The best desert campgrounds near Truckee, California

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a desert camping experience near Truckee, California, you're in luck. We have over 160 options available for you to choose from. With options as low as $20 per night and an average price of $41 per night, you can find the perfect campsite that fits your budget. Some of our top campsites near Truckee, California, with a desert terrain include Paradise Shores Camp (371 reviews), Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (315 reviews), and Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras (27 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as cooking equipment, toilets, and trash facilities. Plus, you can enjoy activities like boating, surfing, and wildlife watching during your camping adventure. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable desert camping experience!

85% (228)

Top-rated campgrounds near Truckee

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a desert camping experience near Truckee, California, you're in luck. We have over 160 options available for you to choose from. With options as low as $20 per night and an average price of $41 per night, you can find the perfect campsite that fits your budget. Some of our top campsites near Truckee, California, with a desert terrain include Paradise Shores Camp (371 reviews), Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (315 reviews), and Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras (27 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as cooking equipment, toilets, and trash facilities. Plus, you can enjoy activities like boating, surfing, and wildlife watching during your camping adventure. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable desert camping experience!

85% (228)

Top-rated campgrounds near Truckee

1. L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

96%

(255)

20mi from Truckee · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!! The ranch store is self serve mostly. There are price sheets and payment methods listed!

2. Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

96%

(37)

28mi from Truckee · 1 site · Tent, RV

We love to pass our free time here in the sunshine and juniper drafts overlooking the Sierras. Some days we watch the electric storms across the valley, other afternoons we picnic and nap while listening to the birds and wind.  We love the peace and silence, which feels remarkably remote and only 20 minutes from Reno.  Learn more about this land: We would love to share our 12 junipered acres with nature enthusiasts like ourselves. Bring your tent or camper and spend afternoons watching beautiful sunsets and wildlife from our land.  Spectacular expansive views across the valley to the Sierras and Mount Rose.  Conveniently 15 minutes from South Reno (40 minutes from North Lake Tahoe), the silence and absolute privacy here are restorative and replenishing.  We do not have trash collection services available and we ask all guest to practice a “leave no trace” philosophy.  **Because of extreme fire risk in our area we ask guests to refrain from having campfires for now. As this area is home to beautiful wildlife (and a few other distant homeowners) please visit with an intent to respect the quiet and privacy that makes this area so pleasurable for us all.  Thanks for visiting and enjoy your time!  

3. Haven On The Comstock

90%

(5)

31mi from Truckee · 1 site · Tent, RV

This gem of a spot is in the heart of the Comstock and perfectly placed at less than 5 miles from Virginia City and 45 minutes to Lake Tahoe.

4. Washoe Lake State Park

100%

(1)

49 sites · Washoe Valley, Nevada

Just a stone’s throw from Reno and Carson City, this park sits on a lake at the base of the Tahoe Range.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Welsh Grizzly Camp

100%

(6)

39mi from Truckee · 3 sites · RVs

Tucked in the pines, you'll easily find our 4 acre camping paradise. We offer RV parking with power and water hookups and access to an outhouse. Our sites offer plenty of shade in the trees, picnic benches, a swing set, large open graveled space with outdoor furniture to sit and relax in, play cornhole or grill. Located less than a mile from Lake Davis, for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, etc. General Store close by, with dump station. Several hiking trails nearby. 5 minute drive to Grizzly Golf Course, 10 minute drive to Portola for Mountain Pizza, Frosty, and more, just 20 minutes to Graeeagle Shops, Breweries, Fine Dining, horseback riding and other activities. This is the perfect place to camp with your family and friends!

6. Natural Time Retreat Center...

40mi from Truckee · 1 site · RV

Gardnerville Ranchos is a desert oasis located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains forty minutes from Lake Tahoe. Our property is biking distance from the East Fork Carson River. The Ranchos is a small retirement community within walking distance of our local bowling alley where you can take (free) transit to Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Reno. Carons Hotsprings and Wally's Hotsprings are both accessible through community (Dart) Transit as well. With the help of my Father Steve, Sandy Gibson built the House of Gibson in 1983/1984. We are on one acre with an orchard, trees, and a pond. My parents (Steve and Sandy) passed in 2021; We are currently busy with restoring the property. Our neighborhood is safe and quiet. Drop in and stay for a spell... Highland Regards, Jason G. Gibson Gibson Core Family

7. The Range Rural Raw Desert

47mi from Truckee · 1 site · Tent, RV

🌵 Welcome to O’Doyle Grade! 🌵 Pitch your tent or park your RV in the raw desert beauty of Doyle—where wide-open skies meet small-town charm. Just 10 minutes from Plumas Forest (home to some of the area’s best-kept bouldering secrets) and only 30 seconds from the friendly Buck Inn Bar, you’ll be perfectly positioned for both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy a quiet rural escape just off the freeway, with endless forest fun and mountain views only moments away. Whether you’re here for climbing, exploring, or simply soaking in the peace of the high desert, O’Doyle Grade is your gateway to it all.

8. Silver City RV Resort

30mi from Truckee · 5 sites

Discover the charm of Silver City Resort, a unique RV campground nestled in the picturesque Carson Valley, where the spirit of the Wild West comes alive. This premier destination in Nevada offers an exceptional experience for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Our campground features 206 spacious full-hookup sites, each designed for your comfort with 35-foot wide pull-throughs. Enjoy the convenience of telephone and cable TV services, along with complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the park. Take a refreshing dip in our covered swimming pool or unwind in the relaxing spa. With a variety of amenities at your fingertips, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the stunning natural surroundings, perfect for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Plus, you'll find a selection of nearby restaurants and shops to enhance your stay. Experience the best of Nevada at Silver City Resort, where adventure and relaxation await.

Camper favorites near Truckee

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Welsh Grizzly Camp

100%

(6)

39mi from Truckee · 3 sites · RVs

Tucked in the pines, you'll easily find our 4 acre camping paradise. We offer RV parking with power and water hookups and access to an outhouse. Our sites offer plenty of shade in the trees, picnic benches, a swing set, large open graveled space with outdoor furniture to sit and relax in, play cornhole or grill. Located less than a mile from Lake Davis, for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, etc. General Store close by, with dump station. Several hiking trails nearby. 5 minute drive to Grizzly Golf Course, 10 minute drive to Portola for Mountain Pizza, Frosty, and more, just 20 minutes to Graeeagle Shops, Breweries, Fine Dining, horseback riding and other activities. This is the perfect place to camp with your family and friends!

Natural Time Retreat Center...

40mi from Truckee · 1 site · RV

Gardnerville Ranchos is a desert oasis located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains forty minutes from Lake Tahoe. Our property is biking distance from the East Fork Carson River. The Ranchos is a small retirement community within walking distance of our local bowling alley where you can take (free) transit to Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Reno. Carons Hotsprings and Wally's Hotsprings are both accessible through community (Dart) Transit as well. With the help of my Father Steve, Sandy Gibson built the House of Gibson in 1983/1984. We are on one acre with an orchard, trees, and a pond. My parents (Steve and Sandy) passed in 2021; We are currently busy with restoring the property. Our neighborhood is safe and quiet. Drop in and stay for a spell... Highland Regards, Jason G. Gibson Gibson Core Family

The Range Rural Raw Desert

47mi from Truckee · 1 site · Tent, RV

🌵 Welcome to O’Doyle Grade! 🌵 Pitch your tent or park your RV in the raw desert beauty of Doyle—where wide-open skies meet small-town charm. Just 10 minutes from Plumas Forest (home to some of the area’s best-kept bouldering secrets) and only 30 seconds from the friendly Buck Inn Bar, you’ll be perfectly positioned for both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy a quiet rural escape just off the freeway, with endless forest fun and mountain views only moments away. Whether you’re here for climbing, exploring, or simply soaking in the peace of the high desert, O’Doyle Grade is your gateway to it all.

Silver City RV Resort

30mi from Truckee · 5 sites

Discover the charm of Silver City Resort, a unique RV campground nestled in the picturesque Carson Valley, where the spirit of the Wild West comes alive. This premier destination in Nevada offers an exceptional experience for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Our campground features 206 spacious full-hookup sites, each designed for your comfort with 35-foot wide pull-throughs. Enjoy the convenience of telephone and cable TV services, along with complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the park. Take a refreshing dip in our covered swimming pool or unwind in the relaxing spa. With a variety of amenities at your fingertips, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the stunning natural surroundings, perfect for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Plus, you'll find a selection of nearby restaurants and shops to enhance your stay. Experience the best of Nevada at Silver City Resort, where adventure and relaxation await.

Public campgrounds near Truckee

100%

(1)

Washoe Lake Campground

24mi from Truckee · 49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Washoe Lake State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Michael

November 2025

15 ft Class B

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Amazing property and very friendly host! Would Highly recommend

F

Frankenstein

November 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

A safe and fun place to rest and recovery during an adventure. I enjoyed all the alpaca friends I made during my stay, all very curious to see what I was cooking up. There is a lovely little shop for you to browse while staying there and you are able to feed the alpacas! The community who help tend the land and care for the animals are lovely people and gave me quite the education on alpacas.

A

Amanda

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Wonderful place to camp! Beautiful location and so fun to have the alpacas roaming around.

T

Trevor

October 2025

22 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Amazing. Easy to find. The campground is fantastic, highlighted by the alpaca's. I brought my 9yr old daughter, and she was in love. They are incredibly friendly, sweet animals. It was an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommend.

Aiyana

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Not every day am I surrounded by alpacas! This is a unique experience for animal lovers, giving you the chance to observe or interact with alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and farm dogs. My 10 year old was both enthralled and overwhelmed by the eager alpacas. Camping is pleasant, with a lovely setting, adequate porta-potty, some space between rigs, easy pull through, clear directions, friendly staff. Bring ear plugs if barking livestock guardian dogs will disturb your sleep (I was bothered, my family was not).

E

Erik

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Haven On The Comstock

I had a great time at Noel’s! Got to see some wild horses roaming the area while we had lunch one of the days. Weather was perfect land was flat for our rigs!

S

Susan

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Magnificent stay! The alpacas were so chill and loved my dogs. The farm store had great products and the other campers we lovely

C

Candice

October 2025

Tent

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

It was pretty cool camping with the Alpacas! We loved the views the property offered. We fed the Alpacas and got some cute pictures. We got some cute things in her little store too. Stacy was super accommodating and friendly. Would stay again.

C

Cyn

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

We stayed one night at Olde Lyfe Alpacas and absolutely loved it! The ranch is peaceful and full of charm. Stacey was such a kind and welcoming host. You can really feel how much care and love she puts into the animals. ALL the animals (alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, dogs, chickens) were adorable and fun to watch, and waking up to them made it such a cool experience. It was the perfect quiet stop on our trip, and we’d definitely come back again (and stay longer next time!). Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a peaceful and unique camping experience.

P

Paige

September 2025

30 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Great spot to post up for a night and meet of the alpacas and other cute farm critters! Conveniently close to Tahoe, too! Parking directions were a bit confusing but a helpful farm member was quick to assist.

R

Rebekah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

We had a great time! It was our first time taking our 2.5 year old camping and she LOVED the farm!!

J

Jessica

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Stacey's Alpaca farm is so precious. She's a hard working woman who cares a lot about her animals. The campsite is beautiful with the surroundings. You get what you get here amenity wise. We don't come for the "glamping" style here. We come for the Alpacas and other animals of course and the land is beautiful. Everyone kept quiet around us both times we stayed there and we had like 5-6 other guests on the property. Stacey's Dog will bark to protect the animals. I seen an Alpaca kick the shit out of a dog who didn't leave it alone so watch out lol We camped in our tent but others camped in their RVs, Airstreamers, and there's one Glamping style hut there too. She has 2 porta potties, and water available to wash your hands. Bring every else, especially if you need more water. We packed out our trash. This place is really meant for you to enjoy the outdoors for cheap, on safe land, and to hang out with cool animals. Definitely will be back for our 3rd time soon. Thanks Stacey and Staff.

Zoe

September 2025

12 ft campervan

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Hands down one of my very favorite stays. Stacey is a welcoming host and her herd is absolutely the cutest.

T

Trey

September 2025

Tent

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

It was a pleasure to stay on Stacey's land. Not only was she a great host, but the views were gorgeous and hanging out with the alpacas (and llamas and dogs and chickens and goats) was a super cool experience. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for some peace and quiet under the stars. And if you stay, be sure to feed the alpacas (and don't be surprised when the pellets start flying)!

A

Ann

September 2025

20 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

If you like alpacas, this is an easy place to find and stay the night with beautiful views. There’s a super cute little farm store and the alpacas were friendly and liked the attention. There was one other van (quiet couple) and someone staying in the glamping tent but no crazy noises, just some chickens in the morning ;)

A

Amit

September 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Alpacas are adorable and just as you would expect. Stacey (the owner and host) is very knowledgeable and was great to chat with her. We loved our stay and will be back!

M

Marta

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

We had an amazing time! The starts in the night, feeding the animals, leaving with fresh eggs. All around fantastic experience.

G

Grayson

September 2025

Tent

5 nights at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

I loved staying at the alpaca ranch. I would recommend!

S

Steve

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welsh Grizzly Camp

Our second visit was just as great as the first! Jesse and Angela have an outstanding property and are excellent hosts. We highly recommend them!

Olga

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

My group and I enjoyed our time at Stacey’s ranch so much. Stacey is an incredible host who created a very unique destination to visit. Everyone from little children to adults in our group had an incredible time at the camp. All of us plan to be back sometimes in the future.