Top Free Dispersed Camping near Fernley, NV

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Fernley? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Nevada excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fernley, NV (13)

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      1. Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

      4 Reviews
      69 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Scout Camp at Fort Churchill
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping

      5. Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping

      5 Reviews
      13 Photos
      61 Saves

      Overnight stays are allowed in two areas within the refuge boundary - on E Division Rd, 3 miles off Hunter Rd., and about 9 miles North on Hunter Rd. The overnight area is just before you cross the canal near the Center Rd intersection. Both sites are near vault toilets, but that's it for development and comfort - these are primitive sites with no other features! There are no fees for overnight stays, but they are limited to four (4) consecutive nights at one location, not to exceed twelve (12) consecutive nights on the refuge.

      • Pets
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Trash
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp

      6. Moon Rocks Camp

      2 Reviews
      16 Photos
      39 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • No image available

        7. BLM FLATTOP

        3 Reviews
        26 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Group
        Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
        Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
        Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
        Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
        Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
        Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley

        9. Dog Valley

        4 Reviews
        16 Photos
        93 Saves

        There is no "campground here" Please be aware most of the Dog / Sardine Valley is private property and a working ranch. The places near the valley floor with picnic tables - those are sheep camps. The places with firepits, also sheep camps. Please respect private property and make sure you are camping in the BLM / USDA lands that rim the valley. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Dog Valley provides excellent viewing of both wildflowers and flowering shrubs. Forest, meadows, and streams make up Dog Valley’s landscape, creating a cool and refreshing retreat for this popular recreation area. Dog Valley is also home to two rare plant species, Dog Valley ivesia and Webber’s ivesia. Dog Valley ivesia can only be found in Dog Valley. Other attractions include wildlife viewing and the Crystal Peak Mine, a popular spot for crystal-hounds. Dog Valley offers a variety of opportunities to view wildflowers in the Jeffery pine forests and meadows. As you enter Dog Valley from Verdi, you will see the recovery from the 1994 Crystal Fire with displays of mahala mat, silvery lupine, and chokecherry. Explore the openings in the forest with extensive displays of mule’s ear, balsamroot, buckwheats, paintbrushes, yampah, bitterbrush, bare-stem desert parsley, and manzanita. Walking around, it is easy to enjoy the smaller, less visible flowers, including collomia, prairie star flower, and blue-eyed Mary. Wetter areas have displays of shooting stars, delphinium, and Rydberg’s penstemon. Best Viewing Times: The best time to visit is June and July. Safety First: Creeks and streams can cross the road. Be careful when crossing water and watch for washed-out portions of the road. The road can be very muddy. California OHV registration is required for all vehicles. Campfire permits are also required in California and can be obtained from the Carson District Office or the campground host.

        • Pets
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Equestrian
        • Dispersed
        • No image available
        Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Fernley

        36 Reviews of 13 Fernley Campgrounds


        • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Baldwine East Dispersed Camping
          Nov. 2, 2024

          Baldwine East Dispersed Camping

          NO CAMPING

          there was one other review that said the same, but this spot is just off the road so I thought I’d double check. it’s not only on a gas pipeline, but you’re also verging on private property.

        • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Oct. 12, 2024

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          Not easily accessible

          The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.

        • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Oct. 12, 2024

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Complete trash dump

          It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

        • Paxton B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp
          Sep. 30, 2024

          Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

          The road is terrible

          Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone

        • Anna B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
          Sep. 8, 2024

          Moon Rocks Camp

          Camping on Mars

          (September 28th, 2023) Got here after dark and found an empty clearing to park in for the night. The moon and the stars were so bright, it felt like we were on another planet. Got to explore the area in the morning, such a cool spot! Very quiet when we were there.

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM FLATTOP
          Jul. 6, 2024

          BLM FLATTOP

          Access Sucks

          The road kinda sucks but VC is a good time. It was nice other than the road. Please remember to pack everything out, there was a lot of trash I had to pick up that was left behind by others.

        • EThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
          Apr. 23, 2024

          Dog Valley

          Our favorite !

          Dog Valley is a special place where we come to boondock. It’s quite and has a great creek. People come out here to camp, ride atvs, side by sides, dirt bikes, or off road. People target practice a lot and the ranger is very nice.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Scout Camp at Fort Churchill
          Apr. 20, 2024

          Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

          Site on the Pony Express

          Site had a pre-made fire pit. There’s a few spots here to choose from, although if you’re looking for privacy they are somewhat close together. There were 3 others here when we came. Lots of ATVs here. Overall pretty good for a nights stay, especially if you’re in to history!

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Mar. 8, 2024

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          One of my favorite spots

          I love the quietness of this spot and the view is wonderful! The only thing I don’t like is that they took the port-a-potty out, quite possibly for the cold season.

        • Genevieve R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
          Dec. 29, 2023

          Moon Rocks Camp

          Beautiful! Easy access.

          I live nearby, so my family and I went for the day. We left just before sunset. It's gorgeous here. The dirt road is pretty good and not difficult for my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. There were about 3 other groups. We were there on a Thursday. We walked around the whole area where the rocks were. The campsite overlooks a valley where there is an airport. We saw a couple of paragliders. On the way in from Reno, it's very easy to find. I would love to stay here in my travel trailer. There were some huge rigs out there. All of those people had dune buggies, but nobody was driving around on the rocks when we were there. There are no amenities at all. There is just a big clearing for campers. We took our dog. She had fun.

        • Genevieve R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Dec. 28, 2023

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Lots of trash and shells

          I live 10 minutes away, so I checked it out. It's sketchy driving in with a lot of trailers and cars along the road closer to the main road. There may or may nor have been people in them. We didn't see people walking around except one guy who was walking his dog on the dirt road and another guy nearby with a table next to his car. Maybe he was flying a drone. The dirt road was very rutted in a few areas. No big deal, but I was in my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. I didn't have my trailer with me. The view of the city is great, but that's it. The area to pull off is not that big, so I think it would be crowded with more than 2 other trailers. It wasn't windy at all when we were there, but I'm sure it could be because it can be very windy in this area. I wouldn't stay here unless I absolutely had to for the night. I did hear gunshots in the distance. We only stayed a few minutes to take a few pictures. No amenities like fire rings or tables.

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM FLATTOP
          Oct. 13, 2023

          BLM FLATTOP

          Bad road

          I tried driving up the other day, but couldn’t make it due to rocks. The road starts out as a nice, easy fire road, gets a little rocky, and then by mile 6 or 7 it goes full blown rock garden. SxS’s were going through it slowly, if that helps.

          Virginia City seems like a fun little town, though. And the area itself is pretty cool, just couldn’t make it all the way.

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping
          Oct. 13, 2023

          Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping

          Awesome landscape w/ terrible camping

          Stillwater is visually spectacular and there are tons of birds, if you’re in to that sort of thing. The road in is very well maintained and any vehicle should be able to make it, unless there’s snow. But if you’re looking to camp (like tent and sleeping bag), then this isn’t the place for you.

          There are only two designated “overnight parking” areas, which are both next to the vault toilets. You could park an RV or a van here and be fine. But the only place to pitch a tent that’s not next to a main road is super loose sand. I can understand there being no fire rings being that it’s a wildlife conservation area, but there is zero demarcation of where you should pitch a tent.

          Overall, cool place to visit and take pictures but not a great overnight destination.

        • VThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Scout Camp at Fort Churchill
          Oct. 3, 2023

          Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

          Gorgeous Riparian Forest

          Scout camp is on the Carson river and within the tall cottonwoods. Camp in the shade or out in the open if it’s very windy as the trees can shed branches. Garbage collection and pit toilets. Nice trail along the River.

          As of October 2023 the access road to scout camp was washed out. But there is dispersed camping on the terrace to the south.

        • Ray R.
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Sep. 23, 2023

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          right off housing development that's expanding fast

          Not such a good place. Housing construction getting very close. Lots of local foot traffic. Didn't feel comfortable here, almost felt as I was intruding. It does beat driving around aimlessly searching for a spit, plus its rather close to freeway. You have to leave somewhat early. Lots of joggers and mountain bikers. It has been trashed in the past so left lots of bad tastes in folks.

        • Sage P.
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Sep. 15, 2023

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          Bad vibes, good views

          Did the trick for a night. There was one man with two rv’s there during our visit that gave us pretty bad vibes. Couldn’t go much further up the hill in our 2-wheel drive vehicle. All in all, it’s a gravel lot and road, good views, cool spot.

        • Corey H.
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Jul. 12, 2023

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          Decent place to sleep for the night

          Tucked off, dirt road with enough seclusion and privacy to feel comfortable at night. Be forewarned that the road is super rough and you will definitely need a car with more clearance to get up it. There is a little pull out before you get to where the directions take you that is perfectly cool to camp. I wouldn’t go all the way up that little stretch of road past the water tanks unless you have a 4x4. The pullout also has a portajohn and sink if needed.

          One thing to note! There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill (about 6 in July) so just be aware of that when camping here. I wasn’t bothered by anyone and I had about 4 people pass by my car this morning.

        • Heather H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 17, 2023

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Better than a $90/night casino parking lot!

          Feels weird driving in, but there are some pull offs that have good views of the valley. Very open. Lots of trash and casings, but was quiet and felt safe. Good place to pull over if you are in the Reno area and just need to sleep.

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 13, 2023

          Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping

          Complete different place

          We went to these coordinates and turns out they are 100+ miles off. We weren’t able to see the real place and had to go to a different campground. Type in the name of the place and not the coordinates to get to the actual place.

          DO NOT GO TO THESE COORDINATES!!!

        • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
          May. 12, 2023

          East of Pyramid Lake

          Great boondocking

          This place is everything we look for when boondocking. It's quiet, open, easy to get to with our class c, flat(ish), cell service, and places to hike/walk around. There was nobody else around when we stayed here for 2 nights in May.

          The road is nearby but barely visible and you can hardly hear the cars. The rocks (tufas) are really neat and fun to climb.

          There's absolutely no shade so the sun makes it feel hotter than it is. And the wind comes through somewhat unpredictably so we couldn't keep our awning out.

          It's surprisingly clean, I mean there's some trash which is to be expected, but not huge amounts of it.

          There are a couple of little narrow roads you can take to find a more secluded spot, but I wouldn't attempt it unless your vehicle can handle it. There are a couple of random big dips to get past, and really there aren't very many camping opportunities past the big giant open area by the rocks. The big main area is huge and would easily fit several campers.

          Great place to boondock!

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping
          May. 2, 2023

          Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping

          Wild Nevada

          Spent two nights here away from everything.  Snow on the surrounding mountains, giant white pelicans in the marshes.  We felt like immigrants crossing the Nevada desert in a covered wagon (actually our custom built Ram Promaster adventure van).  Great get away.



        Guide to Fernley

        Camping near Fernley, NV, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

        What to do:

        • Explore the lakes: Pyramid Lake is a stunning spot for fishing and swimming. One visitor mentioned, "The lake itself is absolutely beautiful," highlighting its appeal for those looking to relax by the water.
        • Visit historic sites: Check out the nearby Fort Churchill State Historic Park. A camper noted, "We enjoyed the peace and quiet" while staying at Samuel Buckland Campground — Fort Churchill State Historic Park, making it a great base for exploring history.
        • Hiking: There are several trails around the area. One reviewer shared, "There are lots of hiking trails and interpretive trails," which makes it perfect for those who love to hike.

        What campers like:

        • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. For instance, at Sparks Marina RV Park, one visitor said, "The security guard helped my husband get pulled in and in the right spot and was as friendly as could be!"
        • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A reviewer at Dayton State Park Campground mentioned, "The day use area is beautiful with flush toilets and a nice lawn," which adds to the overall experience.
        • Quiet locations: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. One visitor at Lahontan State Recreation Area noted, "Very quiet; clean bathrooms," making it a great spot for relaxation.

        What you should know:

        • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Desert Rose RV Park, do not offer drinking water. A camper mentioned, "It was just kinda blah," indicating that while it’s a decent stop, don’t expect luxury.
        • Noise levels: Campgrounds near highways can be noisy. A visitor at Dayton State Park Campground said, "It’s right next to the highway so the noise is pretty bad," which is something to consider if you're sensitive to sound.
        • Reservation issues: Some campers have faced problems with reservations. One reviewer warned about Sparks Marina RV Park, saying, "This campground will leave you stranded and not have a site available even if you have a reservation."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose family-friendly parks: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Shamrock RV Park, one parent noted, "Nice pool. Clean bathroom," which is great for families.
        • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A visitor at Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park mentioned, "Camping here was great," emphasizing the fun to be had.
        • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. One camper at Grand Sierra Resort & Casino RV Park appreciated the "great staff and wonderful atmosphere," which can help keep the family happy.

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check for hookups: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. A reviewer at Desert Rose RV Park mentioned, "There was nothing wrong with this place," but noted the lack of amenities.
        • Be prepared for tight spots: Some RV parks can be cramped. A visitor at Sparks Marina RV Park said, "Within ten minutes we were in our pull through spot!" which shows that while it can be tight, it’s manageable.
        • Look for pet-friendly options: Many parks allow pets, which is a plus for RVers traveling with furry friends. A camper at Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park noted, "The staff was very helpful," making it easier to navigate with pets.

        Camping near Fernley, NV, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fernley, NV?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fernley, NV is Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill with a 3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

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