Dispersed camping near Ely, Nevada ranges from 6,400 to 7,500 feet elevation, with sites typically experiencing cooler temperatures than in town. The high desert landscape offers minimal shade at many rustic sites, with juniper trees providing limited protection from the intense summer sun. Winter access to most primitive camping sites becomes difficult due to snow and mud conditions on unpaved roads.
What to do
Rockhounding opportunities: The Garnet Hill area contains deposits of small garnets embedded in rock that visitors can search for and collect. Located approximately 7 miles west of Ely, the site features educational signage at the hilltop explaining local geology. A camper noted, "There are a number of good, level spots with excellent cell service on T-Mobile about one thousand feet before the top of Garnet Hill, at a 90 degrees right hand turn" at Garnet Hill Camp.
Wildlife watching: Coyotes are frequently heard after dark at many camping areas around Ely. At Strawberry Creek Dispersed Camp, campers appreciate the "quiet easy access" while enjoying opportunities to spot local wildlife. The area supports diverse bird populations including golden eagles, mountain bluebirds, and sage grouse.
Stargazing sessions: The minimal light pollution and high elevation create exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. Clear nights reveal the Milky Way in stunning detail. A visitor at Old 93 BLM mentioned there was "a nice creek behind us and lots of cows roaming," providing both daytime nature and nighttime astronomy opportunities.
What campers like
Cellular connectivity: Despite remote locations, many sites offer surprising connectivity. A camper at 19631 Humboldt Forest Road reported "Great 5G AT&T" while another at Illipah Reservoir noted "3 bars AT&T 5G." This unexpected connectivity allows remote workers to stay connected while enjoying wilderness settings.
No reservation requirements: Unlike developed campgrounds that fill up during peak seasons, dispersed camping areas offer spontaneous camping opportunities. At Sacramento Pass BLM Campground, a visitor arrived at "4:30 on Friday evening" and found "several sites available" despite being prime weekend time.
Winter camping possibilities: Some areas remain accessible during winter months. One camper at Garnet Hill Camp mentioned, "We loved this spot for an overnight. We drove our 25' RV up and found a perfect spot. It snowed over night and we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise. We navigated the gravel road just fine, even with light snow."
What you should know
Road conditions vary widely: Many access roads deteriorate quickly after leaving paved highways. At Gravel Pit BLM, a camper warned "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." Spring thaws often create temporarily impassable mud conditions.
Limited facilities: Most rustic camping sites near Ely lack basic amenities. While Sacramento Pass offers vault toilets described as "ok, not pristine," most sites provide no facilities whatsoever. Visitors must plan for complete self-sufficiency with waste disposal and water needs.
Working lands overlap: Some camping areas share space with active land management operations. At Gravel Pit BLM, a camper warned that "the BLM got to work at 8am the morning after I arrived," creating early morning noise and activity.
Tips for camping with families
Best toilet access: For families with young children, Sacramento Pass provides the most reliable restroom facilities. A camper reported, "Each site has tent pad, picnic table, and sun shade. Mostly level for van camper. Vault toilets ok, not pristine."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings in the high desert can be extreme, particularly at sites above 7,000 feet. A visitor at Garnet Hill noted, "Snow on the mountains in the distance... it's cloudy and supposed to rain and possibly snow here tonight!" Families should pack clothing for temperatures potentially 30°F lower than daytime highs.
Site selection timing: Arriving early increases chances of securing level, sheltered sites. At Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite, a camper noted only "ONE campsite on this road" and advised "I also pre-scouted the singular campsite on this road with my off-road motorcycle to make sure nobody was there first."
Tips from RVers
Turnaround challenges: Many dispersed sites have limited space for maneuvering larger rigs. At Garnet Hill Camp, a camper warned, "I would not take a trailer or large motor home to the top of the hill. There are no good places for trailers (tents are ok) and the parking lot at the top is small. It would be difficult to turn a trailer around."
Leveling requirements: The natural terrain at most rustic camping areas near Ely requires substantial leveling equipment. At Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite, one RVer reported, "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."
Size limitations: Many roads are too narrow for larger RVs. At Sacramento Pass, a full-timer mentioned, "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We stayed in the second site for one night in late May."
