Best Tent Camping near Carson City, NV

The mountains and valleys surrounding Carson City, Nevada offer several tent camping options within a short drive of the city. North Canyon Campground, located near Incline Village, provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. For a unique tent camping experience, Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch offers three tent campsites with drinking water, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. Reno View Dispersed camping area, situated east of Carson City, provides free primitive tent camping with minimal facilities but expansive views of the region.

Most tent-only sites in the Carson City area feature natural dirt or gravel pads with minimal grading. Bear boxes are common at established campgrounds, particularly in areas closer to Lake Tahoe where bear activity is frequent. Campers should bring their own water supply, as most primitive tent campgrounds lack potable water sources. Vault toilets are available at established sites like North Canyon, but dispersed camping areas typically have no facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer and fall months. The camping season generally runs from late May through October, though higher elevation sites may remain snow-covered until June.

In early summer, tent campers often find cooler temperatures at higher elevation sites compared to Carson City itself. According to reviews, sites at established campgrounds are typically "well spaced out, with tables and fire rings in most of them," allowing for privacy even when campgrounds are partially occupied. The Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Spooner Backcountry offers hike-in tent camping with access to numerous trail networks, though permits are required and dispersed camping is prohibited. One camper noted that Luther Pass, though technically in California, provides "about 12 sites near the Big Meadow trailhead" with pit toilets and picnic tables, making it a popular free tent camping option within driving distance of Carson City. Backcountry tent camping opportunities expand significantly for those willing to hike into the Desolation Wilderness area.

Best Tent Sites Near Carson City, Nevada (67)

    1. Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch

    5 Reviews
    Washoe Valley, NV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 496-7561

    $25 - $50 / night

    "I parked behind a hay stack and next to a picnic table where I could set up my little kitchen. There was also a clean porta potty and hand washing station which was very convenient."

    "Had the whole place to ourselves……and the roaming Alpacas of course 😁 Park anywhere you want in the designated circular driveway on flat grass and dirt. We walked along the creek and just relaxed."

    2. Reno View Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    10 miles

    "I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno."

    3. North Canyon Campground

    1 Review
    Glenbrook, NV
    7 miles
    +1 (775) 831-0494

    4. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 582-7892

    $35 / night

    "Close to Truckee so you can easily get supplies. Lots of trees give a private feel even though it is a busy campground."

    "We were in a large site and had pleasant neighbors. The restrooms were SUPER clean with flush toilets and hot showers. Short walk to Donner Lake and Donner Museum."

    6. Kaspian Campground

    3 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 583-3642

    $30 - $32 / night

    "It’s hard to miss Kaspian campground because it’s right off the road if you’re headed south towards South Lake Tahoe."

    "Good campsite located right by eagle Rock and 10 mins from Tahoe City."

    7. Lake Forest Campground

    1 Review
    Tahoe City, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 581-4017

    8. Luther Pass

    6 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    29 miles

    "About 12 sites near the Big meadow trailhead. they fill fast! no water, but pit toilet, garbage, fire rings and tables"

    "Several others around, but it was quiet & safe. Pit toilets, and river water nearby."

    9. Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone

    5 Reviews
    Twin Bridges, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 744-3320

    $5 / night

    "You can hike in for 6 miles each way (12 miles round trip) via the Echo Lakes trail, or park and take the water taxi ($12) to cut off 2.5 miles of the hike each way."

    "One of my top 5 favorite place to go backpacking. Love the feeling of being immersed in nature and the views of all the lakes. We took the water Taxi that shaved about 5 miles off our hike."

    10. Lovers Leap Campground

    6 Reviews
    Twin Bridges, CA
    32 miles
    Website

    "Very clean vault toilets and drinking water. Safe and quiet with nice hosts. Popular with climbers and there’s a short trail that leads down to a river that’s very scenic. Good cell reception."

    "The campsite we stayed in was a little bit of a walk in (could not drive to it) but it was beautiful with just a short walk to the crag. Natural and quiet, even though 50 is not far away!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Carson City, NV

1013 Reviews of 67 Carson City Campgrounds



Guide to Carson City

Carson City, Nevada, offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in nature while providing access to stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Local attractions to enhance your camping experience

  • Visit the historic Donner Memorial State Park, where you can learn about the area's history and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while camping at Donner Memorial State Park Campground.
  • Take a short drive to the charming town of Truckee, where you can explore local shops and restaurants after a day of camping at North Canyon Campground.
  • Discover the stunning alpine lakes and diverse wildlife at Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone, an ideal spot for backpacking and tent camping.

Tips for tent camping near Carson City

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Luther Pass, which can get crowded during peak season.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions; check forecasts and pack accordingly when heading to Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the campgrounds, particularly in areas like Red Fir Group Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carson City, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carson City, NV is Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Carson City, NV?

TheDyrt.com has all 67 tent camping locations near Carson City, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.