The best desert camping near Virginia City

·

Take a trip back in time in Virginia City—site of the largest silver strike in U.S. history. This small town is full of sunny afternoons, desert sunsets, and old west attractions, including the celebrated Chollar Mine. After exploring underground history, campers can settle down at campsites and RV parks with full restrooms, dog parks, nearby restaurants, and supply shops. Then, swim, fish, hike, and camp at Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park or Dayton State Park, where Nevada wildlife roams the terrain and soars the sky. Luxury cabins near Lake Tahoe are available for camping with convenience. They come fully furnished and are loaded with amenities like modern kitchens and private boat launches.

88% (310)

Top-rated campgrounds near Virginia City

3. Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

95%
(11)
28mi from Virginia City · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$20
 / night

5. Natural Time Retreat Center...

29mi from Virginia City · 1 site · RV
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
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$40
 / night

7. Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

96%
(37)
6.3mi from Virginia City · 1 site · Tent, RV
We love to pass our free time here in the sunshine and juniper drafts overlooking the Sierras. Some days we watch the electric storms across the valley, other afternoons we picnic and nap while listening to the birds and wind.  We love the peace and silence, which feels remarkably remote and only 20 minutes from Reno.  Learn more about this land: We would love to share our 12 junipered acres with nature enthusiasts like ourselves. Bring your tent or camper and spend afternoons watching beautiful sunsets and wildlife from our land.  Spectacular expansive views across the valley to the Sierras and Mount Rose.  Conveniently 15 minutes from South Reno (40 minutes from North Lake Tahoe), the silence and absolute privacy here are restorative and replenishing.  We do not have trash collection services available and we ask all guest to practice a “leave no trace” philosophy.  **Because of extreme fire risk in our area we ask guests to refrain from having campfires for now. As this area is home to beautiful wildlife (and a few other distant homeowners) please visit with an intent to respect the quiet and privacy that makes this area so pleasurable for us all.  Thanks for visiting and enjoy your time!  
Pets
Picnic table
from 
$131
 / night

8. Historic Santosh Ranch In Yerington

100%
(5)
34mi from Virginia City · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$20
 / night

Take a trip back in time in Virginia City—site of the largest silver strike in U.S. history. This small town is full of sunny afternoons, desert sunsets, and old west attractions, including the celebrated Chollar Mine. After exploring underground history, campers can settle down at campsites and RV parks with full restrooms, dog parks, nearby restaurants, and supply shops. Then, swim, fish, hike, and camp at Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park or Dayton State Park, where Nevada wildlife roams the terrain and soars the sky. Luxury cabins near Lake Tahoe are available for camping with convenience. They come fully furnished and are loaded with amenities like modern kitchens and private boat launches.

88% (310)

Top-rated campgrounds near Virginia City

3. Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

95%
(11)
28mi from Virginia City · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$20
 / night

5. Natural Time Retreat Center...

29mi from Virginia City · 1 site · RV
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
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$40
 / night

7. Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras

96%
(37)
6.3mi from Virginia City · 1 site · Tent, RV
We love to pass our free time here in the sunshine and juniper drafts overlooking the Sierras. Some days we watch the electric storms across the valley, other afternoons we picnic and nap while listening to the birds and wind.  We love the peace and silence, which feels remarkably remote and only 20 minutes from Reno.  Learn more about this land: We would love to share our 12 junipered acres with nature enthusiasts like ourselves. Bring your tent or camper and spend afternoons watching beautiful sunsets and wildlife from our land.  Spectacular expansive views across the valley to the Sierras and Mount Rose.  Conveniently 15 minutes from South Reno (40 minutes from North Lake Tahoe), the silence and absolute privacy here are restorative and replenishing.  We do not have trash collection services available and we ask all guest to practice a “leave no trace” philosophy.  **Because of extreme fire risk in our area we ask guests to refrain from having campfires for now. As this area is home to beautiful wildlife (and a few other distant homeowners) please visit with an intent to respect the quiet and privacy that makes this area so pleasurable for us all.  Thanks for visiting and enjoy your time!  
Pets
Picnic table
from 
$131
 / night

8. Historic Santosh Ranch In Yerington

100%
(5)
34mi from Virginia City · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$20
 / night

Camper favorites near Virginia City

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Virginia City

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

The best desert camping near Virginia City guide

Where to go

Chollar Mine

Chollar Mine represents one of the richest silver strikes in U.S. history. A leading mine on the Comstock, it was first worked back in 1859 and produced more than $17 million in silver and gold throughout its active history. Today, campers can take a day trip to the mine and enjoy tours with special exhibits that show how early miners operated the site. Nearby RV parks and private campgrounds give campers of all kinds a convenient spot to rest as many include restrooms and showers.

Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park

Less than an hour’s drive from Virginia City, Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park is popular for its beaches, lake activities, and winter sports. Enjoy boating, hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking in warmer months. During winter, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding remain favorite pastimes. The best places for fishing in the park are Zephyr Cove or nearby Rubicon Point, and hikers will want to check out Flume Trail for its great views. The park and surrounding area feature campsites and RV parks with basic amenities like electricity and water hookups. Private winter chalet rentals are also available for cozy fireside retreats after a day of skiing.

Dayton State Park

With its views of Carson River, Dayton State Park is a well-known destination for hiking and fishing. The park is just a 20-minute drive from Virginia City. Its 10 on-site campgrounds are available for RVs or tent camping and many of the campsites offer dump stations, restrooms and BBQs. Campers may see resident wildlife, such as foxes and porcupines while exploring the park for its geocaches—a fun and interactive way for campers to engage with the beautiful terrain.

When to go

Temperatures in Virginia City range from from the mid-nineties in summer to winter lows under 10°F. Spring and fall tend to be more temperate for visitors who prefer to avoid the extreme weather. Popular RV parks and campgrounds remain open to campers year-round for sunny summertime lakeside retreats or snowy skiing escapades.