Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Duckwater, NV

Dave Deacon Campground at Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area features pet-friendly campsites with picnic tables and allows pets throughout the area. Most campgrounds near Duckwater cater to tent and RV camping with pets. Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area provides spacious sites with picnic tables and fire pits where campers can keep dogs on leashes. The reservoir area campsites are spread out, giving pet owners ample room between neighbors. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though pet waste stations are limited. Ward Mountain Campground receives high ratings from pet owners for its pine-shaded sites and well-maintained grounds. Three bars of AT&T 5G coverage is available at Illipah Reservoir for those needing to stay connected while camping with pets.

Ward Mountain's juniper and pine forest offers natural shade for dogs during summer months when temperatures rise. Trails surrounding the campgrounds provide walking opportunities for dogs, though leashes are required on all paths. Mosquitoes can be problematic at dawn and dusk at some locations, particularly at Ward Mountain, requiring pet owners to take precautions. The area experiences high winds at elevated sites, which can be challenging for tent campers with pets. Most campgrounds near Duckwater lack running water, so campers should bring their own water supply for both human and pet consumption. Wildlife is present throughout the region, requiring vigilant supervision of pets during camping trips. The nearest veterinary services are available in Ely, approximately 6 miles from Ward Mountain Campground.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Duckwater, Nevada (12)

    1. Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    22 Reviews
    Lund, NV
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1655

    "I went to the campsite and it looked great for people who don’t mind other campers close by. There was water available for cleaning dishes, etc. and also vault toilets."

    "In the Wayne Kirch WMA near Sunnyside, NV. Desert oasis surrounded by mountains. Well stocked pit toilets and many water faucets around the grounds."

    2. Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Ruth, NV
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1800

    "Pretty nice campground with the reservoir, adjacent dirt roads, and closeness(yet not too close to the 50) Stayed their for a night while going across Nevada."

    "Nothing special, just fairly quiet, easy access, a good distance from your neighbors. We were able to walk our dogs and have a quiet time."

    3. Ely KOA

    20 Reviews
    Ely, NV
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-3413

    "The surprises for us: no pool (not that we wanted one), adorable neighbor goats, and two dog parks areas (one with grass). Our dog loved the dirt dog park."

    "Located outside of Ely, but close enough if you need to run into town.
    Staff was great, informed us about facilities and also map listed restaurants that deliver."

    5. Ward Mountain Campground

    8 Reviews
    Ruth, NV
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-3031

    $8 - $50 / night

    "I chose this campground as a stop over close to Highway 50 on our way to Utah from California.  It was a very nice little campground, very clean, and well-maintained."

    "My dog, Blueberry, and I spent one night. Neighbors were courteous."

    6. Willow Creek — Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

    9 Reviews
    Lund, NV
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1693

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Both have concrete paths to the pit toilets. Plenty of area to maneuver inside sturdy toilet situated in the corner with grab bars is well stocked."

    "The camping is close by. No amenities, water, electricity but fairly clean composting toilets in camp area. A few trails at the kiln site and some hiking at the campground."

    7. Garnet Hill Camp

    8 Reviews
    Ruth, NV
    48 miles

    "Snow on the mountains in the distance. Great cell phone reception but this is definitely pack it in and pack it out."

    "There is nowhere to turn around but there is a vault toilet and garbage receptacle at the top of the hill. A little dusty and breezy but beautiful and free! Great cell reception."

    8. Silver Sky Lodge RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, CA
    41 miles
    +1 (775) 237-5034

    "All gravel very beautiful surroundings."

    9. Hot Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lund, NV
    49 miles

    "Great off road free campground"

    "Very spacious camp sites with easy access to multiple bathrooms. Great area for stargazing too"

    10. Ward Mtn. Campground (murray Summit)

    2 Reviews
    Ruth, NV
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-3031

    $12 - $75 / night

    "which is also covered with small rock is adjacent. Pit toilets were clean. At this time, the area lacks culinary water, hence the one-star deduction. RV dumps located in Ely at gas stations."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Duckwater, NV

89 Reviews of 12 Duckwater Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2020

    Ely KOA

    Standard KOA with a few surprises

    This place is giant! There are tons of RV spots as well as a tent area and some cabins. We stayed here to visit Great Basin National Park because the weather was going to be too cold to camp in the park safely without hookups for us. We also used this KOA as our midway point to dump and refill our water between campsites without water. It had what we expected of a KOA - friendly staff, full hookups, easy level pull through sites, a playground, store, etc. The surprises for us: no pool (not that we wanted one), adorable neighbor goats, and two dog parks areas (one with grass). Our dog loved the dirt dog park. It was great giving him a chance to run around off leash for a bit on our trip since everywhere we went he had to be on-leash. The goats were a fun surprise, too, since we love watching goats.

  • D
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Ely KOA

    Nice location and great staff

    Located outside of Ely, but close enough if you need to run into town.

    Staff was great, informed us about facilities and also map listed restaurants that deliver.

    Hometown Pizza delivers to your site, good pizza.

    They do inform you that by state law they have to have water pressure regulators on the water hookups so no need to add yours. (in Las Vegas at the KOA they had no idea what I was talking about but since we were within the city limits may not be needed).

    Great view of the night sky after dark, dog parks are decent size, but by the time we got their our dog had found a spot on the roads.

    Site pretty level, site and roads are gravel. Appears to be quite a few long term campers.

    We were only there one night, but with everything if offers appears to be a place to stay for a week if so inclined.
    Gets chilly at night, high altitude (close to 7,000 ft in elevation).

  • Kim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area

    Great free campground

    Pretty nice campground with the reservoir, adjacent dirt roads, and closeness(yet not too close to the 50)

    Stayed their for a night while going across Nevada. Nice views, pit toilets, tables, some sites have shade structures, metal fire pits, easy dirt road in.

    There are cows and in my experience RVs left their generators running quite late were the cons if you consider those as such, but I really thought it was a good site.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 17, 2025

    Ely KOA

    Nicest RV Park in Nevada

    We have been roaming around Nevada for a week now and this is the nicest campground we have stayed at. New bathrooms, clean, friendly and helpful staff and trees! There are trails right from the grounds for walking, biking, quading.

  • Semi H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2025

    Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area

    Easy stay

    We often stop here on our way to/from Utah.  Nothing special, just fairly quiet, easy access, a good distance from your neighbors.

    We were able to walk our dogs and have a quiet time.

    We were here several different times of the year in a RV.

  • kristin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Ely KOA

    All the basics you need

    It’s a KOA Journey, so, close to a “major” road (RT 93), which was very quiet despite proximity. It’s got nice views across the street, so if you’re on the first row of campsites, you’ll get front row seats. The spaces are quite close together, so privacy is minimal, though everyone was very respectful and quiet during quiet hours. Nice spot for access to Great Basin NP (which is a jewel, btw). Lots of options for fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities nearby too. We went to Cave Lake and were not impressed but... maybe it was just the wrong time of year (end of May). Sites are mostly level and big-rig friendly, hookups on site were reliable!

  • DL M.
    Sep. 21, 2024

    19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite

    Big View from top of plain

    Sweeping view. Dispersed site adjacent to road 19631. Gulley behind with a road. No services. Great 5G AT&T. Rough hill up requires 4wd. Consistent shape. Close to junction down to gulley.

  • Laura O.
    May. 5, 2015

    Desert National Wildlife Range

    Hidden Forest Trail

    The trail to Hidden forest starts off at Dead Mans Canyon trail head in the Nevada Wildlife Refuge. The road to the trail head is rocky and warrants a high profile vehicle and spare tires, just in case of a flat. The trail itself is fairly rocky all the way to the cabin, but the scenery is amazing. There are 2 campsites, one about half way up to the cabin and then 2 at the cabin. There is water at the cabin but its really reserved for wildlife and the Creek bed should be used to filter your own. The cabin itself is really an amazing piece of history, built in the late 1800's by unknown. There are big horn sheep, mountain lions, lots of birds and reptiles to peek at if your quiet. (We were not as this was our first pack in/pack out trip). Plan to stay warm in the cabin if it's still cold at night, the wood stove works nicely. If you prefer the stars like us, dress warm or warm some rocks in the fire and wrap in a blanket in the tent. If you're looking for solitude this hike has it and its an amazing find right outside of Las Vegas.

  • Emily S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    Gorgeous spot

    I went to the campsite and it looked great for people who don’t mind other campers close by. There was water available for cleaning dishes, etc. and also vault toilets. That being said there is endless amounts of truly dispersed campus spots all around in this wildlife area. I spoke with a local who said that, it’s safe and accepted within the community to camp anywhere. I found a perfect little spot close to the hot creek.


Guide to Duckwater

Dispersed camping areas near Duckwater, Nevada offer high desert terrain with elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet. Summer temperatures can exceed 90°F, while nighttime temperatures drop significantly even in summer months. The region's sagebrush ecosystem provides habitat for pronghorn antelope and mule deer that campers might encounter during early morning hours.

What to do

Star gazing opportunities: Hot Creek Campground provides exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Very quiet, far from freeway and people. Great stars," notes Jordan B.

Fishing access: Multiple reservoirs in the area offer fishing opportunities. Visit Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area where "There's a dirt road going around the reservoir and one can go for a long walk," according to Daniel V.

Hot springs exploration: Natural hot springs near Hot Creek Campground provide a unique experience. "Hot springs about a mile down the road that you can either walk to or drive to," mentions Jennifer W., describing the area as a "Desert Oasis."

Mountain biking: Several trails available near the campgrounds. "There are trails right from the grounds for walking, biking, quading," notes Susan N. about areas near Ely.

What campers like

Natural privacy: Many campsites offer space between neighbors. "The campsites are spaced out okay but there is little shrubbery to provide much privacy. The shelters were fantastic though for hanging tarps," reports Emily H. from Hot Creek Campground.

Level campsites: Most campgrounds feature fairly level sites for easy setup. "Super clean campground, only one other camper. Very spacious camp sites with easy access to multiple bathrooms," shares Jeff B. about Hot Creek Campground.

Night sky quality: Minimal light pollution makes for outstanding stargazing. "It's beautiful in a desert way, huge expanses of blue sky and nothing for miles," reports Jennifer W., highlighting the isolation that makes for great astronomy viewing.

Free camping options: Several campgrounds in the area have no fees. "Super clean with bathrooms, water, dump, bbq's, covered what else would you want for free!!" exclaims Mike M. about the value at Hot Creek Campground.

What you should know

Weather variability: High elevation causes temperature swings. "It's at 7000' so it shouldn't get too hot here in the summer," notes Heather G. about Willow Creek — Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park.

Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on dirt or gravel roads. "White Pine County takes better care of their dirt roads than California does their highways!!!!" states Mike M. about access to Hot Creek Campground.

Insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times. "Mosquitoes are insane. Even when you bathe in bug spray, won't do anything," cautions Randy L. about Hot Creek Campground during summer months.

Cell service variability: Coverage differs between locations. "About one thousand feet before the top of Garnet Hill, at a 90 degrees right hand turn, there are a number of good, level spots with excellent cell service on T-Mobile," advises Marty K.

Tips for camping with families

History exploration: Historical sites offer educational opportunities. "Interesting history of the campground. Kilns are well preserved and accessible," explains Rick P. about Garnet Hill Camp and the nearby charcoal ovens.

Dog friendly campgrounds near Duckwater: Most camping areas permit leashed pets. "We were able to walk our dogs and have a quiet time," reports Semi H. who visited Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area with their pets.

Wildlife viewing preparation: Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting. "Wildlife is present throughout the region," especially during dawn and dusk hours when animals are most active.

Shade considerations: Limited tree cover at some sites impacts comfort. "I would gladly pay a few dollars if it meant more upkeep for the area or more trees," comments Emily H. about Hot Creek Campground's exposure to sun.

Tips from RVers

RV access assessment: Check road conditions before arrival with larger rigs. "Campground is awesome, super clean, and pretty much empty. There is fresh water, a dump site and put toilets which are clean," shares Jennifer W. about Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area.

Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks for some sites. "Nice place to sleep for a quick rest, otherwise it's just a normal campsite," notes Rory R. about Ward Mountain Campground.

Water supply planning: Most campgrounds have limited water access. "Most campgrounds near Duckwater lack running water, so campers should bring their own water supply for both human and pet consumption."

Site selection for pet owners: Choose sites away from popular fishing areas. "Everyone was so friendly and nice!! Also lake with fishing," reports Imerie T. about Hot Creek Campground, where pets should be kept away from fishing areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Duckwater, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Duckwater, NV is Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area with a 4.1-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Duckwater, NV?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dog-friendly camping locations near Duckwater, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.