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Dispersed Camping

Garnet Hill Camp

8 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Garnet Hill Camp, near Ely, Nevada, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without the fuss of a crowded campground. This area offers a laid-back vibe where you can pitch a tent or park your RV and soak in the stunning surroundings.

The location is known for its beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for a quick overnight stay or a longer retreat. Visitors have raved about the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, with one camper noting, “We woke up to a gorgeous sunrise.” The dirt road leading in might be a bit rugged, but it’s manageable for most vehicles, and there are plenty of spots to set up camp with minimal leveling required.

Amenities are basic but sufficient, with picnic tables and fire pits available for those cozy campfire evenings. While there’s no drinking water or electric hookups, the natural beauty and seclusion more than make up for it. Campers have enjoyed the sense of privacy, with one reviewer mentioning they felt like they had the place to themselves despite a few other cars around.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the area is perfect for hiking and exploring the nearby trails. Plus, if you’re into stargazing, the clear skies here provide an excellent backdrop for a night under the stars. Garnet Hill Camp is a solid choice for anyone looking to unwind and connect with nature.

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Location

Garnet Hill Camp is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.28172366 N
114.9486599 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Ward Mountain Campground

Ward Mountain Campground

12 min away

Snake Creek Campground - Primitive

Snake Creek Campground - Primitive

2 hrs 43 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

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

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 5/17/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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8 Reviews

Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2025

Challenging road but close to Ely and great views

When you see the turnaround, if you have a trailer, don't go further up the road! There is nowhere to turn around but there is a vault toilet and garbage receptacle at the top of the hill. A little dusty and breezy but beautiful and free! Great cell reception.

SiteTurn around at the top of the hill
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Steve M., September 8, 2025
M
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2025

Garnet Hill

The area just after turning right off of the Pole Line Road has many camping spots but weak cell service. About one thousand feet before the top of Garnet Hill, at a 90 degrees right hand turn, there are a number of good, level spots with excellent cell service on T-Mobile. I would not take a trailer or large motor home to the top of the hill. There are no good places for trailers (tents are ok) and the parking lot at the top is small. It would be difficult to turn a trailer around.

Month of VisitAugust
Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2025

Pretty area, close to Great Basin

Beautiful high desert scenery. Lots of available dispersed spots for big groups/lots of people. Roads aren’t too bad, sort of bumpy & sandy. Heard coyotes at night which was cool.

At 6:15am, a red truck did pass by the main dirt road and honked constantly for ~10 minutes, not sure if that’s a regular occurrence or not, but pretty annoying.

SiteN/A
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Truly W., July 23, 2025
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Truly W., July 23, 2025
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Truly W., July 23, 2025
  • (5) View All
Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 17, 2025

Beautiful, remote spot in mountains

Three miles of unpaved road but not too bad to get here. Snow on the mountains in the distance. Great cell phone reception but this is definitely pack it in and pack it out. A few existent fire pits and lots of established but some require four-wheel drive and I definitely wouldn't bring a trailer over 40 ft up here. I'm 34 feet and it's iffy as is. Probably fantastic place to view stars but it's cloudy and supposed to rain and possibly snow here tonight!

SiteDrive through at GPS coordinates
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Steve M., May 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Steve M., May 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Steve M., May 17, 2025
  • (8) View All
A
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2023

Great overnight!

We loved this spot for an overnight. We drove our 25’ RV up and found a perfect spot. It snowed over night and we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise. We navigated the gravel road just fine, even with light snow.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Alex H., November 19, 2023
RThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2023

Garnet Hill

Been camped here for 10 days and has been a good place to be Not many camp sites along the 3 mile dirt road to get here Weather and sunsets have been awesome

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Garnet Hill Camp by Ralph , July 30, 2023
NThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2023

A night passing thru

A 4 mile gravel road mostly up hill. We drove our 25 ft class C without a problem. Many places to camp with minimal leveling. Great views of the terrible Kennecot Mine Scars!

SiteDistributive
Month of VisitJune
Mike G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2023

Lots of secluded space and cell coverage

It it about 3 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. As you are approaching the trailhead, there are spur roads with some good turnouts to park. There were 3 other cars in the area overnight, but I felt I had the place to myself with the junior and pine providing shelter. I am not sure how a take would fit, but there are some turnouts for a small trailer. ATT cell coverage was decent.

Month of VisitJune
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities are available at Garnet Hill Recreation Area?

Garnet Hill Recreation Area offers several outdoor activities for visitors. The primary attraction is garnet hunting on the hillside. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, stargazing, wildlife observation (including coyotes), and photography of spectacular sunsets and mountain vistas. The area's elevated position provides excellent opportunities for scenic viewing, especially during sunrise and sunset. Its remote setting is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet in nature.

Can you find garnets at Garnet Hill Campground in Ruth, Nevada?

Yes, Garnet Hill is named for the garnets that can be found in the area. The campground is located on Garnet Hill itself, which is known for these semi-precious stones. While specific garnet-hunting information isn't detailed, the name and location suggest this is a primary attraction. Visitors typically explore the hillside areas searching for these distinctive reddish minerals. For the best garnet hunting experience, bring appropriate tools and check with local authorities about any collection regulations.

Where is Garnet Hill Campground located in Nevada?

Garnet Hill Camp is located near Ely, Nevada. It's accessible via a 3-mile dirt/gravel road that climbs uphill from the main road. The campground offers beautiful high desert scenery with views of snow-capped mountains in the distance and overlooks the Kennecott Mine area. The remote location provides a peaceful camping experience while still being relatively accessible for most vehicles.

What amenities and facilities are available at Garnet Hill Campground?

Garnet Hill Camp is a primitive dispersed camping area with minimal facilities. There's a vault toilet and garbage receptacle at the top of the hill. The campground has no hookups, water sources, or developed campsites, though there are some existing fire pits. Cell phone reception varies throughout the area—excellent in some spots (particularly on T-Mobile) and weaker in others. This is strictly a pack-in, pack-out campground. Several established camping spots are available, with some requiring four-wheel drive. The area can accommodate groups, and many sites offer decent leveling.

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