Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Gerlach, NV

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!

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.

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.

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!

There is a pretty nice cabin that is first come first serve. In rougher weather this would be my go to. Great little wood stove in the cabin and shelter from the storm

This sight is great for boon-docking campers; it has maintained camp sights, picnic tables, and a few fire rings. A short walk from the camp sights there is a vault toilet that’s maintained during the dryer months. Great fishing, stargazing, and kayaking. But be prepared for no cell service at the campground, however about 2 miles south on the main road will provide 2 bars of service for those with Verizon. Also pack lots of food, water, and fuel as the closest gas is in Alturas and or Standish Litchfield “45 miles north or to the south on hwy 395.” I wouldn’t recommend swimming in the lake as the lake has been know to have very small leaches sad for swimming but great for fishing. Don’t forget to check your local fire restrictions and obtain a fire permit before heading out.

I came here for two nights with some friends at the beginning of summer. The campground is about 45 minutes - 1 hour from the road, and you will need some decent ground clearance to make it there. Once you arrive, there are several camp sites along the main road, some featuring grills and picnic tables. There is a well-maintained vault toilet, and when I went it was stocked with TP (but you should probably bring some just in case lol).

While we were not the only group there, there were only at most two or three other groups and plenty of room to not have to bump into each other. Most people seemed to come for the fishing and leave before the night. There are also a good amount of ants and flying insects, so be sure to bring your bug spray!

We went during new moon, so when night fell it got crazy dark! Be sure to bring a headlamp or lantern. The view of the night sky is the best I have yet to see, and it seems like there are shooting stars every few minutes. It is also easy to spot satellites and other interesting things in the sky. I may consider making the 10 hour trip here again, as the views of the stars are that good.

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.

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.

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.

Camp on Pryamid lake shore or full hookups @marina RV park tents trailers etc. Indian Reservation permits required. Fireworks sold & allowed designated areas. Also, fishing is great and seasonal. Activte Quiet community 

Camping here was great. 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. Bring your easy ups.

This is a nice jumping off point for checking out the pyramid lake area. Beautiful high desert lake. Note that this is primarily an RV park and that if you are okay camping rough, there is a better campground just north of this place.

Words cannot explain this enchanted place. Located just outside of Reno , this is where the locals play. With the most beautiful sunny, and sunsets I've ever seen this week is the only lake in the world you can catch lahontan cutthroat trout. October 1st opening day. About 11 dollars a night to tent camp , or bring an r.v. for your glamping experience. The Paiute Native Americans reside here , and I have a wonderful relationship with them volunteering picking up the area in my spare time . This is Americas best kept secret. If you camp here, make sure you leave it clean when departing . Lots to do here.

We stayed for 3 days on the beach next to the picnic leantos. We were the only ones camping on the beach. Very quiet. We have a 24' Class C motorhome. The beach was very clean and orderly. The Marina has a great store for just about anything you may need. The staff was very helpful.

Beautiful $15 permit and you find your own spot. You can be as faraway or as close to other campers as you want. No hookups or services but the water is perfect for swimming,fishing or boating. Bonus.....4th of July fireworks are permitted and the reservation sales awesome ones.( we are just observers)