The best camping near Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Fort Churchill adventure.

100% (1 reviews)

This off-the-beaten-path park features a restored 1860s fort and a shaded, riverside campground.

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Community favorites near Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$
$Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs$

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Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Verdi, CA

Find privacy, seclusion and solitude in nature at Alpine Valley Camp /|\. Encompassed by Tahoe & Toiyabe National Forests, this Alpine Valley rolls across 10,000 acres at approximately 5,500 feet with towering mountainous peaks on three of its sides rising above 8,000 feet. A meadow with creeks and wildlife lines the Valley floor. Depending on location, distant peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range rise into view. The private and secluded Camp sits at the edge of the meadow on 40 acres. It offers multiple sites for vista viewing, camping and fire pits set along two seasonal creeks. Available for one camping party's exclusive use, basic camping comforts include picnic tables, metal and stone fire pits, and an out house with a view. Follow the lower creek out from the Camp into the meadow and Valley floor to find a damned swimming hole. Off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, hiking, fishing, water sports, golf, skeet, and the like are available at or near the Camp, as is LTE cellphone and data services. Alpine Valley Campsite is a short distance to Reno, Truckee, Stampede and Boca Reservoirs, and Lake Tahoe. It is located approx. 4.5 miles from Stampede Reservoir, 5.4 miles from the Truckee River in Verdi, and 17 miles from the Boca Reservoir and Truckee River in Truckee. Host highly recommends 4x4/AWD vehicle OR at least 7" of ground clearance, driving slow on dirt and rocky roads (approximately a 25-minute drive from entrance of Toiabye National Forest-Verdi, CA entrance at 5-10 mph), and experience with pack-in, pack-out camping. Detailed welcome letter with local destinations, GPS coordinates, Valley map and links provided upon booking. Nightly rate is for up to two campers; any camping party is limited to eight (8) campers and each additional camper is assessed a guest fee of $44/nt If you'd like to collect wood from the property, simply purchase a bundle of wood when completing your booking. This is a pack-in, pack-out camp. Cabela's located in Verdi for all camping needs. Eats, drinks, market, gas, et cetera, are conveniently located in Verdi, too. Alpine Valley Camp /|\ appreciates the outdoor enthusiasts who have come for one or more adventures. (Note price include 12.5% Sierra County Transient Occupancy Tax)

Booked 1 time

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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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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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Fort Churchill State Historic Park

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Fort Churchill Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In Fort Churchill State Historic Park

from

$17

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Churchill State Historic Park

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The Stone Ranch

2 sites · RVs3 acres · Silver Springs, NV

. A quiet place to rest along the way. Lake Lahontan less than ten miles away. Swimming, fishing, boating, nature watching, hiking, four wheeling. Custom Gardens organic Farm three miles away. Ft Churchill 8.6 miles Lake Lahontan 9.8 miles Fernley 14.2 miles Virginia City 23.1 miles Dayton 24.1 miles Yerington 32.2 miles Fallon 26.5 miles Sparks 38 miles Reno 41.5 miles Carson City 35.5 miles South Lake Tahoe 63.6 miles Tahoe Glenbrook 54.5 miles Burning Man 127 miles

Booked 5 times

Desert camping, no facilities

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Silver Springs, NV

Learn more about this land:Quiet neighborhood with no light pollution. The desert air is clean and stars quite visible. Some desert critters have permanent residence. Lake Lahontan nearby has lots of activities. A convenience store is just around the corner on 95A & 5th Ave.

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L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

1 site · RV, Tent130 acres · Washoe Valley, NV

We sit on 130 acres of primarily pasture over looking Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake. Olde LYFE Alpacas offers visits with the animals, including an organized 60 min Peaceful Walk with an alpaca where you’ll experience them up close. To book an experience, go to www.oldelyfealpacas.com. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!!

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Tedastevastan

2 sites · Tents5 acres · Reno, NV

Our land is 5 wooded acres in pinon / juniper forest. Features include: many walking paths all around the land, lookout point with picnic table for sunset viewing, spectacular starry skies, night time enchanted forest, and an outdoor shower. Historic Virginia City is a 7 mile drive. Downtown Reno is 24 miles away.

Coachland RV Resort

134 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Truckee, CA

Coachland RV Park is situated in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California and is within close proximity to all the outdoor activities, shopping, and dining that Truckee, CA has to offer. Located at an elevation of 5,996 ft., Coachland RV Park welcomes visitors year-round and is a short distance from Northstar Ski Resort and Squaw Valley. During the summer, visitors can enjoy fishing and watersports on the nearby Truckee River. All the beauty that Lake Tahoe offers is just a short drive away from Coachland RV Park.

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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Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

12 sites · 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.

Booked 5 times

Whites Creek Grounds

1 site · RV2 acres · Reno, NV

2.5 acres of square land near the edge of town. The area is mostly dirt with scattered large rocks. The property has paved access from the road but no power/water/utility hookups just yet. Situated 4 minutes from freeway I-580 (395), this campsite is close enough to town for convenience, yet distant

Fairyland West

1 site · Tent10 acres · Virginia City, NV

This property is located near The Tahoe National Forest and is in the northern Sierra Nevadas. On the west side, the forest is characterized by steep, rugged canyons and amidst dense pines and firs. Lofty peaks along the Sierra crest provide 5 miles from Virginia City for special events or tourism.

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Water front on Topaz Lake

1 site · RV, Tent4 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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Model Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents78 acres · Reno, NV

Learn more about this land:We are a high desert setting with 78 acres here. There is a huge lake with trees all around it. Kayaking and canoeing is allowed on the lake but it's not swimmable, sadly. There is nearby access to hiking and off road trails. In addition, we are located about 15 minutes from Pyramid Lake, a huge desert lake where there is boating, swimming, and picniciking. We are also an event center for weddings, and other events! come join us on our beautiful propety!

Reno Basecamp ~Mt Rose ~Tahoe ~WIFI

1 site · RV1 acre · Reno, NV

Thank you for considering our urban basecamp! This is a more traditional RV style gravel parking pad with 1/2 hookups (Water, Power) For long term stays we allow grey water dumping :) The space is next to our garage in a quiet neighborhood and is an excellent spot to recharge or setup for your next adventure. Just 5 minutes off Interstate-80 this is an exceptional spot if you're commuting East or West. There is a small park an easy flat 4 minute walk away that makes for great lounging in the summer. If you're traveling with a pup the parks around the house are great for getting energy out.

The best camping near Fort Churchill State Historic Park guide

Overview

About

On an even lonelier road off of the Loneliest Road in America in Nevada, Fort Churchill State Historic Park is a hidden gem. Home to a late 1800s military fort and overland waystation, the park is also a quiet area for day-use activities and the sole Fort Churchill Campground for camping. This is the place to go if you want to be close to some amenities like vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but also love stargazing—on clear nights, you can see every star in the night sky. This wide-open desert area on the Carson River lends itself to cool summer camping and colorful foliage in the fall. In addition to the on-site campground’s 20 campsites, the park is adjacent to nearby Buckland Station, home to a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping area near the river.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Both the Fort Churchill Campground and the Buckland Station dispersed camping area are first-come, first-served campgrounds and do not accept reservations.
Weekends tend to fill up during spring and fall, but if you come a little early on a Friday, there is sure to be space—especially at Buckland Station.

When to go

Any time of year is a great time to come to Fort Churchill if you come prepared. Summers can be hot but always cool off at night. Late spring and fall are the best times to see wildlife or the fall colors on the cottonwood trees by the Carson River. Winters can be windy and cold with some snow, but daytime temperatures may be nice.

Know before you go

Fort Churchill’s main draw is its 200-acre former outpost and fort. Nevada’s first military fort, it was built in 1860 to protect emigrants heading west. It was also used as a Pony Express station for several years.
The fort is open 24 hours and makes for some fun and creative photography sessions around the adobe buildings.
The park’s visitor center gives a wonderful overview of the fort’s history and life on the California Trail, plus access to a shaded picnic area with plenty of parking for larger RVs.
Fort Churchill is about 40 minutes away from amenities in Fallon or Dayton. Be sure to stock up on food and supplies before coming to the park.