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Dispersed Camping

BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed, near Reno, Nevada, is a unique spot for those seeking a bit of solitude in the great outdoors. This area offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle, with stunning views and a quiet atmosphere that many visitors appreciate.

While the amenities are minimal—no drinking water, electric hookups, or restrooms—campers often find the seclusion and privacy make up for it. One visitor mentioned, “I love the quietness of this spot and the view is wonderful!” Just keep in mind that the road can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended to navigate the terrain.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the area is frequented by joggers and mountain bikers, especially during the early morning hours. It’s a great place to set up camp for a night or two, but be prepared for some foot traffic. As one camper noted, “There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill.”

If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills camping experience with beautiful scenery, BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed could be just the ticket. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash facilities on-site.

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Location

BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.583969 N
119.67891 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


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Reviews

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2.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2025

No campsite

This is a construction zone and I raised a lot of eyebrows by rolling through it. Couldn't find a campsite because the road was blocked by construction vehicles.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2025

DO NOT CAMP HERE

The housing development is right off the campsite and I think they’re starting to push it into where you would camp. Construction vehicles everywhere. People called the fire department on are campfire and a fire truck showed up. They said it wasn’t their jurisdiction if we could camp there so we stayed and got woken up at 8:00 am by a very angry man saying we had 15 minutes to get out or he’d call the cops. Don’t camp here unless you’re looking for a crazy night.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2024

Not easily accessible

The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.

Sitecouldn't stay couldn't access
Reviewed Mar. 8, 2024

One of my favorite spots

I love the quietness of this spot and the view is wonderful! The only thing I don’t like is that they took the port-a-potty out, quite possibly for the cold season.

  • Review photo of BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed by Melissa B., March 8, 2024
  • Review photo of BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed by Melissa B., March 8, 2024
  • Review photo of BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed by Melissa B., March 8, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2023

right off housing development that's expanding fast

Not such a good place. Housing construction getting very close. Lots of local foot traffic. Didn't feel comfortable here, almost felt as I was intruding. It does beat driving around aimlessly searching for a spit, plus its rather close to freeway. You have to leave somewhat early. Lots of joggers and mountain bikers. It has been trashed in the past so left lots of bad tastes in folks.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2023

Bad vibes, good views

Did the trick for a night. There was one man with two rv’s there during our visit that gave us pretty bad vibes. Couldn’t go much further up the hill in our 2-wheel drive vehicle. All in all, it’s a gravel lot and road, good views, cool spot.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed by Sage P., September 15, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2023

Decent place to sleep for the night

Tucked off, dirt road with enough seclusion and privacy to feel comfortable at night. Be forewarned that the road is super rough and you will definitely need a car with more clearance to get up it. There is a little pull out before you get to where the directions take you that is perfectly cool to camp. I wouldn’t go all the way up that little stretch of road past the water tanks unless you have a 4x4. The pullout also has a portajohn and sink if needed.

One thing to note! There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill (about 6 in July) so just be aware of that when camping here. I wasn’t bothered by anyone and I had about 4 people pass by my car this morning.

Sitewater tank pullout
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed by Corey H., July 12, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed by Corey H., July 12, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed by Corey H., July 12, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Water Tank Road dispersed camping located near Reno, NV?

Water Tank Road dispersed camping is located near Reno, Nevada, accessible via a dirt road off the main highway. The site offers views of the surrounding area and enough seclusion for privacy. It's relatively close to the freeway for convenience, though recent housing development construction has been encroaching on the area. Some access roads, particularly from the western approach, may be blocked due to ongoing construction, so approaching from the east might be necessary.

Can I bring a trailer for dispersed camping at Water Tank Road?

Bringing a trailer to Water Tank Road is challenging due to the rough road conditions. The dirt road leading to the camping area is very rough and requires a vehicle with good clearance to navigate safely. Some campers have reported seeing RVs at the site, but access is difficult with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. If you plan to bring a trailer, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, and you may need to stay at one of the lower pull-outs rather than attempting to reach the higher camping areas.

What are the rules for dispersed camping on BLM land near Reno?

BLM dispersed camping near Reno typically follows standard regulations: camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-day period, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles. At Water Tank Road specifically, campfires may be restricted as there have been instances of fire department intervention. The area has seen increased development and local traffic, so being respectful of noise levels is important. No permits are required for dispersed camping, but always check current fire restrictions before your visit, especially during dry seasons.

Is Water Tank Road dispersed camping free to use?

Yes, Water Tank Road dispersed camping is free to use. As a BLM dispersed camping area, there are no fees charged for overnight stays. This makes it an economical option for camping near Reno. However, keep in mind that with free camping comes minimal amenities - there are no designated facilities, and any portable toilets that were once present may have been removed. Remember to bring everything you need and pack out all waste when you leave.