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Established Camping

Chief Mountain South Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Chief Mountain South Campground, near Caliente, Nevada, is a hidden treasure for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. This spot offers a few level areas perfect for setting up your tent or RV, and it’s free to camp here, which is a nice bonus.

The campground features clean vault toilets and ample trash disposal, making it a hassle-free experience. Campers have noted the quiet atmosphere, especially during off-peak times, allowing for a truly relaxing stay. One visitor mentioned, “I was all alone enjoying a quiet and peaceful night,” which captures the essence of this tranquil location.

If you’re up for some exploration, the area around Chief Mountain South is ideal for those who enjoy solitude and the great outdoors. The nearby dirt roads lead to beautiful scenery, and you can easily find spots further out for a more secluded experience. As one reviewer put it, “This dispersed camping is a hidden gem... a great area to pull over and enjoy some camping for sure.”

With no electric hookups or drinking water available, it’s a good idea to come prepared. However, the fire pits and picnic tables provide a great setup for evening gatherings under the stars. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, Chief Mountain South Campground is a solid choice for a peaceful retreat.

Fee Info

No Fee

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Location

Chief Mountain South Campground is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Directions

Travel west from Caliente, Nevada on US Highway 93 for 9 miles. At the Silver State Trailhead sign turn northwest on an unnamed dirt road for .5 miles.

Coordinates

37.60429392 N
114.65900097 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some 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-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some 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
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

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


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Chief Mountain South Campground needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 1, 2022

Hidden Gem

This small BLM trail head campground is a hidden gem. There are a few level areas, overall most spots you can level your rig with ease. Clean volt toilets and a couple of 55 gallon trash cans, no water or dump. We were here at the end of March, it was quite and only a few campers. We stayed a week.

Siteany where within camping area.
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2021

Beautiful and peaceful spot

I stayed here in mid September on my way to Great Basin Natl Park and I couldn't have chosen a better spot. I put down my name in the registration book and drove up a mile or so up on the dirt road. I was all alone enjoying a quiet and peaceful night. There were a couple of people who camped in the area where the registration book and informational leaflets are, but I honestly would recommend going a further out if you want to enjoy the solitude.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Easy access

Easy access from highway. Several flat pull-through campsites. Clean restrooms, garbage cans, fire pits, tables. I stayed there on a Friday night in late March and was the only camper there.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2020

little off the road camping

this dispersed camping is a hidden gem.... unless you know to look for it you won't find it... a great area to pull over and enjoy some camping for sure.

  • Review photo of Chief Mountain South Campground by Brittney  C., November 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Chief Mountain South Campground by Brittney  C., November 26, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Chief Mountain South Campground?

Spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit Chief Mountain South Campground. Late March through May offers comfortable temperatures with fewer visitors, making it easy to secure a campsite. Mid-September is particularly pleasant with mild weather and minimal crowds - some campers report having the entire area to themselves during this time. Summer can be enjoyable but potentially busier. Winter camping is possible but prepare for colder conditions. The shoulder seasons provide the best balance of pleasant weather and solitude at this hidden gem.

What amenities are available at Chief Mountain South Campground?

Chief Mountain South Campground offers several basic amenities for campers. The campground features clean vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and garbage cans for waste disposal. While the site provides these essentials for comfortable camping, there is no water service or dump station available. The campground consists of several flat, pull-through campsites that can accommodate different camping setups. This small BLM trailhead campground maintains clean facilities and offers a peaceful atmosphere with level areas for setting up camp.

What hiking trails are accessible from Chief Mountain South Campground?

The campground serves as a trailhead with access to surrounding BLM lands. A dirt road extends approximately a mile up from the campground, providing a straightforward hiking option with scenic views. While specific named trails aren't extensively marked, the area offers opportunities for exploration on informal paths through the natural landscape. For more structured hiking experiences, Great Basin National Park is relatively close by and offers numerous well-established trails. Contact the local BLM office for detailed information about current trail conditions and recommended routes in the immediate vicinity.

How do I make reservations for Chief Mountain South Campground?

Chief Mountain South Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. When you arrive, simply fill out your information in the registration book provided at the campground entrance. The self-registration process is straightforward and allows you to select from available sites. During off-peak seasons, you're likely to find plenty of open spots, and some visitors report having the entire campground to themselves. For the most current reservation policies, consider contacting the local BLM office before your trip.