Best Dispersed Camping near Carlin, NV
Dispersed camping opportunities can be found near Carlin, Nevada, with several primitive sites available in the surrounding areas. Camp Lamoille offers free dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 660 in Lamoille Canyon, approximately 30 miles from Carlin. Additional dispersed camping exists along Highway 51 and near Ruby Lake. These sites are situated on public lands where camping without designated facilities is permitted. The Ruby Mountains and surrounding valleys provide natural settings for primitive camping with minimal development or services.
Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved roads. Multiple reviews indicate high clearance vehicles are necessary to reach the best camping locations near Lamoille Creek, especially for sites closest to the water. Forest Service Road 660 branches in different directions, with some easily accessible spots and others requiring four-wheel drive capability. Seasonal closures affect accessibility, with winter snow making some roads impassable. The main Camp Lamoille campground operates only from May through September, though dispersed sites may be available year-round depending on conditions. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, and camping is typically limited to 14 days.
These dispersed areas provide scenic camping with mountain views and creek access. Sites near Lamoille Creek offer privacy and natural water sources in a mountain setting. The spacing between sites allows for solitude, though accessibility varies significantly. "Several dispersed camping sites before you get to the actual campground. Good spacing on the sites for privacy. Easy access to the creek for clean fresh water," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "We turned right off of the FS road, there's several spots easily assessable via car, we went further down, rock crawling, high clearance required, and found the perfect spot nestled in the trees about 10ft from Lamoille Creek."
