Waterside camping in Northern Nevada with campfires
Experience northern Nevada’s unspoiled western wilderness while camping in the region.
- Northern Nevada
Popular camping styles for Northern Nevada
Waterside camping in Northern Nevada with campfires guide
Overview
Encompassed by the wide-spanning Great Basin, northern Nevada’s desert terrain contains rambling mountains, wide-open spaces, and protected wilderness parks like South Fork State Recreation Area—all in one region. Nearby RV parks, campgrounds, and cabin rentals offer various jumping-off points for the region’s unique experiences, such as Winnemucca Sand Dunes, old western towns, and Pyramid Lake. Truckee River also brings campers on an aquatic tour of northern Nevada’s untouched wilderness just a few miles from the city of Reno.
Where to go
South Fork State Recreation Area
Nestled in the foothills of the Ruby Mountains, South Fork State Recreation Area offers 2,000 acres of protected wilderness for camping, hiking, and fishing at the South Fork of Humboldt River. The recreation area is popular with campers during warm seasons but does offer winter activities such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing, as well. Look for on-site campsites near the riverside with basic amenities like electric hookups for an added treat.
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Nevada, teems with trout, perch, and cui-ui lakesucker fish. It’s a world-class fishing destination, but also well known for its boating, swimming, and bird watching—especially for great blue herons, Caspian terns, and snowy egrets. Campers flock to the lake and then stay at amenity-filled RV parks and campsites with electric and water hookups, on-site supply shops, dog parks, and nearby restaurants.
Winnemucca Sand Dunes
Experience the sprawling, other-worldly landscapes of the Winnemucca Sand Dunes in Southern Humboldt County. As the largest sand dune field in the state, the Winnemucca Dunes form a dazzling landscape that rise up to 4,400-feet high. Dune campers can ride all-terrain vehicles, hike, and take photographs. Private campsites are conveniently located near the freeway, though campers should mind boundaries for neighboring private property in the area.
Truckee River & Lake Tahoe
Set out for adventure on Truckee River with easy-access points near Reno that provide campers with quick access to fishing hotspots. Less than an hour from Lake Tahoe, campers will find numerous cabin rentals, RV parks, and campgrounds situated near the river’s most popular fishing spots. Rafting on Truckee River is another favorite activity among campers. Sign up for two- to eight-person self-guided rafting tours or head out in kayaks and canoes for a fun-filled day on the river.
