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Best Dispersed Camping near Gerlach, NV

15 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Gerlach, Nevada occurs primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with several notable areas including Three Mile Playa, Black Rock Playa, and areas surrounding Pyramid Lake. These locations provide primitive camping opportunities on open desert terrain with minimal development and no designated sites. Campers typically find places to set up along unmarked access roads or flat areas near geological features such as the Black Rock Desert playa or tufa rock formations east of Pyramid Lake. Most camping areas allow both tent and RV camping without reservations or fees.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed camping areas, with many requiring careful navigation over rutted, unpaved surfaces. During wet periods, the playa surfaces can become muddy and hazardous, potentially causing vehicles to become stuck. Most sites have no amenities, requiring visitors to pack in all necessary supplies including water and toilet facilities. Fires are permitted in most locations but restricted during high fire danger periods. A 14-day camping limit applies to most BLM lands in the region. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with some locations offering limited connectivity while others have none.

The dispersed camping experience near Gerlach provides remarkable solitude and unique desert landscapes. The area is known for exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. As one camper noted, "The night sky was incredible" when describing their stay near Pyramid Lake. The Black Rock Desert playa offers a particularly distinctive camping experience on a vast, flat expanse. "This area is just wide open, no shade, no greenery, nowhere to hide from the incessant wind," reported a camper at Three Mile Playa. Wildlife viewing, particularly birds around Squaw Valley Reservoir, adds to the natural attractions. While some locations remain relatively undiscovered, others like Squaw Valley Reservoir can become surprisingly crowded, especially on weekends when multiple RVs may occupy prime spots.

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Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

5 min away

East of Pyramid Lake

East of Pyramid Lake

42 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gerlach, Nevada (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gerlach, NV

15 Photos of 6 Gerlach Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gerlach, NV

15 Reviews of 6 Gerlach Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Precarious J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 6, 2025

    BLM Land near Pyramid Lake - Dispersed Camping

    The closest accessible blm near Pyramid Lake.

    The pin is the starting point of blm land in that area. There is at least one drivable pathway deeper into blm land. I think more. I'll find out tomorrow. I was driving around trying to find access to blm land and found it. I used a public lands app to verify it is blm. The boundary barley crossed over 447. A perfect access point to blm land. My cell service was bad. I use boost mobile, but I've heard Verizon isn't very good in the area as well. If it works for you it's convenient.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Cameron G.
    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2025

    BLM Land near Pyramid Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Open and quiet

    Here in April. Cold but clear skies. Lots of off shoots for spreading out and flat sand/gravel for pulling off. Looks like it might be pretty muddy just after a rain.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    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
    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!

Guide to Gerlach

Gerlach, Nevada, offers a unique experience for those seeking the freedom of dispersed camping. With vast open spaces and stunning landscapes, it's a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dispersed campers should check out Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gerlach, Nevada

  • Always pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash facilities at places like Squaw Valley Reservoir, ensuring the area remains pristine for future visitors.

Top activities while free camping near Gerlach

  • For those looking to explore, the hot springs near Black Rock Playa Dispersed provide a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure on the dry lake bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gerlach, Nevada?

Free dispersed camping near Gerlach is available in several areas. Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert offers wide open dispersed camping with easy access from Gerlach. The flat playa surface provides ample space for all vehicle types including RVs. Another option is BLM Land near Pyramid Lake, which has multiple drivable pathways into the public land. This area features flat sand/gravel surfaces that are ideal for pulling off and setting up camp. Both locations are free to use, offer plenty of space to spread out, and provide a true desert camping experience with stunning views of the night sky.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Gerlach?

Dispersed camping regulations around Gerlach follow standard BLM guidelines. At Squaw Valley Reservoir, which is privately owned land that allows public camping, there may be specific rules set by the landowner regarding campfires and camping duration. At Soldier Meadows Dispersed Camping, campsites are spread out with access to hot springs and pit toilets. Generally, dispersed camping in the area follows leave-no-trace principles: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings when allowed, keep vehicles on established paths, and limit stays to 14 days in a 28-day period. Always check for seasonal fire restrictions, which are common in this high-desert region.

When is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Gerlach?

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for dispersed camping near Gerlach. East of Pyramid Lake is particularly pleasant in May, with moderate temperatures and quieter conditions. Summer can be extremely hot in the high desert, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F on the open playa. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with cold nights—though areas like Soldier Meadows become less crowded and offer the bonus of hot springs for warming up. April brings clear skies but can still be cold, while fall provides milder temperatures and excellent stargazing opportunities. Avoid camping during heavy rain periods as some areas can become muddy and difficult to navigate.

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