Desert camping in Nevada with wildlife watching
Explore mountains, lakes, high desert, and hoodoos in this western state.
91% (962 reviews)
- Nevada
91% (962 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Nevada
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12 top desert campgrounds in Nevada with wildlife watching
97%
(117)
Schellraiser
92 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Mc Gill, NV
The Schellraiser music festival offers a variety of seasonal camping options on our 80-acre private campground in the cool high desert of far Eastern Nevada's Steptoe Valley, near the small town of McGill.
Our Lotus Belle-brand bell tents are solar powered and fully furnished, with king-, queen- and twin-size beds, Avocado-brand mattresses, rugs, loveseats, floor lamps, charging ports and wi-fi service.
Our campground also features two solar-powered shipping container homes; the larger of the two homes also has a small kitchen area and now serves as our clubhouse from Thursday through Sunday nights.
Car camping and pitch-your-own-tent sites without power are available, as well, as are furnished yurts without power.
We currently have a heated six-unit restroom/shower trailer on site.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, TO ENSURE THAT OUR CAMPGROUND MEETS YOUR EXPECTATIONS: We are a totally off-grid campground, in an extremely remote part of rural Eastern Nevada. To reach our campground, you must travel eight-tenths of a mile off the main highway, on a dirt road that is susceptible to flooding from record snowmelt from April to mid-July during wet years. Drivers with Teslas and other low-clearance vehicles are strongly advised to look elsewhere for lodging; Subaru drivers may actually enjoy the brief trip out.
PLEASE READ ALL CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS, OUR FIRE BAN ADVISORY AND CAMPGROUND RULES BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR STAY WITH US.
ABOUT THE AREA: Schellraiser is just minutes away from the High Schells and Bristlecone wilderness areas, and within an hour's drive of Nevada's wildest mountain and desert scenery.
High peaks, rugged canyons, wild rock formations, natural hot springs and ghost towns are all around us, and the surrounding area is teeming with wildlife, including the state's largest elk herd.
ABOUT US: We're the home base of the annual Schellraiser micro-fest, which brings bands like Ladytron, Mercury Rev, Blonde Redhead, Asleep At The Wheel, The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Old 97's, Houndmouth, Death Valley Girls, Titus Andronicus, Nikki Lane, Shannon Shaw and BRONCHO to the nearby McGill Pool Park each June.
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94%
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Havens Ranch
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents154 acres · Winnemucca, NV
Havens Ranch is a 154 acres in the Humboldt river valley just 10 minutes outside of Winnemucca, NV. We have a small outdoor wedding venue, and only rent our spaces when we are not hosting an event. You are welcome to utilize the grounds and facilities, which include a beautifully landscaped lawn, historic buildings and modern plumed bathrooms. We also provide access to fresh well water and use of our large fire pits!
**Please note that our bathrooms are not insulated and so we winterize the plumbing the in the colder months and will instead be providing a porta-john. There will still be potable running water available at the spigot. **
The river is a short walk away, and our longhorn cattle will most likely be grazing in the adjacent field. We have incredible sunsets and a variety of wildlife living on the property. This is a great space to get away from the city for a weekend, or camp for a night on your way through town.
We have both a guest suite and several camping spaces available. It's a large property and we love to share it!
If you are looking for outdoor activities, we are just minutes away from the Winnemucca Dunes OHV area (also great for hiking!), Water Canyon rec site, the Bloody Shins mountain biking trail system, and about an hour away from the Paradise Valley rock climbing area. We are 10 minutes from Winnemucca, about half way between Reno and Elko.
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$45
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Death Valley Camp
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Beatty, NV
Our 8-acre property is located in the Mojave Desert surrounded by BLM land and nearby Death Valley National Park. One of the first vineyards in Nevada, we grow 5 varietals of grapes and make wine on-site. We offer guests camping, glamping, and an RV site.
Camping and Glamping sites are located next to the vines and include picnic tables, shared composting toilets, kitchenette (bbq, gas cooktop), and an outdoor shower in our rustic bathhouse. We also have a community area "The Wine Hall" with ping-pong, refrigerator, microwave, and water cooler.
Outside our gates, enjoy biking, hiking, scrambling, and exploring the Amargosa Desert and nearby Skeleton Hills.
Nearby attractions include Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge (30-minutes) and Death Valley National Park (45-minutes). We have spent a lot of time in the park and are happy to answer questions, make suggestions, or even take you on a tour.
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$35
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Desert Paradise with Mountain Views
1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Moapa Valley, NV
Learn more about this land:Tiny farm campsite in Southern Nevada surrounded by beautiful mountains, trails, green hay fields and simple farm life. Grassy field campsite with large shade trees lining the west and beautiful 180 degree mountain views surrounding. Secluded and peaceful setting perfect for bird watching and open skies for stargazing at night. Valley of Fire, Lake Mead and Red rock mountains with ATV and hiking trails less than 30 minutes away. You can park a trailer, or set up your tent with water available, and commode with eco friendly composting toilet. Wifi available close to the house only.
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Retro Camper with Mountain Views
3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Jean, NV
Welcome to your peaceful, desert getaway. This little Retro Camper is only about 35 minutes from the Strip. The property is home to Joshua trees, desert mountain views, beautiful sunsets, and some of the best star gazing around.
The camper comes with a full kitchen, a refrigerator, microwave, and gas stove. Dishes and utensils are provided as well as bedding and towels. The bed is about a full size bed, maybe a bit smaller, cozy for two people to sleep in. The camper comes with two space heaters and extra blankets for the winter, an overhead air conditioning unit for the summer. The shower has cold water only and is an outdoor shower.
Check out our "Extras" to reserve firewood and a S'mores Kit to enjoy under the stars!
Head across the street to the Pioneer Saloon for some great food and live music. Enjoy the beautiful scenery just outside of one of the biggest travel destinations in the USA!
IG: @nvretrocamper
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$82
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87%
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Herzog Homestead
5 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Deeth, NV
Learn more about this land:This Ranch sits halfway between WELLS and Elko Nevada just off the I 80 if you go north of the next freeway exit 5 miles East of us (Exit 333 Deeth) you can drive north to Charleston or Jarbidge Nevada it’s about 50 miles to Charleston or northeast to O’Neil Basin, Taber creek, or 12 mile hot springs then to the south of us we have the Ruby Mountains and beautiful Lamoille Canyon they’re about 30 to 50 miles depending on the route you take if you go through Secret Pass and another 30 or so miles south you have the ruby marshes then we have south fork reservoir 15 miles south of Elko Wildhorse reservoir 60 miles north of Elko is Angel Lake about 40 miles away 8 miles south of Wells we also have Ruby Mountain Brewery just 15 miles south of Wells in Clover Valley plus many other beautiful places to visit
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97%
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The Stone Ranch
2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Silver Springs, NV
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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
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#1 Night Skies, UFOs, & Jets
1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Rachel, NV
Wide open desert with history. In the 1800s the area was prospected for lead and silver. It was also used as farmland decades ago, and now is infamous for it's world class night skies and Area 51 air force installation. Although you can see planes taking off towards the Nellis Bombing Range, or see jetfighter training exercises or even test flights, the US Government still hasn't acknowledged the existence of the facility... that you are not allowed to enter. This is also a UFO hotspot and required visiting for those that believe Earth may have visitors. This land means a lot to a lot of different people. For some, it means peace from city life. For others, it is the perfect setting for reflection on your life. Many find it to be the kind of adventurous or challenging tent camping they've sought. You'd be foolish not to count yourself among those the photographers, amateur astronomers, or souls that enjoy the continental United States' "darkest skies" with the least amount of light pollution in this part of the world. Some simply like camping and getting free air shows. Finally, if you enjoy UFO stories or stories of our men in black, there is an itinerary for you here that nowhere else can provide. This area is on many "independent researchers" must-visit list. If all that weren't enough, there is an indescribable feeling of bedding down for the night in this valley. Maybe 100% of people don't feel it, but so many past visitors who have spent the night near the Extraterrestrial Highway (the real name of Nevada State Route 395 that this land is accessible from) can vouch for it.
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Rockin' N Ranch Buena Vista Valley
5 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Unionville, NV
Diehard winter camper discount code VSF15XBQ
**Please follow arrival instructions on your site. Please arrive before sunset. It was November 2018 we found this 80 acre property, unlike the hundreds we looked at, this one had a taste of the Wild West, settlers, Signs of ocean presence, shells, fossils. It was a chilly December week 2018 we came to see what it would be like to live here in the winter. We stayed a week in a aluminum horse trailer waking up to amazing sunrises, making awful coffee over a fire. Making an evening campfire to cook, bbq and making cocktails sitting on logs.
I gathered all the geographical data I could to build what is now 120,000 sq ft horse rescue facility completely off grid accept with minimal generator help to run well pumps.
Why Hipcamp? We loved the breathtaking scenery that almost doesn't look real with frosted tip of mountains, the smell of with sage in the cool breeze. We carved out our camp sites in the very same spot we stayed in the horse trailer to share that experience with others! Our campsites are now lightly graveled, mostly level, with rock firepits made from rocks gathered on the property and each spot has tree rounds to sit on from our Ca. Ranch.
Book and come experience serenity !
Learn more about this land:
For your best experience, we highly recommend arriving during daylight and follow the directions we have provided, your mapping app and GPS will mislead you.
The Rockin’ N Ranch is located on 80 acres in the picturesque Buena Vista Valley of Pershing County, and backs to 600 acres of BLM land. Boasts 360 degree views of the Humbolt, East, and Stillwater Mountain Ranges. Bring your OHV’s, horses, hiking boots, binoculars, and telescopes! Thousands of miles of trails, abundant wildlife and night skies like you have never seen before.This is an opportunity to disconnect with the fast pace of day to day life and push the refresh button surrounded by nature.Located 11 miles from Star Peak the highest and most ¬¬--topographically prominent mountain in both the Humbolt Range and Pershing County. We are also approximately 11 miles from historic Ghost Town, Star City, a silver mining boom town. In the mid 1860’s Star¬¬¬¬¬¬ City was home to 2 hotels, 3 general stores, a Wells-fargo branch, a church and more than a dozen saloons with a population of 1200. Today you can explore the ruins of the past and enjoy the gorgeous views. Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary is just 9.2 miles down the road. Safe Haven is home exotic animals requiring lifetime rehabilitation and sanctuary and offers tours. Kyle Hot Spring is just 8.2 miles down the road where you can take a soak and watch the sun dip behind the Humbolt Mountain Range. Thunder Mountain Monument is located 22.2 miles from the Rock’ N Ranch and was built by Chief Thunder, Frank Van Zant. Rye Patch Reservoir is just 44 miles east on Hwy 80 for all your water, fishing, boating. Or simply explore the beauty of the diverse terrain of Buena Vista Valley. Find wild sage fields, the dry lake bed, or head higher up in the elevation. Wild life abounds! Wild horses have been seen just 7 miles away from the Rockin’ N’ Ranch. This is truly where the antelope and the deer play. You may even see a golden eagle soar.The Rockin’ N’ Ranch is also home to The Medicine Horse Project a horse rescue and sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and when possible rehoming of horses that have suffered abuse, abandonment, neglect or displacement. MHP partners these animals with humans seeking hope, healing and resilience, through our H.I.G.H. (Horse Inspired Growth and Healing) programs. We facilitate programs with veterans, first responders, women’s empowerment and at risk youth.The Rockin’ N. Ranch owners Morgan and Chris have a host of activities they can offer you. Tour the horse rescue, help with morning or evening feeding, treat yourself to a H.I.G.H. session or get some coaching on your partnership with your own horse. Just ask for a menu of ranch activities.Bring your tent or RV for dry camping. Don’t leave your horses at home, bring them along with your portable corral and feed, we can supply them some water. We have a lighted round corral for evening enjoyment and you certainly don’t want to miss an evening sunset ride. (The Rockin’ N Ranch does not offer horses for riding or rent). *Land owner's reserve the right to revoke entrance, passage, and accomodations without cause.
#2023 annular solar eclipse
#2024 eclipse path of totality
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Montello Camp GFP
5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Montello, NV
Camp on 10 acres in Montello, Nevada with your RV or tent.
The bar, food, and gas are 17 minutes away. No water or power but cell service is good and again, town is super close by. You could walk if you needed to. Decent access via dirt road. There’s an RV park and motel close by if you run into trouble. Have fun fishing, skiing, biking, and exploring on high desert terrain! Close to Dake Reservoir & Dam, Bald Eagle Mountain, Nevada’s Rocky Butte, Pilot Peak, Murdock Mountain, and Toano Range. You can gamble at the bar, play pool, or sing karaoke if you go with a group. Get a hold of me if you want to explore together or need a guide (again on Air BnB, my FB messenger is too crowded). Host events; throw a party. Do whatever to your heart’s content as long as you respect the far away neighbors and the land.
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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.
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Ethereal Ranch
50 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Osino, NV
22 miles from the city of Elko, remote enough to enjoy the peace and quiet, while just a short car ride to the town of Ryndon that can provide you with all of your essentials. Hundreds of acres of land to keep you busy with incredible outdoor activities. Set up your camp and enjoy your stay!
Stunning views of the ruby mountain range in addition to being home to the state's only population of mountain goats, the Rubies are also home to Nevada's largest mule deer herd.
All funds go to our animal sanctuary under the Ethereal Ranch Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, ranch operations and development.
Animals are free-ranged and may include but not limited to livestock, domestic and exotic rescued animals.
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Under $50
Available this weekend
Desert camping in Nevada with wildlife watching guide
Overview
When most people think of Nevada, one of two things come to mind: either Las Vegas or desert landscapes. It's an understandable assessment; after all, most of the state's population is concentrated in the Las Vegas area, and much of the state is, indeed, rugged desert land. In fact, it’s the driest state in the union. That said, Nevada offers plenty more than casinos and barren expanses and is a fantastic place if you want to get out in nature without crowds. Here you’ll find massive mountain peaks, ancient rock formations, Wild West towns, oddball roadside attractions, and plenty of opportunities to commune with nature in near silence.
Where to go
Northern Nevada
Nevada's northernmost stretch is characterized by Wild West nostalgia and quiet communities, many heavily influenced by the descendants of the Basque immigrants who settled the region in the 19th century. The western part is home to both the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and the Black Rock Desert, where Burning Man is held every year. Continue further east and you'll find yourself in the remote Ruby Mountains, an amazing place to hike, camp, and birdwatch.
North-Central Nevada
This quiet swathe of Nevada has some of the best outdoor attractions in the state, from the Lehman Caves system in Great Basin National Park to the massive sand dunes appropriately known as Sand Mountain. If you really want to get a feel for the region, take a long drive down desolate Highway 50, which follows the old Pony Express route. Drive far enough west and you'll end up in Lake Tahoe, offering year-round recreation and easy access to the largest alpine lake on the continent.
Central Nevada
Vast central Nevada offers a mix of quirky roadside attractions and rocky scenery. Cathedral Gorge State Park is particularly fantastic, with otherworldly caves, towering hoodoos, and more than its fair share of jackrabbits. Fans of the supernatural won't want to miss a trip along the so-called Extraterrestrial Highway, which passes Area 51 along with all sorts of UFO-themed oddities.
Southern Nevada
Although Las Vegas is southern Nevada's undisputed star, there's plenty to see and do in the region beyond Sin City, from immersing yourself in Wild West history at the Pioneer Saloon in Jean to learning about the history of hydroelectric energy at the massive Hoover Dam. If you want to take a hike, head to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where you'll find over 30 miles of red sandstone-flanked trails.
Safety at Hipcamp
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