🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Lahontan State Recreation Area

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

50% (1 reviews)
50% (1 reviews)

One of the largest lakes in this high desert area, Lahontan is also quiet and full of wildlife.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lahontan State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lahontan State Recreation Area

98%
(23)

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
Pets
Potable water
from 
$30
 / night
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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
95%
(21)

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!!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
96%
(23)

Soda lake oasis-tent site

2 sites ¡ Tents13 acres ¡ Fallon, NV
Learn more about this land: Gorgeous Lake front tent camping with 360 degree views with access to horse and OHV trail system that spans miles! Bring yourself or bring the whole crew with plenty of peaceful and easy going space to go around. Great access to often windy hills to fly a kite. Perfect access for lake kayak and SUP boarding. There is a perfect 3.1 mile hike around the lake that can be taken as fast or as slow as you wish with plenty of spots to have a break and take in the views. The Soda Lakes are two lakes located northwest of Fallon, Nevada. They occupy two basaltic maar volcano craters which may have erupted in the last 1500 years. The larger lake, called Soda Lake or Big Soda Lake, is somewhat elongated, stretching 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) in length. The smaller one, Little Soda Lake, is 200 meters (660 ft) across. Considered to be a single volcano, the combined craters are young enough that future activity can't be ruled out
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(11)

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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night

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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
87%
(27)

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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
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.
Pets
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
$49
 / night
Booked 4 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
Pets
from 
$35
 / night

The best camping near Lahontan State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Named after an ancient lake that once covered most of Nevada, Lahontan State Recreation Area is still a popular location for boating, fishing, camping, and birdwatching on Lake Lahontan. The park is unique in that it not only offers several developed campsites, but also allows for on-beach primitive camping for those who want to set up camp close to the sand. Lahontan is also close to the small towns of Fallon and Dayton, yet far enough away to offer starry skies and quiet days.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for being near the amenities: Silver Springs Beach #7 is the primary campground, open year-round, with restrooms, picnic tables and grills.
  • Best for the north side of the lake: The River Campground and Blackbird Point Campground both offer beach camping with bathrooms and water for a fee.
  • Best for free camping: The other beaches are open for primitive camping with no amenities. Just park your RV or van right by the water.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. The Silver Springs Beach #7, Blackbird Point, and River campgrounds as well as the primitive camping areas are available on a first-come, first served basis.
  2. While this area is popular on the weekends, the campgrounds never really fill up, so you are bound to find a spot right on the water.

When to go

The state park is open year-round with the best time to visit in late spring, early summer, and fall. Mid-summer can be very hot, and during some drought years, water levels can drop significantly. Most winters are quite mild, but this part of Nevada can get some blustery winds that kick up sand.

Know before you go

  • Lahontan State Recreation Area is located close to a few other destinations including the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge near Fallon and Fort Churchill State Historic Park. The wildlife refuge and Lahontan allow kayaking, so be sure to bring your boat and paddle. If the Carson River is higher and flowing during non-drought years, you can kayak on the river from Fort Churchill down to Lahontan.
  • The nearby town of Fallon is home to the Fallon Naval Air Station and the Navy Fighter Weapons School, or Top Gun. You may be able to see a few fighter jets doing their maneuvers in the sky near the park.
  • You would never guess that some of the best food in the area is served at a gas station. The Gourmet Deli at 76, set in Fernley, serves up homemade Iranian and Indian food, as well as homemade pizza and sandwiches.

Top cities near Lahontan State Recreation Area

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.