The desert landscape surrounding Denio, Nevada offers primitive tent camping opportunities with unique hot spring access. Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping, located about 5 miles down Bog Hot Road off Highway 140, provides free tent camping in Nevada's northwestern corner. Onion Valley Reservoir, accessible from Winnemucca, offers established tent campsites from mid-June to mid-October. Just across the Oregon border, tent campers can find Frog Spring in Alvord Desert and Pike Creek Primitive Camp at Alvord Hot Springs, both providing walk-in tent sites with mountain views.
Most tent campgrounds in the Denio area feature minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. Bog Hot Springs has no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, making it essential for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. The ground at many sites consists of powdery alkali soil that campers report "gets in your socks," suggesting appropriate footwear is necessary. Fire rings are available at some locations, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Onion Valley Reservoir provides vault toilets but requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles, with one camper warning that roads become "slick and heavy" when wet, making access dangerous.
Tent-only camping experiences near Denio offer exceptional night skies and thermal soaking opportunities. According to reviews, Bog Hot Springs features a creek with rock dams creating soaking spots where water temperatures range from 85-120°F, with mornings and evenings providing the most comfortable soaking temperatures. One camper noted that "the night sky was crackling with white stars," highlighting the exceptional stargazing opportunities. Visitors recommend camping "further upstream" at Bog Hot Springs to avoid late-night foot traffic from day users. Wildlife awareness is important, as rattlesnakes have been spotted in the area, and several campers reported issues with biting insects and ticks during warmer months. The primitive tent sites typically offer no shade, with desert winds providing natural cooling during hot days.
"This HS is located in Nevada’s Northwest corner of the state. A large open area just in front of the HS for day use and camping."
"Don’t tent camp at the first road at the entrance, it may be private from the river but at night all the way to 1am visitors are walking and talking up and down that road it kinda pissed me off but I probably"
"Drive out and camp miles from anybody on this 80 sq/mi dry lakebed. The surface is hard, very little dust and you can camp miles from anybody if you choose. When."
"pretty cool site in the desert with mountain ranges surrounding you. 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"
"You have to pay at the Hot Springs, to stay $30, they will give you a key to the better entrance."
from $5 - $30 / night
LegendThis little park has about 16 spaces with full hook ups. All gravel lot and spaces are very level. Cheryl, the owner super nice lady. Town is very small with only a few gas stations but a well stocked little supermarket. We stayed here for one night. Was $45 and she only accepts cash or check.
TravelerThere are no signs, it’s a warm stream with camping spots available. There are a few places with steps into the stream. It’s very warm and soothing to soak.
TravelerThe camp area is larger than it appears when you drive in. So if you go here, if you veer to the left, there's a huge area and straight ahead or to the right are some really nice areas as well. All well within walking distance to the warm springs which I found to be quite refreshing. There were a lot of minnows in it that tickled quite a bit while sitting there, but it was pretty cool. There some private property outbuildings which still have a few items dating back to probably the '50s. My dog had fun chasing rabbits out in the sagebrush but no lizards were seen. However, it is only April and not hot outside. There's a couple of opal mines that one can pay for to try and find some but there are also areas where one can find them. Just scavenging the ground. In the evening, the melody of variety of birds singing were amazing.
GuideThis is a super nice campsite with the cleanest pit toilet I’ve ever seen. The campsites are spaced out. A few of the site have picnic tables and fire pits.
TravelerThis place is pretty small, enough room for maybe five or six RVs and several tents. The tent area is a nicely kept grassy area away from the RVs. It was so nice to have a hot shower and bathroom facilities, and only $25 a night. They also have laundry facilities. Definitely worth the stay while passing through.
GuideDrive out and camp miles from anybody on this 80 sq/mi dry lakebed. The surface is hard, very little dust and you can camp miles from anybody if you choose. When. Drive out on the lake, resist pulling up short and keep driving. You’ll be fine.
GuideI can't begin to describe the beauty of this place. A dry lakebed desert with the Steens Mountain rising thousands of feet straight up from it, where the peaks were still capped with snow. I drove from the Frog Springs public entrance 2.5 miles in which put me only halfway across. The illusions are wild. I did a run and also a bunch of fun ebiking and when you get away from your vehicle far enough you can both lose sight of it, and also still see it from miles away. The heat mirage is super cool as well.
I went alone and have never been in such silence. No people around. There was one or two other campers in the whole thing and they were miles away. No bird sounds or tree sounds or signs of life through sound. Wild.
I went in April which is risky because you don't go out there if it rains. Everything was dry and no rain in the forecast. On one of my bike rides I went up to the hot springs area and it was still wet up there and yes, the mud stopped my bike in its tracks.
RangerLast mile was unpaved but nothing crazy. Plenty of space at the sites I looked at. Pit toilets but nothing else for amenities. Views are great and overall feeling of space even with three other campers. Make sure you’re good to go with gas before heading in towards campsite. Not many gas stations or other resources within 80 miles. If you’re all set for the isolation then I highly recommend visiting. Looking forward to checking one of the many opal mines nearby.
ScoutBring your own firewood (no places to gather or trees)- come prepared for the very cool warm spring pool that was so clear and nice bathhouse.
Dispersed camping near Denio, Nevada offers primitive options in high desert terrain at elevations between 4,000-7,000 feet. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, with summer days reaching 90°F and nighttime lows dropping to 40°F. The area borders both Nevada and Oregon with volcanic landscapes, alkali flats, and sagebrush steppe habitat requiring campers to bring all supplies.
Hiking at Pike Creek: Primitive camping at Pike Creek Primitive Camp at Alvord Hot Springs provides access to the Pike Creek trail. According to Charyl B., "The Pike Creek hike is Amazing too!! Definitely a Must!" This trail follows a creek through a canyon with views of the Steens Mountain.
Cold water swimming: During hot summer days, multiple streams and small reservoirs offer natural cooling options. A visitor to Bog Hot Springs mentioned, "The creek was flowing very fast, fresh, and super cold, still used a filter." Many campers use these cold water sources to balance hot spring soaking.
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. Eric L. noted at Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping, "If stargazing is your thing, it doesn't get much more dark sky than here." Winter and early spring offer the clearest viewing conditions.
Temperature variation in hot springs: The hot springs in the area feature varying temperatures based on location and time of day. Heidi M. observed, "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."
Solitude at dispersed sites: Many campers appreciate the isolation available at certain sites. At Frog Spring in Alvord Desert, ian G. described it as "wide open and secluded at the same time" and noted the "pretty cool site in the desert with mountain ranges surrounding you."
Morning landscape views: The surrounding mountains create dramatic morning vistas, especially after weather systems move through. Cheri S. remembered, "We were on a spring break trip in March and woke up to a dusting of snow, which made the view even more spectacular."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to many sites requires careful driving, especially during wet conditions. Martin warns about Onion Valley Reservoir: "The mud was so slick and heavy that the back end of my truck was literally sliding to the valley side of the road. Scary as hell... Do Not Drive When Wet!!"
Wildlife awareness required: Venomous snakes inhabit the area during warmer months. Thomas B. reported, "we saw a rattlesnake in the middle of the road." Several other campers mention ticks and biting insects, particularly from late spring through summer.
Soil conditions affect camping setup: The alkali soil at many sites creates unique challenges. Sarah S. described one location as "Pretty dusty from the fine grain sand on the trails to get there and throughout" and warned "If you're pulling a trailer BE CAREFUL you can get stuck in the softer sand…we almost did."
Creek camping for children: Shallow water features appeal to families with young children. Britney T. found Bog Hot Springs "Great with my young kids" explaining it's a "Slow moving river so it wasn't had to sit in but still very clean."
Visit timing affects experience: Weekday camping typically offers more privacy and fewer day visitors. Conner advised, "go a bit further up stream, yes it's a great idea to camp further up stream so you don't have to deal with visitors and shit who aren't even spending the night."
Pack appropriate footwear: The fine alkali dust requires footwear planning, especially with children. One camper suggested wearing sandals near camp and closed shoes for hiking, noting the powdery soil "gets in your socks" and spreads easily into tents and gear.
Vehicle positioning on uneven terrain: Park with stabilizing blocks to achieve level positioning. Sarah S. mentioned, "If you're pulling a trailer BE CAREFUL you can get stuck in the softer sand…we almost did." Most sites lack designated parking areas.
Temperature management strategies: RVs benefit from strategic positioning for shade and wind protection. According to Conner, "It was windy during the day to keep the heat off and strangle not windy at all night. (Peaceful sleep if not for the guests talking) And again fuckin windy in the morning."
Water conservation techniques: With no hookups available, successful RVers bring multiple containers. Chris notes the area is "Primitive camping next to a hot spring" with "no road noise and your surround by desert," requiring complete self-sufficiency for water needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Denio, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Denio, NV is Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Denio, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Denio, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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