Discover the best desert campgrounds in Northern Nevada

United States
—
Nevada
—
Northern Nevada

83% (22 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Northern Nevada

Available this weekend

Under $50

93%

(15)

Antelope Run Ranch

16 sites · RVs, Tents41 acres · Valmy, NV

Okay, April '24 has gotten a lot added already with more on the way. The first of many Hitching Posts (by request from guests) has been added to Site B02 along with a grill. Site B03 now has a Park Bench with more additions coming. Better signage. Approximate distances (again suggested by guests) with pictures will be sent once booked. I hope everyone is ready for a CampTastic 2024 🤠 WOW, what a turn out for the Annular Solar Eclipse. All my guests were extremely wonderful people. We had a blast talking story. The great vibes we all put out actually gave us a perfect window to view the main event unfettered. The clouds parted and gave us the entire 5 plus minutes to view the full RING OF FIRE. I'm hopeful our guests will post some of their gorgeous photos captured. Antelope Run Ranch spans over 40 acres and currently offers four different sites for accommodation. There are three operational campsites that receive regular monthly improvements. The cabin site is currently unavailable for rent, as a composting outhouse and shower room are in the planning stages. The property features an old dry river bed running through the center of the property. A potable water system is pending installation on-site; guests are advised to bring their own water until then. Waste disposal services are not yet available, so guests are requested to make alternative arrangements for their waste. Each of our Camp Sites alone provide you with so much space, not including the vastness of the Ranch itself, but also the multitude of BLM land to explore. Eventually every "Dispersed" Site will have a central location for all guests or groups of friends to congregate...Get together and cook, eat and just relax and enjoy each others company, while allowing those in the party to be able to slink away to the comfort and quiet of their own Travel Trailer or RV. The Antelope Run Ranch is a gateway to adventure, catering to those with an adventurous spirit. Whether you enjoy star gazing, rock hounding, hiking, hunting, or simply exploring the sandy landscape, the ranch offers a range of experiences. The Pumpernickel Valley's vast openness provides a serene environment. Any 4x4 vehicle is welcome and required, as the sand can be soft. Feel free to bring your sand toys and embrace the countless opportunities for exploration in the valley. During the day, you can bask under the clear skies and remember to apply sunblock. At night, bring firewood and warm blankets to appreciate the experience fully. Guests can reach the nearby Humboldt River via UTV, ATV, or other desert-running vehicles to the south and west of the property. While mountains surround the area, the immediate surroundings are perfect for exploration. If you forget something, the city of Battle Mountain can be found to the east on I-80. Pack your adventurous spirit and escape from it all at Antelope Run Ranch. A small cabin labeled A01 (currently on pause for upgrades with others on the drawing board) is situated on the northeast corner of the property, offering accommodation for two people. The cabin includes a small wood burner and a skylight, primarily serving as a base camp for hunting. On the southwest corner, site B01 is equipped with a picnic table, bench, fire pit, and BBQ, providing a comfortable, relaxing spot. This site is located adjacent to 1,292 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land on the west side, and the entire valley is filled with BLM land for exploration. Access to the property involves traveling dirt roads and soft sand, so no matter what type of vehicle, or RV you have, it needs to be four wheel drive. Once past the power plant, you'll leave the black top, which ends around six miles away from the property (detailed pictures for waypoints will be provided a day or two before your arrival date). If you plan on bringing trailers or camping equipment, be prepared for soft sand throughout the area, again 4x4 is a must. Once you've made your reservation and received the coordinates, get ready for an authentic getaway experience. Embrace the isolation and admire the clear night skies of Pumpernickel Valley, a genuine escape nestled between Battle Mountain and Winnemucca, Nevada, north of the I-80. Signage has been installed to provide a much easier path to the Antelope Run Ranch as of 23 July 2023 As of May 22, 2023, a solar-powered cellular security camera has been installed on the northeast corner, providing a view looking southwest, approximately 300 feet behind Cabin A01. Upon booking, you'll be provided access to check it out if requested. The first few trees (tiny for now) have been planted on the property, with more to come. The establishment of potable water for guests and tree watering is in progress. At Antelope Run Ranch, you can set up your tent, RV, camper trailer, overland rig, or stay in a cabin for an additional fee. Get ready, our next addition will be Hitching Posts, we've had a few requests, so we will position at least one at each Site, and multiple throughout the area. So ready the Horses, let the exploration begin. Please note that the ranch is located in a high desert environment, and temperature swings between day and night can be significant. Guests are advised to be mindful of the surrounding nature, including snakes, scorpions, mosquitoes, coyotes, and other wildlife that roam the land. If the need arises and I am unable to assist you in any way, I do have a few buddies in the area that may be of assistance. Please reach out for directions from me once booked, Google and Apple maps have been unreliable as of recent. I have directions and pictures to share once booked. Signage has been set up, navigation to Antelope Run Ranch will be that much simpler now! Closest Hospital: Battle Mountain General Hospital 535 S. Humboldt St. Battle Mountain Closest Fire Station: Lander County Fire Department Battle Mountain Suggestion for recovery/towing: High Desert Towing and Recovery (775)623-9111 Check out Humboldt Counties spotlight on upcoming events at https://www.humboldtcountynv.gov/#ccbc056b30-15a2-4668-b533-2677fa723675

Golconda Canyon

3 sites · RVs, Tents250 acres · Unionville, NV

Great canyon location with access to a old homestead with meadows in the summer that cattle graze. Access to the near by Tobin Wilderness Area with Mount Tobin peak reaching 9400ft. Secluded mount springs only accessed on foot. A year round creek runs through the place. Old mine camps within OHV driving distance. No phone service until you get on a mountain.

Lazy Jaze Homestead

50 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Crescent Valley, NV

Learn more about this land:Remote desert area with dry lake bed and rolling plateaus and Vistas. Mountain views in all directions and the sky is absolutely 3D at night. Bring your telescope if you have one. But even with the naked eye you can get lost in how many stars there are. Shooting stars, satellites, all kinds of astrological phenomenon. If you like seclusion quiet and a night sky that's better than a planetarium you'll love this place. Bring your RVs ATVs and whatever you need. There's one hundred and sixty acres to roam around on with 40 acres of flat dry lake bed. 4800 feet in elevation even though we're in the valley. Low humidity. We have a 40° swing from day to night so if it's 90° during the day, it'll be 50° at night. Amazing sunrises and sunsets.

High Desert Dry Camping

1 site · RV, Tent70 acres · Crescent Valley, NV

I have found a place that speaks to me through its silence and stillness. May your stay here be a porthole into a new perspective on what mother nature and the awe inspiring universe have to offer.Learn more about this land: Experience high desert camping in one of the least populated counties in the United States. Stunning panoramic views of Cresent Valley and the surrounding mountains. Over a thousand acres of adjacent BLM land to explore. Enjoy some of the darkest night skys in the country. Easy to get to. Almost all of it highway driving. The last 3.5 miles are along very well maintained dirt road.

4 top desert campgrounds in Northern Nevada

93%

(15)

Antelope Run Ranch

16 sites · RVs, Tents41 acres · Valmy, NV

Okay, April '24 has gotten a lot added already with more on the way. The first of many Hitching Posts (by request from guests) has been added to Site B02 along with a grill. Site B03 now has a Park Bench with more additions coming. Better signage. Approximate distances (again suggested by guests) with pictures will be sent once booked. I hope everyone is ready for a CampTastic 2024 🤠 WOW, what a turn out for the Annular Solar Eclipse. All my guests were extremely wonderful people. We had a blast talking story. The great vibes we all put out actually gave us a perfect window to view the main event unfettered. The clouds parted and gave us the entire 5 plus minutes to view the full RING OF FIRE. I'm hopeful our guests will post some of their gorgeous photos captured. Antelope Run Ranch spans over 40 acres and currently offers four different sites for accommodation. There are three operational campsites that receive regular monthly improvements. The cabin site is currently unavailable for rent, as a composting outhouse and shower room are in the planning stages. The property features an old dry river bed running through the center of the property. A potable water system is pending installation on-site; guests are advised to bring their own water until then. Waste disposal services are not yet available, so guests are requested to make alternative arrangements for their waste. Each of our Camp Sites alone provide you with so much space, not including the vastness of the Ranch itself, but also the multitude of BLM land to explore. Eventually every "Dispersed" Site will have a central location for all guests or groups of friends to congregate...Get together and cook, eat and just relax and enjoy each others company, while allowing those in the party to be able to slink away to the comfort and quiet of their own Travel Trailer or RV. The Antelope Run Ranch is a gateway to adventure, catering to those with an adventurous spirit. Whether you enjoy star gazing, rock hounding, hiking, hunting, or simply exploring the sandy landscape, the ranch offers a range of experiences. The Pumpernickel Valley's vast openness provides a serene environment. Any 4x4 vehicle is welcome and required, as the sand can be soft. Feel free to bring your sand toys and embrace the countless opportunities for exploration in the valley. During the day, you can bask under the clear skies and remember to apply sunblock. At night, bring firewood and warm blankets to appreciate the experience fully. Guests can reach the nearby Humboldt River via UTV, ATV, or other desert-running vehicles to the south and west of the property. While mountains surround the area, the immediate surroundings are perfect for exploration. If you forget something, the city of Battle Mountain can be found to the east on I-80. Pack your adventurous spirit and escape from it all at Antelope Run Ranch. A small cabin labeled A01 (currently on pause for upgrades with others on the drawing board) is situated on the northeast corner of the property, offering accommodation for two people. The cabin includes a small wood burner and a skylight, primarily serving as a base camp for hunting. On the southwest corner, site B01 is equipped with a picnic table, bench, fire pit, and BBQ, providing a comfortable, relaxing spot. This site is located adjacent to 1,292 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land on the west side, and the entire valley is filled with BLM land for exploration. Access to the property involves traveling dirt roads and soft sand, so no matter what type of vehicle, or RV you have, it needs to be four wheel drive. Once past the power plant, you'll leave the black top, which ends around six miles away from the property (detailed pictures for waypoints will be provided a day or two before your arrival date). If you plan on bringing trailers or camping equipment, be prepared for soft sand throughout the area, again 4x4 is a must. Once you've made your reservation and received the coordinates, get ready for an authentic getaway experience. Embrace the isolation and admire the clear night skies of Pumpernickel Valley, a genuine escape nestled between Battle Mountain and Winnemucca, Nevada, north of the I-80. Signage has been installed to provide a much easier path to the Antelope Run Ranch as of 23 July 2023 As of May 22, 2023, a solar-powered cellular security camera has been installed on the northeast corner, providing a view looking southwest, approximately 300 feet behind Cabin A01. Upon booking, you'll be provided access to check it out if requested. The first few trees (tiny for now) have been planted on the property, with more to come. The establishment of potable water for guests and tree watering is in progress. At Antelope Run Ranch, you can set up your tent, RV, camper trailer, overland rig, or stay in a cabin for an additional fee. Get ready, our next addition will be Hitching Posts, we've had a few requests, so we will position at least one at each Site, and multiple throughout the area. So ready the Horses, let the exploration begin. Please note that the ranch is located in a high desert environment, and temperature swings between day and night can be significant. Guests are advised to be mindful of the surrounding nature, including snakes, scorpions, mosquitoes, coyotes, and other wildlife that roam the land. If the need arises and I am unable to assist you in any way, I do have a few buddies in the area that may be of assistance. Please reach out for directions from me once booked, Google and Apple maps have been unreliable as of recent. I have directions and pictures to share once booked. Signage has been set up, navigation to Antelope Run Ranch will be that much simpler now! Closest Hospital: Battle Mountain General Hospital 535 S. Humboldt St. Battle Mountain Closest Fire Station: Lander County Fire Department Battle Mountain Suggestion for recovery/towing: High Desert Towing and Recovery (775)623-9111 Check out Humboldt Counties spotlight on upcoming events at https://www.humboldtcountynv.gov/#ccbc056b30-15a2-4668-b533-2677fa723675

High Desert Dry Camping

1 site · RV, Tent70 acres · Crescent Valley, NV

I have found a place that speaks to me through its silence and stillness. May your stay here be a porthole into a new perspective on what mother nature and the awe inspiring universe have to offer.Learn more about this land: Experience high desert camping in one of the least populated counties in the United States. Stunning panoramic views of Cresent Valley and the surrounding mountains. Over a thousand acres of adjacent BLM land to explore. Enjoy some of the darkest night skys in the country. Easy to get to. Almost all of it highway driving. The last 3.5 miles are along very well maintained dirt road.

Golconda Canyon

3 sites · RVs, Tents250 acres · Unionville, NV

Great canyon location with access to a old homestead with meadows in the summer that cattle graze. Access to the near by Tobin Wilderness Area with Mount Tobin peak reaching 9400ft. Secluded mount springs only accessed on foot. A year round creek runs through the place. Old mine camps within OHV driving distance. No phone service until you get on a mountain.

Lazy Jaze Homestead

50 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Crescent Valley, NV

Learn more about this land:Remote desert area with dry lake bed and rolling plateaus and Vistas. Mountain views in all directions and the sky is absolutely 3D at night. Bring your telescope if you have one. But even with the naked eye you can get lost in how many stars there are. Shooting stars, satellites, all kinds of astrological phenomenon. If you like seclusion quiet and a night sky that's better than a planetarium you'll love this place. Bring your RVs ATVs and whatever you need. There's one hundred and sixty acres to roam around on with 40 acres of flat dry lake bed. 4800 feet in elevation even though we're in the valley. Low humidity. We have a 40° swing from day to night so if it's 90° during the day, it'll be 50° at night. Amazing sunrises and sunsets.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping in Northern Nevada 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.