Ranch camping near Elko with campfires
Northeast Nevada’s largest town offers western culture, art, and rugged wilderness adventures.
- Elko
Popular camping styles for Elko
Ranch camping near Elko with campfires guide
Overview
In the heart of Nevada’s cowboy country along I-80, Elko is a true western town with plenty of history, culture, and art to show for it. Also nearby are vast stretches of vast and wild wilderness areas, including the rugged Ruby Mountains, where outdoor adventurers can enjoy hiking, biking, off-roading, rock climbing, rock hounding, fishing, wildlife spotting, and extreme winter sports. The vibrant town offers plenty of amenities and options for RV camping, including several convenient Elko RV parks with full hookups. Nearby, developed forest service and state recreation campgrounds, plus plenty of backcountry, offer options for tent camping.
Where to go
State Recreation Areas Near Elko
Just south of Elko, head to the South Fork State Recreation Area to enjoy water sports, fishing, hunting, and camping. An hour north of town, the Wild Horse State Recreation Area offers year-round fishing, watersports, wildlife spotting, and winter sports, along with a year-round campground. West of Elko, the Mill Creek Recreation Area is prime for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting—find free camping near Battle Mountain.
Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon
Head south to the 12-mile Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, known for its striking Alps-like scenery. Here, the Ruby Mountains span some 90,000 acres in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, offering rugged terrain for outdoor adventurers. Four seasonal, developed forest service campgrounds, including Thomas Canyon Campground, are available, as are plenty of backcountry areas for dispersed camping. In winter, heli-skiers can stay in heated, furnished yurts.
Angel Lake and East Humboldt Mountains
Further east, drive along the Angel Lake Scenic Byway for bountiful vistas. Angel Lake in the East Humboldt Mountains is a popular spot for fishing, wildlife spotting, paddling, hiking, and backpacking. Campers can take advantage of two developed seasonal forest service campgrounds, or head out into the backcountry for dispersed camping.
When to go
Spring, summer, and fall offer ideal weather for outdoor recreation. The Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is usually open May through October, with abundant wildflowers in spring and fall colors come autumn. Popular area summer events include Nevada’s oldest rodeo and the National Basque Festival in July. Although many campgrounds close in winter, the season offers snow play, heli-skiing in the Ruby Mountains, and the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
