The best waterfall campgrounds in Nevada

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.

82% (139)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

82% (139)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Schellraiser

98%

(197)

92 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mc Gill, NV

The Schellraiser music fest offers a variety of seasonal camping options at our 80-acre private campground in the cool high desert of 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 beds; organic Avocado-brand mattresses; rugs; loveseats; floor lamps; charging ports and wi-fi service. Car-camping and pitch-your-own-tent sites without power are also available. Our campground features several tiny homes; we've converted the biggest one into our clubhouse that is now open to all guests from Thursday through Sunday nights. The clubhouse has a small kitchen area for cooking simple meals. We're also gearing up to reopen our coffee bar on weekends in late spring 2025; our menu features hot and cold espresso drinks, organic teas and organic chocolate bars. A heated six-unit restroom/shower trailer is on site. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, TO ENSURE THAT WE MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS: We are an OFF-GRID campground, in a very remote part of rural Eastern Nevada. To reach our campground, you must drive eight-tenths of a mile off the main highway, on a rocky DIRT ROAD that is susceptible to flooding from April to mid-July in wet years. Drivers with Teslas, Audis and low-clearance vehicles are STRONGLY ADVISED to look elsewhere for lodging. PLEASE READ ALL CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS, OUR TRAVEL ADVISORY, 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 high-mountain and high-desert scenery. Subalpine 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 Nevada's biggest elk herd. ABOUT US: We're the founders of the annual Schellraiser micro-fest, which brought bands like Ladytron, Mercury Rev, The Raveonettes, Blonde Redhead, Asleep At The Wheel, We Are Scientists, The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Old 97's, Houndmouth, Shannon Shaw and BRONCHO to the nearby McGill Pool Park each spring. The fest will return to a new venue (not in McGill) in 2026.

2. Natural Time Retreat Center...

1 site · RV · Gardnerville Ranchos, NV

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

3. Mtn City Fishing Hunting camping

100%

(4)

1 site · Tent, RV · Owyhee, NV

Thank you for checking out the Mountain City Hunters Camping Fishing site. This camping site is located just south of the border of Idaho by 16 miles and in the northern tip of Nevada. It's in an isolated location surrounded by 1000 of acres of BLM and Indian reservation land. The beautiful property sits directly on the Owyhee River with barbwire ole fencing required to keep the cattle out. Please cross over at your own risk when fishing on the 2 acres of open property. There are tons of were there a few weeks ago 9/23 and picked up seven trouts in less than hours. Fun for all. There are tons of hunting spots in Idaho and Nevada in this area from Ducks, antelope, Deer, Elk, you call it! This site borders and just outside of the Duck Valley Reservation. We see hunters go up to Rio Tinto and across the Bridge to Nowhere, all within minutes of the Mtn city. The town of Mtn City is referred to as a Ghost town today. It was once busting with people back in the 1930's to 1977's with copper and silver mining in and and around the surrounding area. If you drive around, you will see ruined homes and mines that have been condemned now but it's certainly fun to take a hike or 4-wheel in the area and check it all out. Privacy, quiet, peace, and wild animals roam the area. Tons of hiking and off-roading trails everywhere can be found here. It's a quiet, peaceful area with a total of 14 very kind and helpful residents that live in town full-time. This camping area has a long 2 acres of running River along it for fishing. The water is low right now, FALL/WINTER 2023, because they are working on the dam which actually makes fishing better. Bring worms or even bacon. These fish are hungry. There is TONS of flat land on this site to serve several RV's and 1 POLE with 110 outlet, if needed. We have wifi for your convenience but once you leave the area, there is NO WIFI anywhere for many miles. A local small bar is located next to the property. It doesn't look like much from the outside but worth checking out. Great cold beer, whiskey, Bourbon just no wine can be found there. They also have a few slot machines and smoking is allowed inside. There is also food during the Late spring, summer, and early Fall after 5PM available for those who want a break. Rex runs this place and cooks the best. I recommend the Rex Burger. If you need a grocery store, gas, or even a few supplies, head north to Owyhee Reservation to the "Our Grocery or Ace Hardware". It is about a 15 min drive away. The closest city is Elko, 1.5 hours away, and or Boise 2.5 hours away. There is also a local health/urgent care in the town of Owyhee (Indian reservation) in case of emergency. Again, this is a very remote, private place many folks don't know about it. There is also several reservoirs with excellent fishing close by if you want to take a boat out there. Check out: Maning Reservoir Sheep Creek Reservoir Dry Creek Reservoir Wild horse Reservoir and many more. And the River is right on site. Please cross over the barbed wire on the property at your own risk. We are not responsible for getting yourself hooked up if that happens. There are spots you can pass through. Just be sure to leave the way it was when you leave, please. Well, we hope you consider this ole fun retreat and one more thing. The older building on the land is an old historic jail. We are working on it and in time we hope to Air B&B to use it. Give us another year for that. Enjoy, have fun, and be safe!

Public campgrounds in Nevada

100%

(8)

Hilltop Campground

35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(4)

Angel Lake Campground

26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

View looking to the east from the campground.

100%

(3)

Angel Creek Campground

18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Trail Heading up Stewart Creek, to Arc Dome

100%

(3)

Columbine Campground

5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(2)

Mount Rose Campground

25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(1)

Mahogany Grove Campground

6 sites · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(1)

Desert Creek Campground

6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(1)

Peavine Creek Campground

17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

95%

(10)

Nevada Beach Campground

49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

92%

(6)

Zephyr Cove Resort and Campground

150 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Ranch Campground

7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Valley State Park

McWilliams Campground

40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Jim

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mtn City Fishing Hunting camping

Nice spot, quiet, was nice to have power. Make sure to confirm the WiFi details. We couldn’t connect, which is normally not a big deal, but I missed the part of the instructions on how to access the river and couldn’t log onto the app to confirm. No cell service at spot. I wound definitely recommend though. Cristina was very responsive and helpful.

K

Kelly

August 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mtn City Fishing Hunting camping

Exactly as described. Multiple flat places to park our trailer. Brought a genie so we could park as close to the water as we could. Private fishing/swimming hole. So many places to explore. It was our own private oasis in the expansive desert. Christine has great communication and made sure we had everything we needed. We are already planning our next trip. Highly recommend. 10/10

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(69)

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Mono City, California

94%

(122)

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

South Lake Tahoe, California

Spring Valley State Park

Ursine, Nevada

Other options in Nevada

Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort

42 sites · Las Vegas, NV

Discover the unique charm of The Oasis Las Vegas, a premier RV resort that stands out with its enchanting "Casablanca" tropical theme. Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, this resort offers guests a serene escape from the bustling city while providing easy access to its vibrant nightlife and attractions. At The Oasis, you can unwind in comfort and style, enjoying spacious sites that ensure privacy and relaxation. The resort features a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay, including a sparkling pool, hot tubs, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Guests can also explore nearby natural wonders, indulge in outdoor activities, or visit local restaurants and shops that showcase the best of Las Vegas. Please note that starting July 1, 2024, The Oasis will begin transitioning all daily and monthly sites from grass to desert rock, as mandated by Clark County regulations. This process may take several months and could involve some noise in your area. If you wish to relocate your site during this time, our team is here to assist you, though please understand that no compensation will be provided for this change. We appreciate your understanding as we work to enhance the resort's sustainability.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterfall camping in Nevada guide

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.