Camping in Nevada with wildlife watching

Explore mountains, lakes, high desert, and hoodoos in this western state.

90% (1089 reviews)
  1. Nevada
90% (1089 reviews)

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Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Nevada with wildlife watching

97%
(146)

Schellraiser

92 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · 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.
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$18
 / night
98%
(146)

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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$76.50
 / night
87%
(77)

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
 / night
98%
(371)

Tarantula Ranch

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Beatty, NV
Tarantula Ranch 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 bathhouse with toilets and shower, outdoor kitchen (bbq, gas cooktop). We also have a community area "The Wine Hall" with ping-pong, shuffleboard, refrigerator, and microwave. 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
 / night
93%
(40)

#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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$16
 / night
86%
(74)

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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$25
 / night
92%
(12)

Sage Desert Dreams

3 sites · Lodging4 acres · Mount Charleston, NV
Get out of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature when you stay in this unique place. Local Deer and fox roaming the area if you are lucky to see them. Wake up to a gorgeous mountain/valley view , BBQ during the day and enjoy smore's with the firepit at night. Miles of hiking right off the property and in the surrounding areas. Lots of local dirt bike, side by side riders in the area as well, and horse back riding! If your a plant enthusiast like me, you will have fun scoping out all the natural medicinal herbs naturally growing in the area, i.e. sage, mullein, brigham tea, and many more! Enjoy the entire valley with the view and privacy up on the hillside. Some neighbors across the street in a container home and tent rentals about a half mile away. This is an outdoor off grid Glamping experience! Bring items you would normally bring camping (DRY CAMPING), but you have the luxury of having shelter, bed, sofa bed, refrigerator/ freezer, propane grill, propane stove, well water provided, and ability to have camp fire as the dome is located on private land not Forest land. Wifi is provided complimentary and as a luxury. Wifi is supported by Starlink and works about 85% of the time due to its remote location and weather conditions. RENTAL AMENITIES BBQ charcoal grill Bed linen Carbon monoxide detector Ceiling fans Coffee machine Cooking utensils Fire extinguisher First aid kit Internet wireless (85%) Mountain Parking Parking on street Pets allowed Private porch Refrigerator Security system Shower Smoke detector Smoking allowed outside Suitable for events Disclaimer: Please do not follow any maps/ or GPS coordinates given by the rental/booking site. THERE IS NO ADDRESS. Please only use instructions provided to you by the host so that you do not get lost. 4-wheel drive highly recommended as it is off-road/ off-grid driving... You will be required to drive a vehicle with at least a 5 inch clearance above the ground so that you may be able to drive over the rocks without damaging your vehicle. The off road portion (the last 4.5 miles) ride is very bumpy, off road- means no pavement/ no gravel. You are off-roading in the mountains friends! Please keep in mind that there is no refund or cancellation policy if you decide to opt out of using a 4WD or vehicle that does not have the 5inch clearance.
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$159.20
 / night

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Other options in Nevada

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Nevada with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in the United States! If you're looking to indulge in some wildlife watching in the beautiful terrain of Nevada, we've got you covered. With over 770 options specifically tailored to wildlife watching in Nevada, you'll have plenty to choose from. From Death Valley Camp (132 reviews) to Mojave Desert Ranch (120 reviews) and Desert Paradise with Mountain Views (95 reviews), we've got the top campsites for you. And don't worry about breaking the bank, with prices as low as $5 per night and an average of $30 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like showers, campfires, and toilets, as well as exciting activities such as whitewater paddling, wildlife watching, and boating. It's time to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable camping adventure!

Top regions in and near Nevada