Desert camping near Reno

This high desert city offers access to desert, lake, mountain, and forest camping.

88% (170 reviews)

United States
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Nevada
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Reno

88% (170 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Reno

Community favorites near Reno

Public campgrounds near Reno

100%

(1)

Washoe Lake Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In Washoe Lake State Park

Stories from the community

Aaron

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

This is absolutely one of my favourite camping experiences in the US ever!! The animals All super friendly (as are the hosts) and the environment is so relaxed. My only regret is not being able to stay longer🥰🥰

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

This was one of the most easy and fun campsites. The portapotty isn’t my favorite but the llamas are so cute!

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

I was in after dark and out at sunrise but comms with the host were very helpful and friendly. The facilities were great and the site is in a beautiful location. Definitely recommend if you're round this way.

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

We had such a wonderful time camping at the alpaca farm! The animals roam freely and are incredibly friendly—especially if you have snacks in hand. It’s the perfect place if you’re in need of some furry, four-legged therapy. The host was warm and welcoming, giving us a tour and sharing so much knowledge about the animals and the farm. The property itself is absolutely stunning—a true working farm with beautiful views in every direction. One thing to note: the farm is located in a valley, so it can get quite windy. During our stay, campfires weren’t allowed due to weather conditions, which is totally understandable. There are only two communal firepits available, but they’re first come, first served. If you’re planning to cook, I recommend bringing a propane cooktop just in case. Overall, it was a peaceful, refreshing experience—I’d absolutely recommend it to any animal lover or nature enthusiast!

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

What a beautiful property, kind hosts and friendly animals! I would definitely recommend and will stay here again. Breakfast was great!

6 nights at Whites Creek Grounds

Shawn's property is situated in a somewhat wealthy residential neighborhood. The price and location is great, 4 minutes from Walmart or sprouts.

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Request was answered almost immediately. The alpacas were interesting to watch. They kept my cats entertained.

1 night at Rambling River Ranches RV Sites

Jamie was very responsive and her place was a welcomed peace with an extra bonus of chickens thrown in for good measure! The spot was level and far enough away from the other spot to have room to spread out. We felt very safe and also loved the sunset and sunrise. Thanks again Jamie for a stress free stay!

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

We loved our time on this beautiful farm. The alpacas were friendly and my kids loved feeding them. I would highly recommend this place.

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Such an amazing overall experience! The farm workers were all so friendly! My kids (4 and 2) absolutely had a blast feeding the alpacas! Would definitely come back and recommend!

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

I enjoyed the peacefulness, my tour with Jim, the animals, and breakfast. It was a special opportunity to be with alpacas, goats, camels, and a donkey! Stacey and Amanda were very nice and communicative. I expected an assigned site, but really you just park on the grass that is shared by other campers and the alpacas. The property is leased from an owner who has a lot of eyesore junk on the property, which is unfortunate. It’s a lovely setting between Mt. Rose and Washoe Lake. Overall a very enjoyable and laid back time for my first Hipcamp experience!

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Stacey was an informative, welcoming, and sweet host! We loved loving on all of her animals. Thank you!!

2 nights at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

This ranch is amazing!!! Prompt responses from my host. You can come and go with ease, feel safe in the presence of all the animals and the area is amazing. Close to Carson city and a quick drive to Reno. I highly recommend. The price was also super fair and spacious to fit my toy hauler. Come check it out. It was great

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Had a great time with the Alpacas and other farm animals. It's a working ranch so don't think amenities, which is what we liked about it. You are free to roam and the views are amazing. We'll be back.

2 nights at Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

Such a peaceful spot! The view over the lake was gorgeous, especially at sunset, and I loved how quiet it was at night. The dirt road was a little bumpy, but totally worth it. --- I'd definitely come back.

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

The animals were wonderful and the site is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your alpacas, lamas, angora goats (babies), chickens, ducks, dogs, and Donkeydonk with me. Sure I left something out. Very peaceful!

Tara

April 2025

2 nights at Luxury Trailer on Off-grid Emu Farm

What a great little escape - you can be as ‘off the grid’ as you like. Tucked away on a farm a few miles from Pyramid Lake, this was the perfect place for us to stay and the fish the lake during the day. Would definitely recommend. Trailer is nice - would be tough with more than a couple of people though. Unless they’re small people lol 😆 but it was perfect for just me and the hubby. Hosts were super responsive and even showed me around the farm.

Weekend Trip to L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Gorgeous land with sweet animals! We were there on a chilly night and were looking forward to a fire, but the two fire rings were taken already. Nonetheless would stay again! Hosts were very nice!!

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

This place is Extraordinary! Holy moly! My girlfriend and I had an amazing stay here. The alpacas are so fun to be around, they will definitely get you laughing. Donkydonk (donkey) was such a sweetheart. They have super chilll goats but heads up they will try to eat your straw hat. They have a great breakfast basket. Also can’t beat being under a-hour to Lake Tahoe. Truly a hidden gem this place is! I would 100% recommend everyone to visit.

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Stacey is very responsive and kind, Jimmy (I forgot his name) the substitute host was also so kind and welcoming, the scenery and area is gorgeous and pastoral, the animals were a delight (there were also the tiniest of tiny baby angora goats!!!!) the porta potty did not stink, there was some extra wood to burn. Would definitely stay here again, thanks so very much!

9 top desert campgrounds near Reno

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(168)

L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Carson City, NV

Too cold to camp??? NOT HERE!! We have propane heater avail to rent!! OR spend the night in our new Glamping Tent where you'll be toasty warm!! 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!! The ranch store is self serve mostly. There are price sheets and payment methods listed!

Booked 2 times

Valley View Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Carson City, NV

We sit on 1 acre overlooking the Carson Valley. Breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and a private yard/area for you to take in the quiet or sit in the shade of our mulberry tree. Just on the outskirts of town, this spot is perfect for stargazing, walks/hikes, and bike rides. We are walking distance from the Carson river with lots of trails. Please, absolutely no smoking on the property. Guests will enjoy a level pad with views to the west of the pasture below and mountains surrounding us. Wild horses, deer and coyotes are regular visitors to the area, with bears known to occasionally make an appearance. Kindly keep all pets on leashes for their safety and the safety of local wildlife. Hook ups include well water, electric and black water. 5 minutes to downtown Carson City, 45 minutes to Lake Tahoe, 35 minutes to Reno, 20 minutes to Virginia City… literally a short drive to almost everything you might need. We aim to create a peaceful, welcoming, and safe environment. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all people!

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Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Silver Springs, NV

Lahontan Shores Ranch is a 20-acre high desert retreat overlooking Lake Lahontan in Silver Springs, NV. The site offers panoramic views across open deserts and distant mountains. From this elevated perch, a private hiking trail winds down to the lake, where you can swim, kayak, fish, or just relax by the water. Nested within public land to the west and across the lake, this site offers a true sense of seclusion, tranquility, and connection to nature. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the water, then relax under a blanket of stars as the desert sky turns pitch black. In the morning, start your day outdoors, savoring your coffee as you take in the uninterrupted views and dramatic desert terrain. Ideal for tents, rooftop campers, and self-contained RVs, Lahontan Shores Ranch is a peaceful high desert hideaway for those seeking raw, rugged Nevada beauty. Please note: The property is located approximately 2 miles off Highway 50 and is accessed via a dirt road. A 4x4 vehicle is required for safe access, especially in wet conditions. There are no street lights, so we strongly recommend arriving during daylight hours. A site map will be provided upon booking

Haven On The Comstock

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Silver City, NV

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.

100%

(2)

Rambling River Ranches RV Sites

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Fallon, NV

Our 5 generation working Nevada farm now has 3 pull through RV spots! We want to share our space and beautiful views. Park your RV in a gravel area that provides water and power hook ups. Ideal for those passing through Fallon, visiting Sand Mountain, staying for a few days, or working in the area. Our farm is quiet and peaceful. Our space provides adequate room to park your additional vehicles or trailers. The pull-through spots allows to easily maneuver and turn your RV around. Enjoy the wide opens spaces, beautiful sunsets, amazing views, and peaceful atmosphere here at our farm. We look forward to hosting you!

70%

(5)

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

Booked 1 time

Natural Time Retreat Center...

2 sites · RVs1 acre · 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

Comstock View

1 site · Tent7 acres · Silver City, NV

360 degree high desert Mountain View + Comstock mine view. Enjoy your own little quiet private space + gorgeous views. We are 15 min east of Carson City, 10 min south of Virginia City. Please do not feed the wild horses. Absolutely NO fires. Otherwise enjoy the quiet, the scenery, stars, sunset and breeze.

Welsh Grizzly Camp

3 sites · RVs4 acres · Portola, CA

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!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(1)

Washoe Lake State Park

Washoe Valley, Nevada

Other options near Reno

Silver City RV Resort

1 site1 acre · Minden, NV

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.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping near Reno guide

Overview

Looking for a camping adventure near Reno, Nevada, with a desert terrain? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 160 available options, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your preferences. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Paradise Shores Camp (371 reviews), Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (315 reviews), or Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras (27 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And with popular activities like hiking, wind sports, and paddling, you'll never run out of things to do. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!