Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe
- Gerlach
Shawna is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Rig suitability
Vehicles under 32 feet allowed
Allowed rigs: travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop-up campers, class A RVs, class B RVs, class C RVs, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
Pull-in site
Accommodates slideouts
Surface type: Grass or field
Surface levelness: Requires leveling
Generators allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
What to expect
RV/tent site
12 guests max
Pets allowed
No campfires
No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets
Potable water available
Picnic table present
No showers
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Strict
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
RV/tent sites
1 site
Instant book
Merlin Spring RV Site
99%
(36)Potable water
Pets allowed
Reviews
99% Recommend36 ratings · 29 reviews
Mixed feelings
· June 2026
Oasis near the Playa
15 ft truck camper · Group trip ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
A very nice Oasis near the playa. Bring your mosquito repellent or cover your skin.
M
Mark H.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
15 ft truck camper · Group trip ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Merlin Springs is gorgeous. Our crew had a beautiful evening here as our launch camp before a multi-day expedition into the Black Rock Desert. The site was quiet, pretty and easy to find/access. Level and plenty of room for all our rigs. Thanks Shawna!
Alyssa R.
19 reviews
Another nice, quiet and peaceful stay at Shawna’s property. I’m looking forward to staying again in the future!
J
Jeff K.
9 reviews
So beautiful and majestic! Loved our stay. Wonderful hostess and everything was just perfect! 💜
Calliope W.
5 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Friends, dogs, and stars!!
20 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Had a lovely time at Merlin Springs! Shawna is a fantastic host.
G
Gina G.
2 reviews
What a magic place! If you want to witness dark skies and the splendor of the universe, Merlin springs is the place! Simply amazing
Y
Yale S.
4 years on Hipcamp
I typically try to leave fancy reviews for places I like. Yo, just book it. Do it. I'm so serious.
Matt L.
19 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
16 ft car · With pets ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
We had a wonderful time camping here! After a long day on the road, it was wonderful to rest with the ducks and geese walking through the fields. As night fell, we saw falcons and bats. I’ve never seen so many stars! As we left, we dreamed about our next stay
I
Ivy B.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
28 ft travel trailer ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
If you like the feel of the desert and the enchanting ambiance of an oasis, this is your place. Shawna is a wonderful person who ensures you are comfortable in every way. Merlin Springs is highly recommended. We will be back.
Dr. Sean A.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
16 ft car ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Shawna and Merlin Springs were fabulous! Sharma was accommodating and wonderful, and the site was spectacular. The views at sunrise and sunset were lovely and the area was serene and peaceful.
K
Kathrine M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
We loved camping at Shawna's property! It was exactly what we were looking for and just what we needed to get away and disconnect. I loved the stars and seeing the milky was stunning and relaxing. The best place for exploring and relaxing.
C
Crystal L.
10 months on Hipcamp
This site was one of our favorites! Secluded, but there's a cute small town that is nearby-ish. Quiet and relaxing, we had a great time stargazing and relaxing in the chairs and picnic table. There was a huge hawk that flew by kinda close so we kept our small dog close by our sides.
S
Sara W.
4 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
15 ft travel trailer · Group trip ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Awesome host. Shawna went out of her way to help us and it was such a lovely, tranquil, open space. Would definitely recommend it. I'm sure we will be back at some point.
Andrea V.
3 reviews
This spot of Shawna’s was so peaceful and quiet, what a nice respite!! So beautiful at sunrise and sunset, and cows nearby in the field. I will definitely be back when it’s a little cooler during the day, but it cooled off nicely at night !!
Susan B.
51 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
25 ft pop-up camper ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
This spot is relaxing and very beautiful. Directions were spot on, and location easy to find. The site itself was flat , open , and easy to maneuver our camper around on to find just the right spot. It was a great location to use as a home base while visiting Squaw Creek Lake, the Playa, Gerlack, and the Hot Springs.
S
Shannon A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
19 ft Class C · With pets ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
We had such a wonderful time at this site! Our dog was able to explore freely as we enjoyed the peace and beauty of the area. Highly recommend!
Carissa W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Magical oasis in the desert!
24 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
We had an absolutely wonderful time at Merlin Springs. The site is nestled up against a little wetland and cluster of cottonwood trees. It’s so incredible to be in such a lush environment while surrounded by desert. The air was full of birdsong. It is truly serene and peaceful. We will definitely be coming back!
Sara C.
7 reviews
As many have stated it’s a super peaceful site. Easy to get to and well kept. Shawna was quick to reply as well as to offer any assistance needed. I’m looking forward to booking again!
J
Jeff K.
9 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
14 ft travel trailer ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Shawna was wonderful and very friendly. She made sure we had everything we needed to be comfortable. The site was clean and secluded. We had a great time and would definitely come again!
L
Lauren H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Merlin Springs is a few miles outside the city and is very secluded. The chairs overlook a field with a small creek where geese fly over and sounds of frogs abound. Coming from a big city this site was paradise. We went there at end of Aril and the weather was nice. I expect summers maybe hot.
Unfortunately there was a rain storm on our 2nd night. We were traveling in a 24’ class C. We had some challenges getting out of the site. A lighter class B would have been better that day.
Shawna being the ultimate host found another place for us to park for our last evening.
Gerlach is an interesting place. While there make sure you visit Plant X Pottery nearby and take a tour of Fly Geyser.
Thank you Shawna for your suggestions and making sure we didn’t have any issues because of the weather.
Ed M.
5 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
29 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Host was communicative and the spot was great! Would stay here again.
Daniel B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Beautiful scenery/wildlife viewing
20 ft campervan · With pets ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Loved this Hipcamp. Easy to find. Great communication from owner. The scenery and wildlife viewing are spectacular. Will return!
Kathryn G.
13 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
16 ft car · With pets ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Beautiful spot and campsite with a picnic table, lawn chairs, a fire pit and some wood available. My only note about it is to check the local weather before going! It can be a very windy area, but that's all Mother Nature and doesn't detract from the beauty of the area. (:
Alex M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
16 ft travel trailer ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
The site is as primitive as it is beautiful. We're lucky Shawna is sharing Merlin Springs with us and I left thinking of when I might return. Camping in the Nevada high desert is challenging but this place makes all the work and preparation worth it. Thanks again, Shawna!
A
Aaron B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
16 ft car ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
A stunning, secluded campsite that offers the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Nestled in serene surroundings, this spot provides easy access to the remarkable Black Rock Desert, making it perfect for those looking to explore its breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy both tranquility and adventure in one perfect location!
S
Sarah B.
6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
24 ft travel trailer ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
The vastness of the night’s sky left me with a feeling of awe. This beautiful oasis has a great atmosphere of life and beauty. We will definitely be back!
Justin M.
6 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
32 ft toy hauler · With kids ·
Merlin Spring RV Site
Quiet, secluded with wildlife and beautiful vistas! We loved it!
C
Christine F.
5 years on Hipcamp
I was trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of Reno and wow this place was just perfect. So quiet, serene, and recharging for me. Little stream and a perfect place to watch the sunset.
L
Lindsay B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Merlin springs is a pretty incredible place to camp. 360° views of desert/mountains and tons of space to spread out and play/explore. Bring the bikes and some camping games and have a blast! There is a picnic table a fire ring as well as a cook stove provided. The location is great; it's close to the reservoir to fish and swim, close to the playa for recreating and exploring and close to Gerlach to grab a bite or a drink. Nice place to set up camp and call home for the weekend. Best times to go would be in the fall or early spring when it's not too hot out as shade is tough to find out in the desert. Bring shade.
Lauren S.
2 years on Hipcamp
Location
Gerlach, Washoe, Nevada, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Shawna J.
Joined in November 2023Similar campgrounds nearby
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.