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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Gerlach, NV

37 Reviews

Three Mile Playa in Black Rock Desert permits dispersed camping with pets on its vast playa surface. This free BLM land near Gerlach accommodates both tent and RV camping without designated sites or reservations. Dogs must be controlled at all times due to the extreme open environment. Squaw Valley Reservoir and Black Rock Playa Dispersed also allow pets with similar policies. The playa can experience incredible winds requiring extra-long stakes for securing tents and equipment. No amenities exist at these locations—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers should bring at least 2 gallons of water per day per person and pack out all waste.

The Black Rock Desert's extreme environment requires special consideration for pets. The playa surface can become extremely hot during summer days, potentially burning paw pads. Wind conditions change rapidly, creating dust storms that may contain alkaline dust irritating to animals' eyes and respiratory systems. East of Pyramid Lake offers pet-friendly dispersed camping with unique tufa rock formations to explore and relatively flat terrain suitable for RVs and tents. Cell service varies throughout the region—some areas have limited coverage while others provide none. Wildlife encounters are possible, so keeping pets leashed or under voice control protects both native species and camp pets. The Soldier Meadows area, about 40 miles on dirt roads, features hot springs adjacent to pet-friendly campsites.

Map showing campgrounds near Gerlach, NevadaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Gerlach, Nevada (7)

    1. Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

    3 Reviews
    Gerlach, NV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 623-1500

    "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. "

    "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."

    2. Squaw Valley Reservoir

    3 Reviews
    Gerlach, NV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 688-1506

    "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!"

    3. Black Rock Playa Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Gerlach, NV
    9 miles

    4. Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Nixon, NV
    49 miles
    +1 (775) 686-9355

    "Located just outside of Reno , this is where the locals play."

    "Many different spots from able to use the marina or at the boat launch still on pavement or just right down on the beach next to the water. Only biggest issue is there is no trees. So no shade."

    5. East of Pyramid Lake

    6 Reviews
    Nixon, NV
    49 miles

    "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."

    "Sadly an overcast while I stayed one night, but I got to see the last full moon, winter moon, of the year rise from behind the mountain ridge in the north. Looked like the sun rising."

    6. BLM Land near Pyramid Lake - Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Nixon, NV
    47 miles

    "A great spot near Pyramid Lake. Normally a 5-star rating, but deducted due to the many flies and 2WD spots due to the proximity to the road. With a 4WD, you're much more flexible."

    7. Soldier Meadows Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Gerlach, NV
    50 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Gerlach, NV

5 Photos of 7 Gerlach Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Gerlach, NV

37 Reviews of 7 Gerlach Campgrounds

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    BLM Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area

    Remote, harsh, spectacular

    Free/dispersed camping. Camped here in May 2020. Right at Black Rock hot spring and then in the middle of the playa. Camping near the hot springs (Trego or Black Rock, there’s also Soldier Meadows) is typical dispersed camping. Camping on the playa is unlike anything else. It’s a vast stretch of packed desert, 20x30 some miles. If you leave your camper/rig on the playa, make sure you save GPS coordinates, or you may have trouble finding it. Also, if driving on the playa, stay away from darker areas as there may be water/mud. Easy to get stuck. Lots of hiking trails, rock hounding, emigrant and Native American history. No services of any kind. Bring what you need. No cell service. Nearest town/supply is Gerlach. Spectacular night sky. Unique, amazing place. Not for everyone. Can’t wait to go back.

  • 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!

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    East of Pyramid Lake

    Quiet and flat.

    This is a simple dirt area with a few spots to tuck away in. It is right off of the small highway and just few minutes north of Nixon. I was here on a coldish, rainy weekday and night, so it was empty except for one RV. It was a good place to do some easy (muddy) trail riding and take a lap around Pyramid Lake. I imagine it is quite hot in the summer. Spots are easy to get to, just be aware of sharp/jagged rocks as you move further off of the highway. Much of the surrounding off-road areas are closed to non-reservation people, so just pay attention to the signage to stay out of trouble with the tribal police. No vegetation other than sagebrush, so bring your own firewood/briquettes/etc. if you plan to have a campfire for grilling.

  • Dani P.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Ramhorn Springs Campground

    Shaded campground with Juniper Trees and rugged rocks by a small stream

    Brilliantly quiet and peaceful campground. Hardly ever more than a few campers, never full. Located 3miles down a gravel road, drivable by even a compact car. Cottonwood and Willow trees surround small stream that runs through the entire campground. Easy access to OHV trails nearby. Each site has tables and a fire pit. Also, 2 contraptions to hang hunted animals. Spotty Verizon service, no ATT reception. Vault toilet bathroom very clean but smelly!! This is a FREE campground, and in order to keep it that way, we must collectively treat it well by following Leave No Trace principles. There are trash receptacles on site, but hunters are instructed to take animals remains and dump OUTSIDE of campground.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    BLM Land near Pyramid Lake - Dispersed Camping

    Geschützt hinter Felssteinen

    A great spot near Pyramid Lake. Normally a 5-star rating, but deducted due to the many flies and 2WD spots due to the proximity to the road. With a 4WD, you're much more flexible. Still, a spot I can recommend. Great view of the vast prairie and mountains. Protected by amazing rock formations that resembled giant fossils. We had T-Mobile internet.

  • 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.

  • 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!
  • 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.

  • paul B.
    Jul. 28, 2023

    Ramhorn Springs Campground

    great spot off the 395

    this site was much better than expected. it's about 2-3 miles off the 395 and has a variety of spaces. most of the sites are pull-through but if you have a bigger rig you might have a bit of a problem turning around at the end of the campground. It looked like a dead end and didn't want to risk it. even though there is a bubbling creek next to the campground it was great that we didn't have any bugs or mosquitos. I also talked to a group of contractors staying at the site that it can get busy when they (and 2-3 other teams) use it as home base to clear fire breaks around the 395 during the summer

Guide to Gerlach

Gerlach, Nevada, offers a unique experience for pet owners looking to enjoy the great outdoors with their furry friends. With a variety of well-reviewed spots that welcome pets, you can explore the stunning landscapes while ensuring your pets are part of the adventure.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

  • At Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert, pets are allowed, making it a great choice for those who want to camp under the stars with their dogs.
  • This location features a vast, open space perfect for pets to roam freely, although it's essential to bring your own water and supplies.
  • Campers have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and stunning night skies, ideal for stargazing with your pet by your side.

Pet owners like Squaw Valley Reservoir for its natural beauty

  • Squaw Valley Reservoir allows pets and offers a picturesque setting with plenty of opportunities for fishing and birdwatching.
  • While there are no amenities, the free camping experience lets you enjoy the tranquility of nature with your pet.
  • The reservoir is known for its beautiful surroundings, making it a lovely spot for a quiet getaway with your furry companion.

Tips for camping with dogs near Gerlach

  • When visiting Black Rock Playa Dispersed, ensure you bring plenty of water and a portable bathroom solution, as there are no facilities available.
  • The flat, dry lake bed at Black Rock Playa Dispersed is perfect for pets to explore, but be mindful of the weather and wind conditions.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider camping east of Pyramid Lake, where you can find open spaces and minimal distractions for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gerlach, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gerlach, NV is Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Gerlach, NV?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dog-friendly camping locations near Gerlach, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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