The Ruby Mountains rise dramatically near Elko, reaching elevations up to 11,387 feet and creating diverse camping environments from high-desert valleys to alpine settings. Temperatures vary significantly between seasons, with summer highs averaging 90°F while winter can drop well below freezing. Campgrounds range from basic dispersed sites to full-service RV parks within a 60-mile radius of downtown Elko.
What to do
Fishing access: Thomas Canyon Campground offers proximity to trout fishing in Lamoille Creek. "Nice quiet spot along the river, trees all around providing privacy and hiking for days. Do your homework if you have a larger rig," notes Mike M. The campground serves as an excellent base for anglers throughout the May to October season.
Mountain hiking: Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping provides direct access to Ruby Mountain trails. "Much like the other reviews there are a few easy to get to spots off of FS Rd 660... If you turn left off of FS 660, there are about 4 spots easily assessable, but if you keep going the last two spots (high clearance required) are right next to the creek," explains Callie F. The dispersed camping areas allow for flexible stays with creek access.
Water recreation: Jet Ski Beach — South Fork State Recreation Area features a designated beach for watercraft launching. "The Jet Ski Beach is a great beach for swimming, launching canoes, kayaks, small fishing boats, or personal watercraft. The boat launch and boat trailer parking lot is in the nearby Coyote Cove campground," notes Shari G. The recreation area permits pets with appropriate restraint near the water.
What campers like
Natural shade: Welcome Station RV Park offers mature trees throughout the property. "Grass everywhere! In a desert environment. Clean and functional showers and bathroom. Very inexpensive to park on the grass and throw up a tent or sleep out," reports Andrew N. This pet-friendly park stands out for its green space in an otherwise arid region.
Creek-side sites: Thomas Canyon Campground features creek-adjacent camping spots. "We stopped to camp here on a trip to Northern California and we were not disappointed. We were in campsite 26 which backed right up to water. It was great! We had a beautiful view of the canyon valley and the stars at night were perfect," shares Eli W. The campground maintains vault toilets and permits leashed pets.
Affordable tent camping: Valley View RV Park offers budget accommodations for travelers. "Found this gem from a billboard that seemed too good to be true: $14/night for a spot with showers and laundry. We called to check it out and made a reservation. While it may not look like much, fourteen dollars was well worth the price," states Alyssa. The park welcomes pets with specific breed restrictions.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds in the Ruby Mountains close during winter months. "We went to have a looks and less than a mile in the road was covered by several feet of snow. We have a 4wd and I couldn't have gotten through without damage," warns Ana P. about Camp Lamoille in March. Thomas Canyon operates from May through October, depending on snow conditions.
Wind conditions: Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area experiences significant wind events. "All of the camping spots are right on the water, no cover at all (this isn't really a good tent camping or RTT site). A little awkward as there is a small neighborhood right behind you but the views of the mountains are good," notes North Idaho N. Wind screens at each site provide limited protection.
Highway noise: Welcome Station RV Park sits close to Interstate 80. "The traffic noise can be distracting at night for light sleepers but bring a set of ear plugs and get a restful night's sleep," suggests Tom B. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Elko have some degree of highway or railroad noise that might affect sensitive pets.
Tips for camping with families
Clean facilities: Iron Horse RV Resort maintains well-kept amenities for families. "The main office has a nice game room, laundry facilities and ultra clean bathrooms and showers. Nice leveled spots with concrete pads and some grass," reports Laura F. The resort features a small dog park for pet exercise after travel.
Swimming options: Jet Ski Beach at South Fork Recreation Area provides swimming access for families and pets. "It's sunny, warm and breezy today, but the snow on the mountains are an indicator of what is to come. Simple sites on level lots, with a shade structure, picnic table, fire pit, bbq and right on the beach," describes Amy and Alan R. The beach area includes designated pet access points to the water.
Budget considerations: Several pet-friendly campgrounds offer affordable alternatives to higher-priced resorts. "It is a $15 a night rv park. If you want a $60 a night spot spend the $60. You get hookups a shower and laundry right off the 80. If that is what you want that is what you get," states Tracey W. about Valley View RV Park, which maintains basic pet policies.
Tips from RVers
High clearance needed: Many dispersed camping areas near Elko require appropriate vehicles. "Several dispersed camping sites before you get to the actual campground. Good spacing on the sites for privacy. Easy access to the creek for clean fresh water. Beautiful views!" notes Colt H. about Camp Lamoille. Pet-friendly dispersed camping requires self-sufficient preparation without established amenities.
Hookup availability: Valley View RV Park provides essential connections for RVs. "The spots have 30/50amp hookups, potable water, and sewer. The showers were hot with amazing pressure. The laundry facility was large and the washers/dryers worked well," reports Alyssa. The park enforces specific pet policies including no tethering outside and breed restrictions.
Long-term stays: Several Elko area RV parks accommodate extended visits. "Spent a week here. 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," explains Geary about Elko RV Park at Ryndon. Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Elko maintain different pet policies for overnight versus monthly guests.
