Best Dispersed Camping near Gerlach, NV

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Gerlach

9 Reviews of 5 Gerlach Campgrounds

• M

  Mike

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 3, 2024

  Squaw Valley Reservoir

  Mixed Bag....

  Mixed review here. It’s my understanding that this “campground” is the result of an agreement between the State and a landowner- basically the state allowed the landowner to build a reservoir and in exchange the landowner lets the public camp next to the lake.

  While I never met the landowner, I got the impression from their signs/warnings/rules at the gate that they don’t really like this arrangement anymore. Really, name me another campground where it’s against the rules to pee on the ground? Whatever….. 

  In addition, about 20 minutes after we parked a fellow drove by on an ATV (gave us a wave). I can’t help but think we were being watched - or at least there was a camera aimed at the entrance gate. If either was the case - not cool. 

  As for the camping- there were no real sites on the south end of the lake, rather just a few fire rings that you could pull up to. No water. No privy. But it was free - so you get what you pay for. 

  The reservoir is a true oasis - lots of birds and plenty of fish jumping. Bugs weren’t bad for us in October. The night sky was incredible.

• S

  Shawn B.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 17, 2024

  East of Pyramid Lake

  Middle of nowhere

  Tried to go to the school bus thing but road got too technical so camped out near a mine, epic!

• R

  Ray B.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 13, 2024

  Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

  Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing

  My first time to the Back Rock Desert.  I have always avoid going to events on the playa due to not wanting my adventure van full of that nasty white chalk like dust.  But, I was invited to attend the Friends of Black Rock meteor shower viewing party.  It was great.  The Friends of Black Rock put on a wonderful event that included dinner and breakfast the next day, live music, a talk about the importance of dark sky's, black light scorpion search, geyser trip, hot springs trip, and a stewardship clean-up.  In my favor was little to no wind, so almost no dust except for what I kicked-up driving the 6 miles in and out of the viewing location on the playa.  I will definitely go to future events, except for the Burning Man dust festival unless I go in someone else's rig.

• C

  Chuck M.

  Guide

  

  May. 1, 2024

  Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

  Beautiful Desolation

  This was my third trip to the Playa, but the first time I went without there being an official event.
  My favorite part was the trip to hot springs. They were amazing. 

  We camped in the middle of the Playa a good ways away from the other people that were there. 

  Suggestions:

  1. Bring 2 gallons of water for every day you are there.
  2. Bring along your own bathroom facilities!
  3. Pack out everything you pack in, more if you find anything laying around. 
  4. Bring LOOOOOONG stakes for anything you are tying down to the playa. The winds can be incredible!
• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  May. 16, 2023

  Squaw Valley Reservoir

  Surprisingly Crowded

  This is privately owned land that allows dispersed camping and fishing. As we were checking out this entire area looking for a place for the night we got so used to being the only people around and assumed this place would be the same, but wow, not at all the case! As we drove up we saw so many giant RVs, all crammed together in a row, generators going. Not the place for us at all. 

  We went in and checked it out but definitely were not interested in staying the night. Granted, it’s a Saturday night so maybe it’s quieter during the week. We did see a lone RV along the other side of the water so if we’d been inclined to do so we might have found a quieter spot, but honestly we just wanted to get out of there. The road is really rutted(dried out) but it didn’t seem to have affected the access for all those huge RVs that were camped there. But maybe watch for that in the rainy season. 

  No amenities or services here. Pack out your trash. 14 day stay limit. Please keep this area clean so the owners continue to allow people to camp here. No cell service here and close the gate behind you.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  May. 16, 2023

  Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

  Don't get stuck!

  Cool BLM dispersed camping in the Black Rock Desert. We had no trouble getting to this spot in our 26ft class c, but saw some dried out ruts in the ground so we played it safe and stuck to the edges. 

  Easy access from the town of Gerlach. 

  This area is just wide open, no shade, no greenery, nowhere to hide from the incessant wind. We had cell reception here, though the Verizon phone was in roaming mode in this area. 

  Fun place to visit but the vast open flatness and the wind made us move on. Watch for the muddy ground, it can look deceptively dry and then you’ll find yourself sunk and stuck!

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  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!

• j

  jullman

  Scout

  

  Apr. 20, 2021

  Soldier Meadows Dispersed Camping

  Soldier Meadows

  Early April we were the only people there. Fantastic hot springs and stars.

• 

  Cameron G.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 10, 2020

  Soldier Meadows Dispersed Camping

  Perfect winter camp spot

  Went here the first weekend of December. I say perfect winter camp spot because I am going to assume a place like this gets crazy packed in the summer. It was a little cold at night, however, the hot springs are right next to the campsites. The campsites are nice and spread out. There’s also a pit toilet. No running water so make sure you pack enough. There is a little cabin to check out or even stay in, but I recommend a campsite because then you’re closer to the hot springs. 40 miles on a dirt road so just be ready for that with a proper vehicle. Overall super cool spot and will be returning.