Carlin is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Carlin is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Carlin, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"The Iron Horse RV Resort in Elko, NV is a real gem in the Nevada desert. It's on the main highway parallel to I-80 on the north end of town."
"It’s nestled in the heart of Elko, Nevada, a short drive from the Ruby Mountains and a couple of smaller casinos and restaurants."
"The professionalism and kindness of the Loves staff can be experienced at any Loves location, as far as I can tell."
$15 / night
"We really liked this spot in Nevada. The reservoir is a nice thing to walk to, not much more."
"This campground is surrounded by natural beauty. Snow capped mountains hang in the distance. The site is super clean and has flushable toilets and a non-fee shower."
"Beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. There isn’t a good place to swim and the water inlet has a pretty strong smell. Great views and easy access. Worth the drive."
$10 / night
"Along the south west side of South Fork reservoir, these functional spots carry all the charm of a dirt parking lot, but the views of the Ruby Mountains reflected in the lake will keep you coming back."
"Not your typical campground; the sites are lined up along the lake with the only privacy being the space (decent) between sites."
$10 / night
"One of three campsites on a small reservoir outside of Elko. There weren’t many water craft on the water today, but it is October."
"The boat launch and boat trailer parking lot is in the nearby Coyote Cove campground."
$14 - $15 / night
"It’s close to the highway and train tracks, but we didn’t really notice the noise. There is no WiFi, but our phone service was great. Would absolutely stay again."
"As noted by others there are a few dispersed sites off the entrance road to the official site."
"I live close by, but love to go out and spend time traveling up here and just enjoying the scenery. The wildflowers are fabulous and there are just so many of them."
TravelerWell maintained sites. BBQ, and fire pits. Free showers, flush toilets, covered picnic tables. Nice large sites. Always a breeze. A camp host is present as well as ranger station 1/2 mile down the road. 25$ per night with full electric hookups. Doggy clean up bags provided.
TravelerThe main paid camp ground was closed. Just took a right and was back in the wilderness with mountains all around. Many dispersed camping sites but probably need 4x4 with elevation to get to the best.
TravelerThe professionalism and kindness of the Loves staff can be experienced at any Loves location, as far as I can tell. Me and my family are on a 1 year road trip in an rv, and what we like most about Loves is; we know what to expect. If we can make it to a Loves, everything will be fine for the night.
GuideThis is a nice park, friendly staff and well-maintained site. What I didn't like was the fact that they advertised Wi-Fi, which they had, but not at my site. They said they had trouble pushing out the network, but that was information I didn't have when booking. I would have stayed elsewhere. Otherwise, nice park.
ScoutHad a great time fishing the lake with my wife.
TravelerIt all started when we rolled up to the reception desk, only to find it completely deserted. After finally flagging someone down and, in the glorious 100-degree Fahrenheit heat (that's 38°C for you metric folks), asking for a spot with some shade, I was promptly informed that, since I'd booked a "cheap spot" ($60, mind you!), shade was simply not an option. So, we set up our little slice of hell, desperately trying to conjure some shade with our awning and sunshade in the blazing sun. Just as we finished, some park "authority" waltzed over to tell us we had to turn our rig around because, get this, "park rules." Our polite suggestion that this would render our awning useless and bake our van's entrance was met with a shrug and another firm nod to "the rules." Never mind that we were the only fools in a very long, empty row. Naturally, the staff offered precisely zero solutions. Then came the joys of the night. The highway, just a stone's throw away, apparently doubles as a drag strip where drivers have an insatiable desire to ride the rumble strip, making delightful, ear-splitting music. And on the other side of this "peaceful" park? A train track, where conductors apparently believe the only way to announce their presence is with a constant, valley-echoing blare of the horn. Sleep? Yeah, that was a laughable concept. This place isn't just unsuitable as a stopover; it's an absolute travesty. Consider this my last dance with KOA.
GuideStayed for one night on our way back from California. Very quiet campground that had the basic forest service type amenities. Paves spots, fire rings, picnic tables, grill and vault toilets. The amenities seemed like they could use a refresh and seemed older. The views in the canyon were fantastic and a nice surprise as the recreation.gov page does not do it justice. Would stay again.
LegendNice quiet spot along the river, trees all around providing privacy and hiking for days. Do your homework if you have a larger rig.
GuideLevel sites. Well maintained...clean. We did the self check in. One night stay on our way to Oregon.
Camping near Carlin, Nevada, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and convenient amenities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping near Carlin, Nevada, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quick stop or a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots in Carlin, Nevada?
While Carlin itself has limited camping options, nearby areas offer several choices. Loves RV Hookups Carlin NV provides convenient drive-in access with big-rig-friendly spots right in Carlin. For more scenic options, head to nearby Elko (about 20 minutes away) where you'll find Iron Horse RV Resort, a well-maintained RV park tucked down a private road off the main highway. The area around Carlin also offers access to public lands where dispersed camping may be available, particularly in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest region.
What amenities are available at Carlin camping sites?
Camping sites near Carlin offer various amenities depending on the type of campground. Elko RV Park at Ryndon provides trees for shade, full hookups with 30 and 50 amp electrical service, water, sewer, propane, restrooms, and laundry facilities. For those seeking recreational opportunities, East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area offers access to a reservoir for water activities, though be prepared for occasional strong winds. Many RV parks in the region also feature additional amenities like clean bathrooms, showers, game rooms, and even small pools or hot tubs.
Is year-round camping possible in Carlin, NV?
Year-round camping is possible in the Carlin area, though options vary seasonally. Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping near Carlin is only officially open May through September, with some dispersed sites available off the entrance road during other months for high-clearance vehicles. Most RV parks in the region, including those in nearby Elko, remain open year-round to accommodate travelers along I-80. Winter camping requires preparation for cold Nevada desert conditions, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. For free overnight options during travel, Walmart — Elko Supercenter allows overnight parking year-round, though it can get chilly even in May.
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