Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs, located 30 minutes west of Dyer, Nevada, offers free dispersed camping in a high desert basin at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. The site receives minimal annual rainfall, creating a stark yet accessible camping environment. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night while summer daytime temperatures frequently exceed 90°F.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: At Grandview Campground, the elevation and clear mountain air create exceptional night sky viewing. "Like the angels kicked over multiple bottles of glitter. AH! In the morning, we loved checking out the bristlecones and looking over the ridge at the dry lake in the distance," reports Kiley S.
Wildlife observation: The hot spring ecosystems attract diverse wildlife. At Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs, "A lot of animals near the water (frogs, ducks, birds, cows, fishes)," notes Clara T. The shallow pools provide good viewing opportunities throughout the day.
Photography: Bring your camera for unique landscape shots. "Pure stillness. Good sun for solar charging," says Jibran B. about the Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping area, which offers similar desert basin compositions to those around Dyer.
What campers like
Natural hot springs: The main attraction at Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs is the spring itself. "This is definitely the best. Super clean, beautiful and remote. There is a man-made pool and then several concentric pools coming out from that each cooler in temperature," explains Matt G.
Privacy between sites: Despite being a popular destination, the layout allows for personal space. "Spots were separated very nicely!" reports carina M. about her camping experience near the region. Many dispersed sites allow campers to position vehicles to create additional privacy barriers.
Accessibility: The area accommodates various camping styles. "Plenty of parking right next to the springs, but if you want a little more space you can take a dirt path right off of that parking lot up the hill a ways and have plenty of privacy," notes Bryce T., highlighting the flexible camping options at Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs.
What you should know
Road conditions: The access road requires careful driving. "The dirt road getting in was pretty washboarded and I have a larger truck so I just had to take it slow," explains Bryce T. about Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs.
No cell service: Communication options are limited in this remote location. "We had zero AT&T service. Starlink had speeds up to 8 MB/s and we had DISH coverage on all of the western satellites," shares Ray & Terri F. Plan communications accordingly.
Limited supplies: There are no stores nearby. "Bring all you need - this is leave no trace camping. No water or garbage service," advises Shane C. about camping in this high desert region. The closest resupply point requires significant driving time.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water: The dry climate requires additional hydration. At Pleasant Valley Campground, one camper warns "Bring sunscreen, year round it gets deathly hot out down here." Children need extra water supplies to stay properly hydrated.
Dog safety considerations: When bringing pets to dog friendly campgrounds near Dyer, watch for natural hazards. "Watch your dog's paws," advises Laura M., noting that desert plants like goatheads can cause painful injuries to pets' paws.
Temperature fluctuations: Prepare for significant day-to-night temperature changes. "Even at 8000 feet,asl, it was hot during the day and cooler at night," explains Anthony S. about nearby camping areas. Pack appropriate clothing layers for children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites require additional leveling. "Sites are super clean, paved, and extremely level," notes Brodie D. about staying at Highlands RV Park in Bishop, contrasting with the more primitive conditions near Dyer. Bring leveling blocks for dispersed sites.
Water management: Without hookups, careful water usage is essential. "This is a dry camp, so you have to haul in all of your water," explains Susan V. about camping in the region. RVers should arrive with full freshwater tanks.
Alternative locations: When weather affects Fish Lake Valley access, consider backup options. "We stayed for two nights here in mid May to enjoy the spring," shares Ray & Terri F., mentioning that their 36-foot Class A with tow vehicle managed the area, though site selection required care.
