The best ranch campgrounds near Sparks, Nevada

East of Reno, Sparks offers a central location to surrounding state parks and lavish lakes. Take a short scenic drive to Lake Tahoe for clear waters, rugged trails, and iconic views—here, Lake Tahoe campers can pitch a tent waterside and then hike or bike along the crest of the Carson Mountain Range which connects to the 170-mile trail wrapping the lake. Between Tahoe and Sparks, Washoe Lake State Park features another pristine waterway in Washoe Valley wrapped with views of multiple mountain ranges. Journey north of Sparks to the picturesque Pyramid Lake, home to unique rock formations and unique Nevada history as well as lakefront camping accommodations for those who want to stay for a few days.

99% (200)

Top-rated campgrounds

East of Reno, Sparks offers a central location to surrounding state parks and lavish lakes. Take a short scenic drive to Lake Tahoe for clear waters, rugged trails, and iconic views—here, Lake Tahoe campers can pitch a tent waterside and then hike or bike along the crest of the Carson Mountain Range which connects to the 170-mile trail wrapping the lake. Between Tahoe and Sparks, Washoe Lake State Park features another pristine waterway in Washoe Valley wrapped with views of multiple mountain ranges. Journey north of Sparks to the picturesque Pyramid Lake, home to unique rock formations and unique Nevada history as well as lakefront camping accommodations for those who want to stay for a few days.

99% (200)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

96%

(255)

23mi from Sparks · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Carson City, NV

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. Lost Arrow Ranch Retreat

100%

(2)

39mi from Sparks · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Calpine, CA

Pond fishing, private land, family-friendly, great views, and great adventures. Welcome to Lost Arrow 89 Retreat, a one-of-a-kind camping experience on 26.5 acres of open ranch land with stunning views of the Sierra Valley and surrounding mountains. This is a peaceful, private escape where guests can spread out, unplug, and enjoy a true connection to the land. Each campsite offers a spacious cleared area with two leveled tent pads, a picnic table, and more. Water access is available nearby via hose. The setup is ideal for couples, families, or small groups looking for extra room and privacy with access to the Sierra Mountains and all its attractions. Our property features an 800,000 gallon private pond that has been carefully managed over the years with multiple generations of healthy largemouth bass. Guests have exclusive access to this catch-and-release fishing spot, offering a rare opportunity to fish a rare species in the Sierras, and a beautiful setting. Rod rentals are available if needed. Lost Arrow 89 is also a working ranch. As you enter, you’ll pass a dirtbike track, a large white ranch house, and a barn full of horses. Two friendly donkeys, goats, and more than 40 free-range chickens roam the property. The ranch also includes large horse pastures and arenas. This is the kind of place where you wake up to fresh mountain air, with a view of the valley, spend the day fishing or exploring, and end the evening by the fire under a sky full of the brightest stars.

3. Missy’s Mountain Meadows

100%

(1)

46mi from Sparks · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Doyle, CA

Missy's Mountain Meadows is our 200-acre wild grass ranch, a peaceful haven nestled in the breathtaking Honey Lake Valley—just north of Reno, NV, and south of Susanville, CA. We’re Missy and Kyle, along with our two little adventurers, Lucas (2 years old) and Liam (newborn!). As a young family, we’re pouring our hearts into this land, building a dream rooted in nature, community, and sustainable living. We currently live full-time just north of Lake Tahoe (about 1.5 hours from the ranch), but Kyle typically makes it out to the property 4–5 days per week. Our ranch is a wide-open sanctuary, fully fenced and ready for you to explore with your RV, trailer, ATV, or horses. Marvel at the rolling grasslands, soak in the serene valley views, and discover the hidden springs tucked away at the back of the property. At the heart of our land is our growing honeybee apiary—a labor of love where our bees work tirelessly to turn nectar into golden honey. Feel free to roam and enjoy the entire property, with just a few simple guidelines to keep everyone safe and happy: Pets: We love pets! Please be aware that local predators (coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, etc.) may pose a risk. Close supervision is recommended for off-leash or outdoor pets. Stay Within the Fenced Area: Explore freely across the full 200 acres, but please keep all activities within the ranch boundaries. Respect the Honeybee Apiary: Observe the bees from a safe distance, especially if you’re allergic to stings. Do not enter the fenced apiary unless arranged as part of a guided tour. Solar Stock Well: Please don’t enter the gated area or drink the well water. Leave No Trace: Help us keep the ranch pristine by cleaning up after yourself and your pets or livestock. Keep the Gate Locked: Please ensure the gate remains locked at all times. This ranch is more than a stopover—it’s a place to connect with nature and share in our family’s journey. We can’t wait to welcome you to this special corner of Lassen County, where the stars shine bright and the valley whispers peace. Enjoy your adventure on our land, and make yourself at home!

4. The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

47mi from Sparks · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Doyle, CA

This property lies at the base of the Sierra Mountains, approximately 9 miles north of Doyle, CA on the west side of US Route 395. Access to the ranch road is from US Route 395. Its elevation starts at 3800 feet and rises higher than 5,000 feet. The lower half is rolling high chaparral and the upper half is steep with forest land that was burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire. There are still plenty of live trees left. This ranch lies in Deer Hunting Zone X6b. Lassen National Forest is on the west boundary of this ranch, with a gate that allows access to the national forest. The 395 Ranch boasts incredible views for nearly 75 miles. The ground is primarily decomposed granite so mud never becomes a problem. Wind can be strong when weather systems approach. The campsites are very basic with no toilet facilities (at this time) but water is available for cooking and washing dishes. An outdoor enclosed shower is available as well. At this time (summer) the water is naturally warm from the pipe’s exposure to the sun and hot water from a flash heater will be available in the near future. Tents can be erected almost anywhere on the property, but campfires are strictly prohibited until the rainy/cold season. Water and an electric hookup is available next to the barn for RVs and travel trailers at an additional cost. Sewer service is not available. There is also an older but nice three-bedroom, one bath home that is also available for short term rentals. It is heated during the winter by two wood burning stoves and cooled comfortably during the summer with a swamp cooler. The rent for this house is based on the season, ranging from $169-$229 nightly plus extra fees for pets or more than three people. Visitors of the past have found hiking, looking for artifacts and rocks to be fun activities. It’s also been an amazing place for stargazing and using telescopes. Others simply enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the peace, quiet and views. High quality campfire wood is available for $12.00 a bundle.

5. The Range Rural Raw Desert

38mi from Sparks · 1 site · Tent, RV · Doyle, CA

🌵 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.

6. Historic Santosh Ranch In Yerington

100%

(5)

50mi from Sparks · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Yerington, NV

Rustic ranch land only a stone's throw away from town. The historic Santosh Ranch is surrounding a 3,700 s/f warehouse "Shop" with a hot indoor shower available upon request. The Ecozoic bio-filter toilet is next to the red barn, and is available to all Hip Campers. We are walking distance to Lyon County Fairgrounds (kitty corner across the highway), the town of Yerington (one mile) and the Night in the Country location (two miles). There are a half dozen corrals and a few animal shelters, but has not had animals for years. Hip Campers can choose to back into one of the corral areas to have fenced off privacy especially with pets, and use of the animal shelter as shade. There are a pair of picnic tables and wood stump benches in the various camping areas. There is a fire pit behind the Shop that can only be used by the owner when it is not high-risk fire season. Also a gas stove BBQ in the shop. Both can be used upon request. We are in a high risk fire area so there are no fires allowed any time of the year unless indicated. There are relics from the 19th century when the Santosh Ranch was a working farm property. There is also the frame of one of the first automobiles ever built! The wheel spokes and the frame are made of wood, but the chassis where the engine one rested is made of steel. It is located next to the Ecozoic toilet.

Stories from the community

F

Felicia

3 weeks ago

26 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Missy’s Mountain Meadows

Great spot for what we needed. The property is huge and we had it all to ourselves for the night. Normally we don’t need a power hook up, but this particular night we needed to top off our batteries. The spot with hook ups is right off the highway, which wasn’t a big deal once the traffic calmed down. But if you don’t need power then you’ll be camped away from the highway which is much better in my opinion. Melissa was very easy to communicate with and we definitely would camp here again!

M

Michael

3 weeks ago

15 ft Class B

1 night at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Amazing property and very friendly host! Would Highly recommend

Kara

November 2025

With pets

2 nights at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

Lovely, quiet place to camp, and of course the alpacas made it even more special. The heater made the tent plenty warm even though it was early November. Close to Carson and Virginia City, so we were able to explore. We would definitely return!

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).

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.

Jacob

September 2025

2 nights at L.Davis Ranch and Olde LYFE Alpacas

This is a cute and charming glamping experience. You will be lovingly embraced by the furry creatures on the ranch. The glamping tent included a heating unit which worked great, as well as a barbecue grill, amble, flashlights, water, solar powered outlets to charge our phones, and much more. The breakfast was delicious, and the jams in the country store were great too. We happened to be there on a day where there was an alpaca festival, and that was so much fun. We also witnessed an alpaca giving birth. Stacy was super accommodating. We also got to meet some of the other farmers like Jim and Nancy, who is also a holistic energy healing practitioner and sound healer. We also had a really great sleep in nature.

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!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best ranch camping near Sparks guide

Where to go

Lake Tahoe

An hour south of Sparks sits Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park. It features crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, boat launches, and renowned skiing hills. Sand Harbor, Memorial Point, Hidden Beach, and Spooner Lake provide convenient on-site camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Choose from frontcountry, backcountry, RV camping, or cabin rentals at other private campgrounds around the lake. Check out Flume Trail above Sand Harbour for a challenging yet stunning point-to-point mountain bike ride. Or hike a portion of the 170-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.

Pyramid Lake

On the Paiute Tribe Reservation, Pyramid Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Nevada with deep blue waters and unique rock formations. Known for fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping, the lake also offers two on-site campgrounds, Pelican Point and Shot Dog, with restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Primitive campers can also try dry camping by the beach. Pyramid Lake Marina and Beach offers boat rentals, beach access, and a convenience store.

Washoe Lake State Park

Step into the scenic valley of Washoe Lake State Park with surrounding views of the Carson, Virginia, and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and water sports along sandy beaches and shady trees. On-site tent and RV camping are available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with access to restrooms, showers, a dump station, water/utility hookups, and paid wifi. Hikers can then trek along the American Discovery Trail to experience the rugged landscapes of Nevada’s beautiful backcountry.

When to go

Camping near Sparks is a year-round activity with activities in every season. Summers are hot and arid with average temperatures in the 90s, while winters drop below freezing bringing moisture and snow. Summers are perfect for days out on the lake, while winter campers can cross-country ski, snowboard, or ice fish.