Best Dispersed Camping near Ely, NV

Several dispersed camping areas surround Ely, Nevada on BLM and National Forest land, including Garnet Hill Camp, Old 93 BLM, Sacramento Pass, and sites near Humboldt Forest Road. These primitive sites typically require no reservations and remain free of charge, with most locations accessible via dirt roads leading to clearings suitable for tents and smaller RVs. BLM land near Baker Creek Road and Strawberry Creek also provides additional options for those seeking no-fee camping experiences outside established campgrounds.

Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads that vary significantly in condition. The 3-mile dirt road to Garnet Hill Camp demands careful driving but remains passable for most vehicles, while some locations like NF-589 near Baker require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Many sites lack basic amenities such as water, restrooms, or trash services. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with some areas permitting fires in established rings only. Camping is generally limited to 14 days, following standard public land regulations for dispersed use.

These areas provide expansive views of mountains and high desert landscapes, with varying levels of seclusion. One visitor noted, "Beautiful high desert scenery. Lots of available dispersed spots for big groups" at Garnet Hill Camp. Sacramento Pass, while technically a designated BLM campground rather than pure dispersed camping, serves as a reliable alternative when other options are full. A camper mentioned it offers "nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across Utah." Cell service varies by location, with some areas reporting good coverage despite their remote setting. Most sites feature flat, open terrain for camping, though visitors should prepare for exposure to elements and wildlife encounters, including coyotes that can be heard at night.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ely, Nevada (13)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ely, NV

27 Reviews of 13 Ely Campgrounds


  • Jeff K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping

    Forest Service Down the Road

    About 10mi north of Ely. Map will take you to BLM off the highway. However, there are 4 forest service designated campgrounds on the road across the highway.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful single site on a rough dirt road

    First off I'll start by saying the "Get directions" location on this app is incorrect AND the GPS will take you down a private, gated, dirt road to get there. Also, there is only ONE campsite on this road.

    When you set your GPS for this location the GPS will take you down Lehman Caves Road which is also highway 488 into the national park. About halfway down this road from the small town of Baker, you will be told turn left on Rowland Ranch Road. IGNORE THIS. Rowland Ranch Road is a gated dirt road on private property. Instead continue down Lehman Caves Road until you get to a left on Baker Creek Road. I have attached a picture of detailed instructions of this ^ in my review.

    Baker Creek Road is a maintained road within the national park boundaries but is hard pack gravel with some washboards along it. Just a little ways down Baker Creek Road, you will come to NF-589. This road starts as a Y split. Your first left is a foot path only with no camping signs in it. Directly behind it is the vehicle accessible entrance. Enter at your own risk! This OHV road is narrow and rough with decent sized rocks. There are very little opportunities to turn around and I would strongly recommend AGAINST entering with a two-wheel drive vehicle or a trailer. With that being said, I managed to squeeze down this road with my stock 2015 Toyota Tacoma towing a 12x6 enclosed trailer. My truck made it no problem without 4wd but I was at the limit of capability with my trailers ground clearance, width, and length. I also pre-scouted the singular campsite on this road with my off-road motorcycle to make sure nobody was there first. The only way for me to turn around with my trailer on NF-589 was to use the campsite I stayed in. Just into the entrance of the road you'll come across a downed tree across the road. Don't worry, somebody remade the road to the left going around it so continue on. About halfway towards the campsite you'll come across a small picket sign on the left side of the road that marks the national park boundaries. The campsite is on your left roughly another 500ft after that, just barely outside the national park boundary. There are some good wash outs almost a foot deep and 6-8in stones in the road. My 6-ft wide trailer, which is slightly wider than my truck, was touching trees on both sides for most of the way down.

    I'll say it again, there is only one campsite here. The GPS coordinates do not bring you to a campsite so follow my instructions instead. This campsite is tight as you first turn in but opens up in the middle about 20ft into it. It also has some flat open areas for tents just a few feet away from main area. The site is not level and on the slope of a hill. There are also some large rocks similar in size to the ones in the trail on the way in all through the site. My 4in levelers for my rooftop tent were not tall enough to counter this slope. I ended up having to use large boulders and back over them to level my truck so I could sleep. There's nothing here but a fire ring, that includes bathrooms of any kind. You are just in the middle of the woods.

    I would love it if people would stop having glass bottle parties around campfires. When did ruining fragile campsites become the new cool? I always try to leave a free campsite better than I found it. I spend time cleaning up other people's trash, rebuilding fallen fireplaces, and sweeping off cement patios when present. I would greatly appreciate it if you would do the same for others.

    Anyways, I was here for 2 nights. The views are slightly blocked by the trees but the trees are fairly short. If you can get above the trees like I could by sitting on the roof of my trailer when the sun went down, the views are actually stunning at this campsite. This campsite is almost walking distance to the Lehman Caves and just a few minutes drive to most other attractions here like the scenic drive to the Alpine Lakes at the base of Wheeler Peak. The campsite is completely silent but there is a home about a half mile through the woods to the North towards Lehman Caves Road so please be respectful with music volume even though it may feel as though you are in the middle of nowhere.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2022

    North Pinnacle Campsites — Great Basin National Park

    Spacious site in full view of road

    This camping location is listed as North Pinnacle on the National Geographic map of the park, other maps show the location but do not provide a name for this camping location. This is the third camping area along Great Basin National Park's Snake Creek Road. Located on the north side of the road, this campsite is not clearly marked like the others on the road, it is marked only by a small green tent sign. Campsite consist of a single very roomy campsite with plenty of room in the area for multiple tents. Parking is a small pull off from the road. At most you might get two cars in to the parking spot. The camping area is right along the road with no trees or other plants blocking the view from the road. Site has a picnic table, trash can and metal fire ring. This is a dry campground. This is the only campsite along the road to not have a vault toilet.

     Be warned, the information on the parks website is a bit misleading. Road is not for RV's or trailers. Just after you enter the park on Snake Creek Road a sign clearly indicated no RV's or trailers past the roads first pull out. Road is a narrow single lane road for almost all of its length. Camp site is just off a very dusty road, but road travel is slow with little traffic. No fee to use this site.

  • Peter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2023

    Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    Perfect

    Needed a place to overnight in my RTT, and this worked out great. Pulled in, was the only one there so had my choice of spots. Had a restful night and hit the road in the morning. No fuss! Not sure if this is what I understand to be dispersed camping, as it’s a first come first served campground with tables, fire rings and pit toilets, just no water.

  • Mike G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Garnet Hill Camp

    Lots of secluded space and cell coverage

    It it about 3 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. As you are approaching the trailhead, there are spur roads with some good turnouts to park. There were 3 other cars in the area overnight, but I felt I had the place to myself with the junior and pine providing shelter. I am not sure how a take would fit, but there are some turnouts for a small trailer. ATT cell coverage was decent.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    Clean, good alternative to Great Basin which tends to run FULL

    FREE! On the whole, avg., 3 stars. Not many developed BLM sites around.

    Great Basin was full, so went west on 6 about 8 miles and pulled into dispersed campground where there were some covered picnic tables at sites around a large central pond, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites. Stayed in#7 which was exposed, but the last one available so we took it. Free. Pit toilets are dirty but don't stink and trash has been emptied. Nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across UT

  • Amber The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Gravel Pit BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Great Spot if you're going to Lehman Caves

    I enjoyed camping here, and I could see it being a great spot for a large group. As the description said, it's a working gravel pit. ... and the BLM got to work at 8am the morning after I arrived. So, be aware of that. There is no shoulder on the highway, so you can't really pull over to check road or flood conditions before pulling into the pit. In my case it was totally fine, clear and flat, but I didn't really enjoy going in blind.

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Garnet Hill Camp

    Pretty area, close to Great Basin

    Beautiful high desert scenery. Lots of available dispersed spots for big groups/lots of people. Roads aren’t too bad, sort of bumpy & sandy. Heard coyotes at night which was cool.

    At 6:15am, a red truck did pass by the main dirt road and honked constantly for ~10 minutes, not sure if that’s a regular occurrence or not, but pretty annoying.

  • Ladd A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite

    Not happening :/

    Tried to go in but the road ditched and seemed obvious that forest service is trying to stop people from going there. Two spots closer to main road had no camping signs


Guide to Ely

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ely, Nevada, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities while Free Camping near Ely

  • Experience breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at Garnet Hill Camp, where the surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Enjoy hiking opportunities along the nearby trails, with access to secluded spots that offer peace and quiet, especially at Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping.
  • Capture incredible views of the Kennecot Mine Scars while camping at Garnet Hill Camp, which is known for its unique landscape and natural beauty.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Visit the nearby Great Basin National Park, where you can explore stunning caves and hiking trails, making Baker Creek Road a great base for your adventures.
  • Take advantage of the proximity to the Illipah Reservoir Recreational Area, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water while staying at Garnet Hill Roadside Camp.
  • Explore the scenic routes around Ely, with easy access to various attractions that enhance your camping experience, especially from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping near Ely, Nevada

  • Be prepared for a rugged drive when heading to 19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite, as the access road can be rough and may require a vehicle with good clearance.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, especially at sites like Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping, to help maintain the natural beauty of the area.
  • Check for cell service availability before heading out, as some locations, like Garnet Hill Camp, may have limited connectivity, making it essential to plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ely, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ely, NV is Garnet Hill Camp with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ely, NV?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Ely, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.