explore. Be Merry!
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from 
$250
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

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Forest camping in Nevada with wildlife watching 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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