Humboldt National Forest runs through the Ruby Mountains east of Nevada's Great Basin, and Thomas Canyon Campground sits within that forest at an elevation that keeps summer temperatures noticeably cooler than the valley floor below. The campground runs along a creek with forested surroundings and open sightlines toward the canyon walls above. Sites are paved, which is uncommon for a forest service campground at this elevation, and several back directly up to the water. Campers who have stayed here note strong privacy between sites due to tree coverage, and the canyon views come as a genuine surprise given how little the recreation.gov listing conveys about the setting.
Amenities are standard forest service fare: vault toilets, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. Drinking water is available on-site, and the campground has a dump station, making it workable for RVs up to 65 feet, though the access road carries a rough-road warning that larger rigs should take seriously. As Mike M. puts it: "Do your homework if you have a larger rig." No showers are available despite some listings suggesting otherwise, and firewood is not reliably sold on-site, so bringing your own is worth the planning. A camp host is typically present during the season, which runs May through October.
Fishing access and proximity to water are recurring reasons campers return. Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping provides a nearby alternative for those who prefer a less developed setup. Reservations are available through recreation.gov. Thomas Canyon works well for travelers routing through northern Nevada who want a one-night stop with canyon scenery, as well as anglers and hikers looking for a base with campgrounds near Humboldt National Forest within reach.
Description
Overview
Thomas Canyon Campground is located in the scenic Lamoille Canyon, in northeast Nevada, 30 miles from Elko. Visitors enjoy fishing Lamoille Creek and exploring many local hiking trails.
Recreation
Lamoille Creek is a popular stream among fly-fishermen. The creek contains brook and wild rainbow trout. Lamoille Canyon offers numerous hiking and horseback riding trails that lead to alpine lakes and vistas. Thomas Canyon Trail begins at the campground, leading past several waterfalls, through an alpine meadow into a glacial cirque. The canyon road is popular for scenic driving and road biking. Many rock climbing routes can be found on the canyon walls.
Facilities
The campground offers single and double campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill. Some sites also have tent pads. Vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection are provided. During the first-come, first-served season (typically late-September through late-October-dependent on current conditions), there is no campground host on-site and water facilites (e.g., drinking water) are not available as they are turned off for the fall and winter seasons. Please call the local district office for most up to date information.
Natural Features
The campground sits at the mouth of Thomas Canyon, a part of larger Lamoille Canyon, at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Both canyons are within the beautiful Ruby Mountains, a desert island brimming with wildlife, sparkling lakes and streams, wildflower-filled meadows and jagged peaks. Groves of aspen and cottonwood trees provide partial shade in the campground and beautiful fall color. Lamoille Creek runs through the site. All campsites afford breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and canyon walls.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (775) 738-5171.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHumboldt National Forest Thomas Canyon Campground is located in Nevada near Lamoille
Directions
Take I-80 to any Elko exit and head south to Idaho Street. Turn south on 12th Street (from the east) or on 5th Street (from the west), to State Route 227. Travel 25 miles on SR 227 to Forest Road 660 (Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway). Travel 8 miles on FR 660 to the campground.
Address
140 Pacific Avenue
Wells, NV 89835
Coordinates
40.65 N
115.4036111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 15 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 53 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 hrs 19 min from Ogden, UT
- 4 hrs 30 min from Provo, UT
