Tent camping near Dyer, Nevada offers both desert and mountain experiences within a region of dramatic elevation changes. The area sits in a transition zone between the Great Basin Desert and the eastern Sierra Nevada range, with tent sites ranging from 5,000 to over 10,000 feet elevation. Many campgrounds require visitors to practice leave-no-trace principles due to the fragile desert ecosystem and high alpine environments.
What to do
Fishing in mountain streams: Bishop Creek flows alongside Mountain Glen Campground, providing easy access to trout fishing. Daniel D. notes that the "Bishop Creek (with fish) runs right by the sites" with "easy access to John Muir Wilderness and high Sierra hiking and fishing."
Hot spring soaking: Natural hot springs provide a relaxing experience after hiking. At The Rock Tub Hot Springs, campers can enjoy thermal pools while tent camping. Thomas K. mentions "6 spots with fire pits and short walk to hot springs" and notes "excellent views" from the camping area.
Gold panning: The streams and rivers in the eastern Sierra contain gold deposits from historic mining areas. At Upper Pine Grove Campground, Ann N. recommends to "bring your gold panning supplies" and describes the area as a "gold country paradise" where visitors can enjoy recreational prospecting.
What campers like
High elevation escapes: Backcountry tent sites at Ruby Lake Campground sit at higher elevations, offering cooler temperatures during summer months. Esther Y. describes it as a "nice peaceful trip to take in the Sierras" that requires a "hike in about 4 miles to lakeside campsites."
Creek-side camping: Bishop Park Group offers tent-only sites positioned directly alongside flowing water. Paul C. calls it the "best creekside camping" and notes that "sites on creekside do not have parking. Must park across the way, still close just pack accordingly."
Wilderness solitude: Many campers appreciate the lack of connectivity and urban intrusions. Daniel D. describes Mountain Glen Campground as "quiet with no cell coverage, very relaxing" and notes that sites 1 and 5 "have about a 15 yard walk-in and are surrounded by trees in such a manner to make them quite private."
What you should know
Seasonal access limitations: Most high-elevation tent sites near Dyer have restricted seasons. North Lake Campground operates from June to September, and Sierra P. notes it's a "small campground with 5 sites, fires and pets are allowed" where "you get a lot of day hikers and backpackers coming through."
Temperature preparation: Pack for extreme temperature swings, especially at higher elevations. Lisa L. advises North Lake visitors to "bring a jacket and a warm sleeping bag. It will get cold at night and even during the day" even when "it's 100 in Bishop."
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping requires wilderness permits. Esther Y. mentions you "need to get backcountry permits to camp in this area" when visiting Ruby Lake, which wasn't "too busy" with "some dayhikers, but not too many camping overnight."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible fishing spots: Children can safely fish in designated areas with minimal hiking required. Rick O. describes North Lake as a "simple get away" that's "perfect for relaxing, fishing and hiking" where "after a few hours of fishing in nearby North Lake or hiking in the area you return to an uncrowded, quiet, pretty campground."
Creek play opportunities: Pine Grove Campground offers water play along Rock Creek. Charlie T. notes "Rock Creek runs right alongside" and there are "cool trails all around" making it suitable for family exploration.
Campground amenities: Some sites offer family-friendly facilities like flush toilets. Hugh R. describes Bishop Park Group as having "trees, river, clean flush toilets" which are important considerations when camping with children who may prefer developed facilities.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Glacier View Campground provides RV amenities not found at most wilderness sites. Eileen H. describes it as a "nice campground with 40 spaces. Electricity and water, bathroom and showers" located "adjacent to the 395 in Big Pine."
Road condition awareness: Many access roads to tent sites near Dyer have challenging conditions. Lisa L. warns that North Lake Campground's "final road to the campsite is extremely narrow and along the edge of a mountain" and says "if you can deal with the treatorous drive it's worth the anxiety you'll experience getting there."
Overnight parking options: Some hot spring areas permit overnight RV parking. At The Rock Tub Hot Springs, jackara reports having "parked overnight in the RV on the same road as the hotspring on a Wednesday night had no problems. 2 other vans were next to us."
