Primitive camping near Denio, Nevada offers remote desert recreation centered around natural hot springs, reservoirs, and expansive mountain views. Located in the northwest corner of Nevada near the Oregon border, this arid region sits at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet with temperature extremes that can swing 40+ degrees between day and night. Roads accessing many sites become impassable during wet conditions, with clay-based surfaces turning slick.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution around Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping creates ideal conditions for astronomical viewing. "The night sky was crackling with white stars," notes one camper who appreciated the clear desert viewing conditions.
Wildlife observation: Sheldon National Antelope Refuge provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities at Catnip Reservoir Dispersed Camping. "Reservoir active with waterfowl & other birds. Coyotes at night. Fishing for cutthroat trout," reports one visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Bird watching: The wetland environments attract diverse bird species. At Burshy Point Dispersed Camping, visitors can enjoy "many shore birds, a beautiful sunset and a refreshing cool night" according to a recent camper who valued the wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Temperature variation in hot springs: Visitors can find comfortable soaking throughout the day by timing their visit. "The hot springs were good in the morning and after 6 in the evening (water temp upper 80's lower 90's). Anytime in between they were too hot between 100-120 degrees," notes one camper about their hot spring experience.
Sense of isolation: Despite being accessible by standard vehicles, the remote locations provide a true wilderness experience. At Willow Creek Hot Springs, visitors appreciate the seclusion: "We had the place to ourselves on a Tuesday night with the exception of an older gentleman in a bus who was very friendly."
Natural spring features: The region's geothermal features have varying structures and temperatures. "It is in the form of a creek with some rock dams to slow the water and make soaking spots," describes one visitor about their experience at a local hot spring.
What you should know
Insects can be problematic: Several campers report issues with bugs at certain times. One visitor warns, "Hot springs were nice but we were invaded by Ticks. My wife is still dealing with sickness from the tick," highlighting the importance of tick prevention measures.
Ground conditions: The powdery alkali soil can be challenging. One camper at Frog Spring in Alvord Desert noted the "drive in goes from pavement, to gravel, to dirt roads with some gnarly trenches at the end but it's not too bad and definitely worth it."
Weekday visits recommended: Campsites and hot springs are significantly less crowded midweek. "We stayed in the larger 'parking area' and a total of 3 cars pull in and out but aside from that we had the whole spot to ourselves!" reports a summer visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Consider kid-friendly springs: Some hot springs have features appropriate for children. "Great with my young kids," mentions one parent about a "slow moving river so it wasn't hard to sit in but still very clean."
Be prepared for primitive conditions: Families should pack everything needed, including toilet paper. "The bathroom was very clean and no TP. We left a roll there and noticed someone else did too," explains one visitor at Willow Creek Hot Springs.
Provide your own shade: Trees are scarce in this high desert landscape. "No shade so come prepared in the summer," advises a camper who visited with family, highlighting the need for portable shelter from the intense sun.
Tips from RVers
Ground firmness concerns: The fine desert soil can create challenges for larger vehicles. "If you're pulling a trailer BE CAREFUL you can get stuck in the softer sand…we almost did," warns one RV camper about conditions at Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping.
Site selection strategy: Look for established pullouts on firmer ground. At Catnip Reservoir, "There are a handful of large sites, with metal firerings. Sites are level dirt surfaces surrounded by sagebrush. Can be muddy when wet."
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "It's about 25 miles of dirt road either way you come in," reports one RVer, while another specifies "The first 3 miles were great! We drove top speed of 55, then for the next 22 miles our top speed was 10mph."
