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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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"The pin in the app has you turn west off the highway. There is a gate with a sign from the department of transportation saying to keep it closed."
"There are more dispersed sites available via dirt roads if you want to be back from the campground. It was very nice for a BLM site. There is a fun hiking trailhead right off the horse area."
"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."
"This is over a mile up a dirt road, but it’s well packed so our 2WD camper made it easily (in dry weather). Camp spot is great - has vault toilets, grills and a peaceful view of the reservoir."
"Quiet easy access-just what you want in a dispersed campsite."
"Easy to get into the park and easy to get situated. All dirty, with concrete pads for your RV or Trailer. Not a bad spot, felt safe and headed out the next day during our commute."
"There are no amenities other that a couple bushes to pee on. AT&T service is good. Love these peaceful BLM spots!"
"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."
"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."
ScoutNo facilities or anything on site, just a large gravel pit and lot on the far side. Shaded by the mountains to the West so it is significantly cooler than in the open sun even before the sunset. No direpits or anything so be totally self sufficient
GuideVery remote and wild, but the sites are very developed. Firm level pads, grills, picnic tables, horse pen, clean toilets, trash can. We passed the first group of sites, went up to the top and so glad we did. Trails everywhere. Views amazing! It snowed in May- be ready!
GuideQuiet area, easy drive up, about 3 miles off road. I have full service at the very top. Not much in the area on our drive to Zion so it was a great stopping point.
RangerI stayed up in the house camp area and had a concrete pad, covered picnic table, and metal fire ring. There was a bathroom up there and another at the lower level. The road was pretty good. There are more dispersed sites available via dirt roads if you want to be back from the campground. It was very nice for a BLM site. There is a fun hiking trailhead right off the horse area. Beautiful view in all directions. A few bugs.
TravelerOnce you get past the gate follow the gravel road. Seems to have been grated recently. We pulled in to one of cattle water trough areas. Didn’t go all the way to the creek but with rains during the day we wanted to be safe than sorry. Verizon has two bars 5 g. Plenty of flat spaces for setting up. Areas without brush seem to be scarce. But satellite looks promising near the creek.
ScoutDon't enter this campground from Highway 93
GuideGreat plat to camp and look forward to cool rocks and garnets. There is a bathroom that not very well kept and there’s trash all over. Roads are not very well maintained rock clutter from hounds and huge ruts in the road. Did find what we came for can’t complain there. Peace and quiet. Great garnets and fun times
ScoutJust a few minutes from Baker, no fuss, easy open camping. No facilities of any sorts, so bring your own water, electricity and restroom solutions.
LegendWhen we arrived we had the whole place to ourselves. The roads in were great. There's plenty of space to maneuver a large rig. It is fairly level. The view of snow capped mountains are amazing. There are no amenities other that a couple bushes to pee on. AT&T service is good. Love these peaceful BLM spots!
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
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 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ely, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Ely, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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