Centerville Flat Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free and first-come, Centerville Flat Campground sits within Toiyabe National Forest outside Markleeville, accessible via a bumpy dirt road that most passenger vehicles handle without trouble. No tables, no garbage service, and no cell signal, though Starlink works. A vault toilet is on-site. The nearby creek runs well and has multiple access trails, making filtered water available. Bears are active in the area, so food storage matters. Wolf Creek Campground is a few miles south for campers who want a different setup.

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Map & DirectionsCenterville Flat Campground is located in Nevada near Markleeville

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

38.631372 N
119.723082 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Toilets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Centerville Flat Campground

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Guests commonly noted well-separated sites under large pines with basic vault toilets and creek access for water. Road noise from motorcycles and cyclists was mentioned, though a hidden creekside site offers better seclusion.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2025

Superb Hidden gem

This site, Centerville Flat Campground is a public, free for 14days, improved camp. There is a vault toilet and the sites are well separated (though not visually). The big pine trees provide welcome coverage with minimal undergrowth so hiking around is easy and pleasant. The nearby creek flows well and if you can filter, you'll have unlimited water. No garbage, no tables, no cell (Starlink is fine), no power. Other than the toilet, it's nice, clean dispersed camping. If you arrive going South, then the yellow gate in front of the campground will be closed for the winter (at some point in Nov/Dec). The very best camp site for vanlifers is hidden. Take the paved road immediately on the downhill side of the yellow gate. Go a couple hundred feet and through the brown gate (heavy DOT/USFS bar gates) then another couple hundred feet is a dirt road on the left. Down that road about 300 feet is the very best, secluded, right by the creek site you've ever seen. It's big enough for 3 or 4 friendly camper groups, a large family group (preferably one that gets along well) or just by yourself. Absolutely delightful. Keep in mind this is bear country so keep it clean. I've had a bear leave muddy paw-prints on the side of my van - he was trying to get at the bag of garbage I'd stowed on top of the van. He was unsucessful if not indiscreet. ;-)

Siteby creek
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Centerville Flat Campground by Kevin C., November 10, 2025
  • Review photo of Centerville Flat Campground by Kevin C., November 10, 2025
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Reviewed Jul. 16, 2021

Roadside free! Water nearby

Rustic dispersed camping. One pet toilet as the other is closed for coronavirus. Kind of a bumpy dirt road but my car was just fine on it many many many sides. Pretty close to the road so you do get motorcycle noise and there are a ton of cyclists. So look out for them. Three trails to get to the water. But I recommend the one that looks like a driveway.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2020

Closed fro winter

This site is closed, the 4 closed from the west up to SR89

Month of VisitDecember

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Centerville Flat Campground photos show about the camping experience?

Centerville Flat Campground photos reveal a rustic, dispersed camping experience in a natural setting. The images showcase simple campsites spread across an open area with multiple sites available for campers. The surrounding landscape features typical Sierra Nevada mountain terrain. Photos also highlight the proximity to the main road, which explains the occasional motorcycle noise mentioned by visitors. The campground's basic, no-frills nature is evident in the images, giving potential visitors a realistic expectation of the primitive camping experience awaiting them.

What amenities are available at Centerville Flat Campground?

Centerville Flat Campground offers very basic amenities consistent with rustic, dispersed camping. The site has limited facilities, including a pet toilet (restroom). Note that during certain periods, some facilities may be temporarily closed or have limited availability. There are multiple camping spots spread throughout the area, but don't expect developed amenities like showers, electricity, or water hookups. The campground's primitive nature makes it best suited for self-sufficient campers who bring everything they need. Contact the managing agency before your trip to verify current facility status and availability.

Where is Centerville Flat Campground located near Markleeville, CA?

Centerville Flat Campground is located near Markleeville, CA in Alpine County. It's situated along a dirt road that connects to State Route 89. The campground is accessible via a somewhat bumpy dirt road, though standard passenger vehicles can navigate it without major issues. Its proximity to Markleeville makes it a convenient base for exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada region. The location offers access to multiple trails in the area, with at least three hiking routes available directly from the campground.