The best camping in Fort Churchill State Historic Park, NV

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Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

97%
(199)
46mi from Fort Churchill State Historic Park · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Reno, CA
Please note: We have two 'Overnighter' sites these are instant book for weary travelers and not meant as full on camping sites. Site 1 and site 2 or Antelope please refrain from booking unless you are traveling through - All other camp sites require a minimum of 24 hours notice this allows for getting the sites ready - so if you want to camp here please note this requirement If you are traveling w a bumper pull of any type you need to book Big Rig ( soon to be named Art Camp) this is our only pull through camp site all others only tiny teardrops, cassettes, tents, vans, cars, or cab overs. Bobcat is great for tents, cars, vans, small trucks, no bumper pulls Camping here is low activity experience as in there is hiking up in the National Forest or just hanging out in your camp site, or bring your camera, notebook and binoculars, or road bike. When you come to camp here you are on a farm in transition. Girlfarm has been a local food go to for restaurants, farm family members, and regenerative agriculture interests. Today, the farm is looking forward to a new course in agri tourism as we begin planning walking gardens, art installations in the landscape, and interactive classes. If you would like fresh veggies contact Prema Farm one day BEFORE arrival - Please come visit in April May and June it is some of the most green and lush times in the high desert. It can also bring snow, winds, and rain. Be prepared- look at the forecast and contact me directly if you have concerns We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper to do campground maintenance and upkeep. trade Only NO PETS SELF CONTAINED and background check Its been a huge water season so SKEETERS are around we also recommend tents have a rain fly and ground cloth. Welcome It was important to choose a partner like Hipcamp to invite like minded individuals who respect both the natural environment and the idea of less is more. At any time you may encounter farming activities, building out of tiny houses, gardens in the process of creation, snakes, bugs, ticks, and wild animals. As we move toward offering the land as a place to both find solitude or chosen participation our Flyte and Sparrow experience will hopefully be a place you will want to return to as your own tradition.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night

Natural Time Retreat Center...

37mi from Fort Churchill State Historic Park · 1 site · RV · 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Lahontan Shores High Desert Retreat

95%
(10)
10mi from Fort Churchill State Historic Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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
Pets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

Alpine Valley /|\ Tahoe-Toiyabe NFs

89%
(57)
45mi from Fort Churchill State Historic Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Verdi, CA
Find privacy, seclusion and solitude in nature at Alpine Valley Camp /|\. Encompassed by Tahoe & Toiyabe National Forests, this Alpine Valley rolls across 10,000 acres at approximately 5,500 feet with towering mountainous peaks on three of its sides rising above 8,000 feet. A meadow with creeks and wildlife lines the Valley floor. Depending on location, distant peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range rise into view. The private and secluded Camp sits at the edge of the meadow on 40 acres. It offers multiple sites for vista viewing, camping and fire pits set along two seasonal creeks. Available for one camping party's exclusive use, basic camping comforts include picnic tables, metal and stone fire pits, and an out house with a view. Follow the lower creek out from the Camp into the meadow and Valley floor to find a damned swimming hole. Off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, hiking, fishing, water sports, golf, skeet, and the like are available at or near the Camp, as is LTE cellphone and data services. Alpine Valley Campsite is a short distance to Reno, Truckee, Stampede and Boca Reservoirs, and Lake Tahoe. It is located approx. 4.5 miles from Stampede Reservoir, 5.4 miles from the Truckee River in Verdi, and 17 miles from the Boca Reservoir and Truckee River in Truckee. Host highly recommends 4x4/AWD vehicle OR at least 7" of ground clearance, driving slow on dirt and rocky roads (approximately a 25-minute drive from entrance of Toiabye National Forest-Verdi, CA entrance at 5-10 mph), and experience with pack-in, pack-out camping. Detailed welcome letter with local destinations, GPS coordinates, Valley map and links provided upon booking. Nightly rate is for up to two campers; any camping party is limited to eight (8) campers and each additional camper is assessed a guest fee of $44/nt If you'd like to collect wood from the property, simply purchase a bundle of wood when completing your booking. This is a pack-in, pack-out camp. Cabela's located in Verdi for all camping needs. Eats, drinks, market, gas, et cetera, are conveniently located in Verdi, too. Alpine Valley Camp /|\ appreciates the outdoor enthusiasts who have come for one or more adventures. (Note price include 12.5% Sierra County Transient Occupancy Tax)
Pets
Toilets
from 
$180
 / night

Other options near Fort Churchill State Historic Park

The best camping in Fort Churchill State Historic Park, NV guide

Overview

About

On an even lonelier road off of the Loneliest Road in America in Nevada, Fort Churchill State Historic Park is a hidden gem. Home to a late 1800s military fort and overland waystation, the park is also a quiet area for day-use activities and the sole Fort Churchill Campground for camping. This is the place to go if you want to be close to some amenities like vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but also love stargazing—on clear nights, you can see every star in the night sky. This wide-open desert area on the Carson River lends itself to cool summer camping and colorful foliage in the fall. In addition to the on-site campground’s 20 campsites, the park is adjacent to nearby Buckland Station, home to a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping area near the river.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Both the Fort Churchill Campground and the Buckland Station dispersed camping area are first-come, first-served campgrounds and do not accept reservations.
  2. Weekends tend to fill up during spring and fall, but if you come a little early on a Friday, there is sure to be space—especially at Buckland Station.

When to go

Any time of year is a great time to come to Fort Churchill if you come prepared. Summers can be hot but always cool off at night. Late spring and fall are the best times to see wildlife or the fall colors on the cottonwood trees by the Carson River. Winters can be windy and cold with some snow, but daytime temperatures may be nice.

Know before you go

  • Fort Churchill’s main draw is its 200-acre former outpost and fort. Nevada’s first military fort, it was built in 1860 to protect emigrants heading west. It was also used as a Pony Express station for several years.
  • The fort is open 24 hours and makes for some fun and creative photography sessions around the adobe buildings.
  • The park’s visitor center gives a wonderful overview of the fort’s history and life on the California Trail, plus access to a shaded picnic area with plenty of parking for larger RVs.
  • Fort Churchill is about 40 minutes away from amenities in Fallon or Dayton. Be sure to stock up on food and supplies before coming to the park.
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