RV camping options near Elko, Nevada cater to travelers on Interstate 80, with elevations around 5,000 feet providing moderate summer temperatures and cold winters. The area sits at the base of the Ruby Mountains, often called the "Alps of Nevada," with several campgrounds providing access to outdoor recreation while serving as convenient overnight stops.
What to do
Fishing at South Fork Reservoir: East Campground at South Fork State Recreation Area offers access to trophy fishing. "This campground is surrounded by natural beauty. Snow capped mountains hang in the distance... Make sure to bring your fishing poles because chances are you will catch a good-sized trout. There is a daily limit of 1 fish, but this reservoir is known for trophy-sized bass and trout," notes Gina J.
Explore Angel Lake: About 20 minutes from Wells, Angel Lake provides hiking opportunities near Angel Lake RV Park. "It's a quick 20 min trip to Angel Lake which is a beautiful little reason to stop over and include a quick hike," shares Josh W. The lake sits at higher elevation, offering cooler temperatures during summer months.
Basque dining: Experience the region's Basque heritage with distinctive cuisine. "Elko is a cool old Nevada town with, surprisingly, a lot to see. Please make sure to stop in at The Star Hotel for the best Basque dinner you will ever have! Bring your appetite cause it's a TON of food!" recommends Laura F.
What campers like
Hot showers year-round: Many campers appreciate the shower facilities at East Campground. "Bathrooms are heated and clean. Showers are heated and it's own separate 'room'... This spot is gorgeous and just so clean!" shares Allie F. The heated facilities make this a comfortable option even during colder months.
Grassy tent sites: Unlike many desert campgrounds, Welcome Station RV Park offers rare grass tent sites. "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," notes Andrew N.
Covered picnic tables: East Campground provides shelters over tables for weather protection. "Each site has a generous ramada over a picnic table for protection from sun or rain... Sites are very well spaced apart and quite large," explains Sotnos B., highlighting a practical feature for the variable Nevada weather.
What you should know
Train noise affects multiple parks: Several rv parks in Elko, Nevada experience train noise. At Iron Horse RV Resort, one camper noted, "There is a train that goes by at least two times and blows its horn (this on a Saturday night). The coyotes in the middle of the night were wonderful but the trains weren't."
Cell service varies: Coverage depends on your carrier in the Elko area. "Good Verizon LTE. Poor T-Mobile," reports Diane at Valley View RV Park, confirming what many travelers experience throughout the region.
Site spacing differs significantly: Iron Horse RV Resort offers organized but close quarters. "All sites are on pavement but are close together. It's a nice place to stop if traveling through but too much concrete to feel like 'camping'," shares Sara, highlighting the trade-off between amenities and camping atmosphere.
Budget-friendly options exist: Valley View RV Park offers basic accommodations at lower rates. "Found this gem from a billboard that seemed too good to be true: $14/night for a spot with showers and laundry. While it may not look like much, fourteen dollars was well worth the price," reports Alyssa.
Tips for camping with families
Accommodations for kids: Elko KOA Journey provides clean facilities suited for families. "I was pleased with how clean the showers were at the end of the day when we came in, and in the morning, they had been bleached," notes VanHowling, describing essential amenities for family trips.
Space for activities: South Fork State Recreation Area offers room for children to play. "This was a great spot to relax from the long day on the road. Plenty of space for the kids to run around and bike around the campsite. Bathrooms were very clean and had hot showers," explains Eric.
Watch for insects: Be prepared for bugs, particularly during summer evenings. "Took off one star for the bugs. They're attracted by light and will swarm into your tent or RV if you leave the door open even a second," warns Sotnos B. about South Fork, suggesting families bring insect repellent and keep doors closed.
Off-season advantages: Family trips outside peak summer months offer quieter campgrounds. "Not too far off highway 80 but you'd never know it! Most sites were occupied by evening despite being midweek and mid September," notes Carol & Ed V., indicating South Fork remains popular but manageable in fall.
Tips from RVers
Affordability near highway access: Valley View RV Park offers basic services at lower costs. "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. It's close to the highway and train tracks, but we didn't really notice the noise," explains Alyssa.
Winter preparations: RVers should prepare for cold temperatures in Elko. "We aren't rv park people at all... However, that wasn't a possibility last night so we decided to stay at Iron Horse. Having the hookups was so nice given how cold it's getting at night," shares Katy G., highlighting the importance of hookups during colder months.
Wi-Fi considerations: Check if internet is available at your campsite before booking. "What I didn't like was the fact that they advertised Wi-Fi, which they had, but not at my site. They said they had trouble pushing out the network, but that was information I didn't have when booking," explains Greg K. about Iron Horse RV Resort.
Dog facilities vary: Pet owners should research park policies. "The dog park was small, but well maintained and provided waste bags," notes Carlyne F. about Iron Horse RV Resort, while Valley View has stricter rules: "Pets allowed. Must be on leash with you. No tying dog out. No monthly rentals with dogs. No bullybreeds."
