Dispersed camping near Dayton, Nevada exists primarily on Bureau of Land Management lands surrounding this high desert region located at approximately 4,400 feet elevation. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer brings intense heat and occasional thunderstorms. Most sites sit on hard-packed desert soil with sparse vegetation, requiring campers to bring all necessary water supplies.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Fort Churchill State Historic Park offers more than just camping opportunities. The Scout Camp at Fort Churchill connects visitors with Nevada's frontier past. "Site had a pre-made fire pit. There's a few spots here to choose from, although if you're looking for privacy they are somewhat close together. Lots of ATVs here. Overall pretty good for a nights stay, especially if you're in to history!" notes Julianne N. from Scout Camp at Fort Churchill.
River recreation: Access the Carson River for fishing and wildlife viewing. Virginia D. observed, "Scout camp is on the Carson river and within the tall cottonwoods. Camp in the shade or out in the open if it's very windy as the trees can shed branches. Nice trail along the River."
Stargazing: Clear desert skies provide exceptional night viewing. At Reno View Dispersed, Don S. reported, "There are a few sites about 4 miles back on an unmaintained road. The first turn off has the best view with somewhat flat ground for a tent."
Mountain biking: Access nearby trails from many BLM sites. Corey H. mentioned at BLM Water Tank Road, "There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill (about 6 in July) so just be aware of that when camping here."
What campers like
Solitude and scenery: Many Dayton-area sites provide isolation from urban areas. About the Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill, Macayla noted, "Follow Via Camino St down to the end. Map coordinates are a bit off. Quick and easy place to pull off for a night. Very flat, hard dirt area perfect for a tent and easily driveable."
Budget-friendly options: All dispersed camping sites around Dayton are free. Kailey C. commented on the Fort Churchill area, "Since COVID has closed all state and national parks to camping, we were happy to find this BLM land for an overnight. There are no services and the ground is a little bumpy/sandy but we were able to get around just fine in our camper van."
Wildlife viewing: Several sites offer opportunities to see desert wildlife. "We had some coyotes track around our van over night so make sure you keep everything inside!" advises Kailey C. about the Fort Churchill area.
Cell service: Unlike many remote locations, some sites maintain reasonable connectivity. "We for service on both Verizon and Sprint!" notes a Fort Churchill area camper.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to many sites deteriorates rapidly. At BLM FLATTOP, Alden B. observed, "The road kinda sucks but VC is a good time. It was nice other than the road."
Goathead thorns: These puncture-causing plants are prevalent at some sites. Alex B. warns at Reno View Dispersed, "Views are unreal but would not suggest walking barefoot, tent camping or bringing dogs up here. The bottoms of our shoes looked like a warzone and when we laid down in our tents we were pricked by goatheads. Opted to sleep in the front seat of our Forester."
Changing land conditions: Development encroaches on some sites. At BLM Water Tank Road, ron R. reported, "The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area."
Pack out all waste: No trash services exist at most locations. "Please remember to pack everything out, there was a lot of trash I had to pick up that was left behind by others," notes Alden B. about BLM FLATTOP.
Tips for camping with families
Scout Camp amenities: This site offers more facilities than typical dispersed camping. "Camp in the shade or out in the open if it's very windy as the trees can shed branches. Garbage collection and pit toilets. Nice trail along the River," reports Virginia D. about Scout Camp at Fort Churchill.
Safety considerations: Some areas have challenging terrain. Hailey from Scout Camp notes, "Right off the main road with minimal traffic noise. So beautiful, open, and feels safe. Late March is hot in the day and a little cool at night. Family friendly."
Weather preparedness: Desert temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night. "Late March is hot in the day and a little cool at night," reports Hailey about camping at Scout Camp.
Footwear requirements: Hard soils and thorny plants demand proper shoes. Alex B. warns about Reno View, "Would not suggest walking barefoot, tent camping or bringing dogs up here."
Tips from RVers
High-clearance requirements: Many access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. About the BLM next to Truckee River, in Mustang, Joe K. notes, "Just off of 80 @ the Mustang exit, east bound side. Industrial area, so trucks going by, mostly during the day, but occasionally throughout the night. Good, clean spot to rest for a night."
Class A limitations: Larger RVs face significant restrictions. Janet M. reports about Fort Churchill, "We drove thru both Fort Churchill State Park Campground and Scout Camp near by. We have a 36ft class A with a tow. Fort Churchill Campground is not accessible if you love the paint job on your rig. Scout camp access is deeply rotted so our Class A couldn't safely get in there."
Overnight convenience: Some sites work better for quick stops than extended stays. Tami P. says about BLM next to Truckee River, "The camp spot is great for an overnight camp spot when driving on I-80. Easy to get to, quiet enough. Not a recreation destination."
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects some locations. Gregg T. mentions that the BLM site next to Truckee River is "Small and noisy. Ok, to stop for the night. To close to the train tracks and highway."
