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Best Campgrounds near Elko, NV

171 Reviews

Camping around Elko includes a mix of developed and natural sites for different preferences. Iron Horse RV Resort has good facilities for RVers with full hookups and plenty of room between sites. Welcome Station RV Park tends to be quiet, with grounds that are kept up well and staff who know the area. If you want something less developed, Humboldt National Forest's Angel Lake Campground sits in the Ruby Mountains with nice views and puts you right by Angel Lake for fishing. Most locals recommend camping here in spring or fall when temperatures work better for outdoor activities. Summer gets pretty hot, so you'll need extra water and shade. Winter campers should bring serious cold-weather gear since it snows regularly. You won't need permits for most camping in the area, but always check current fire rules before lighting anything. Making reservations is smart, particularly on weekends from May through September when sites fill up. Remember to pack out all trash to keep these places clean for everyone. Elko's camping spots work for both RVs and tents, depending on how much comfort you want.

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Best Camping Sites Near Elko, Nevada (32)

    1. Iron Horse RV Resort

    24 Reviews
    Elko, NV
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 777-1919

    "The  Iron Horse RV Resort in Elko, NV is a real gem in the Nevada desert. It's on the main highway parallel to I-80 on the north end of town."

    "It’s nestled in the heart of Elko, Nevada, a short drive from the Ruby Mountains and a couple of smaller casinos and restaurants."

    2. East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Spring Creek, NV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 744-4346

    $15 / night

    "You have to drive a ways from Elko but so worth it. You can post up right by the water or choose the mountain view. Bathrooms are heated and clean. Showers are heated and it’s own separate “room”."

    "Not a lot of privacy between sites, and it was very open/no real trees/nature, however it’s worth it for the view of the lake right below your spot!"

    3. Valley View RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Elko, NV
    4 miles
    +1 (775) 753-9200

    $14 - $15 / night

    "It’s close to the highway and train tracks, but we didn’t really notice the noise. There is no WiFi, but our phone service was great. Would absolutely stay again."

    4. Elko KOA Journey

    4 Reviews
    Elko, NV
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 738-5642

    "(Elko KoA)

    Came in late for a quick stop on a trip home and needed showers, level ground, a place with quiet hours, and somewhere safe to call home for the night. And it checked those boxes. "

    5. Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Spring Creek, NV
    14 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Along the south west side of South Fork reservoir, these functional spots carry all the charm of a dirt parking lot, but the views of the Ruby Mountains reflected in the lake will keep you coming back."

    "Not your typical campground; the sites are lined up along the lake with the only privacy being the space (decent) between sites."

    6. Elko RV Park at Ryndon

    3 Reviews
    Elko, NV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 738-3448

    "Trees are in a lot of the spaces, which is nice to see and have in this part of Nevada. A lot of locals here because of the work in Elko. The staff was very friendly and made you feel very welcome."

    "We felt very lucky to have been able to get a spot here after all the campgrounds in Elko were full and we had an overheating truck."

    7. Southwest Shores — South Fork State Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Elko, NV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 744-4346

    "Beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. There isn’t a good place to swim and the water inlet has a pretty strong smell. Great views and easy access. Worth the drive."

    8. Jet Ski Beach — South Fork State Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Spring Creek, NV
    13 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "One of three campsites on a small reservoir outside of Elko. There weren’t many water craft on the water today, but it is October."

    "The boat launch and boat trailer parking lot is in the nearby Coyote Cove campground."

    9. Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Lamoille, NV
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 688-1500

    "As noted by others there are a few dispersed sites off the entrance road to the official site."

    "I live close by, but love to go out and spend time traveling up here and just enjoying the scenery. The wildflowers are fabulous and there are just so many of them."

    10. Humboldt National Forest Thomas Canyon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lamoille, NV
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $19 - $38 / night

    "Nice quiet spot along the river, trees all around providing privacy and hiking for days. Do your homework if you have a larger rig."

    "Awesome hiking trails, beautiful views, spacious camp sites, clean bathrooms, nice camp host! I’ll be coming back to this spot. I believe it’s $18 a night."

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Recent Camping Photos near Elko, NV

21 Photos of 32 Elko Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elko, NV

171 Reviews of 32 Elko Campgrounds

Guide to Elko

Camping near Elko, Nevada, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and convenient amenities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: The area around Elko is perfect for hiking and fishing. Campers have enjoyed the stunning views and activities at places like Humboldt National Forest Angel Lake Campground, where one reviewer said, "Great hiking, fishing, and kayaking at the lake."
  • Visit local attractions: Don't miss the nearby California Trail museum, just a short drive from Iron Horse RV Resort. One camper mentioned, "It is a shame not to stop at the free BLM California Trail museum 10 miles down the road."
  • Water activities: If you enjoy water sports, check out Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area. A visitor noted, "The Coyote Cove is a great beach for swimming, and launching canoes and kayaks."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near highways or train tracks, which can be noisy. A visitor at Valley View RV Park mentioned, "Right next to train tracks and a lot full of heavy machinery."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping has no showers or water hookups, as noted by a camper who said, "No water hookups."
  • Reservations: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area mentioned, "Sites were First Come First serve but it looks like a reservation system is in the works."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and games: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. At Iron Horse RV Resort, one camper noted, "Nice playground, nice laundry area, pool table, ping pong, and other games."
  • Spacious areas for kids: Choose campgrounds that offer plenty of space for kids to run around. A family at East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area enjoyed, "Plenty of space for the kids to run around and bike around the campsite."
  • Safety first: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area mentioned, "The sites are lined up along the lake with the only privacy being the space."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some RV sites can be small. A visitor at Iron Horse RV Resort pointed out, "The sites are very small in width."
  • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. Campers at Valley View RV Park appreciated the "30/50amp hookups, potable water, and sewer."
  • Plan for wind: Be prepared for windy conditions, especially at lakeside campgrounds. A camper at Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area noted, "It was very windy and blowing in another direction!"

Camping in Elko, NV, offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and community spirit. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Elko, Nevada?

Elko offers excellent camping options for different preferences. Welcome Station RV Park stands out as an "oasis in the desert" with friendly hosts and well-maintained grounds, making it perfect for multi-night stays. Another top choice is Iron Horse RV Resort, featuring beautifully landscaped grounds, clean facilities, and amenities like a game room and pool. For a more natural setting, the South Fork State Recreation Area provides waterfront camping with mountain views. The Ruby Mountains area offers scenic camping with Lamoille Canyon and Angel Lake campgrounds providing mountain wilderness experiences. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities including restrooms and water, while RV parks add full hookups and additional facilities.

Is there free or dispersed camping available near Elko?

Yes, free and dispersed camping options are available around Elko. Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping in the Ruby Mountains offers primitive sites with basic facilities while still being free. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest surrounding Elko has numerous dispersed camping opportunities following standard 14-day stay limits. BLM land is plentiful in northeastern Nevada, providing free camping options on public lands with proper permits. Southwest Shores — South Fork State Recreation Area offers some free camping opportunities with basic amenities. When dispersed camping near Elko, be prepared with your own water and supplies, practice Leave No Trace principles, and check fire restrictions which are common in this dry region.

What RV camping facilities are available in Elko, Nevada?

Elko RV Park at Ryndon offers full hookups (30/50 amp, water, sewer), propane, laundry facilities, and shaded sites with trees - a rarity in this part of Nevada. The park has friendly staff and accommodates both overnight travelers and longer-term stays. Another excellent option is Elko KOA Journey, providing typical KOA amenities with full hookups. Most Elko RV parks feature level sites with concrete pads, WiFi, and clean shower facilities. Be aware that train noise can be an issue at some parks within the city. Many parks are conveniently located near I-80, making them perfect for travelers crossing Nevada. Reservation recommendations vary seasonally, but are strongly advised during summer months.

What is the best time of year to go camping in Elko?

Late spring through early fall is the ideal camping season in Elko, Nevada. May through September offers the most pleasant temperatures, with summer highs in the 80s-90s and cool evenings. East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area is particularly beautiful during this period, with heated facilities making it comfortable even during shoulder seasons. Be aware that Elko experiences extreme temperature variations - summers can be hot while winter brings snow and freezing temperatures. Fall offers spectacular colors in the nearby Ruby Mountains, but facilities start closing in October. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, with full services typically available from May through September, though some RV parks remain open year-round.

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