Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Gerlach? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Gerlach, Nevada's most popular destinations.
This is Paiute Tribal Land where respectful visitors are welcomed, but a permit is required. Camping is dispersed along the shores of Lake Pyramid, but please respect 'no trespassing' signs and refer to tribal maps for off-limit areas.
Traveler
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.
Scout
Tried to go to the school bus thing but road got too technical so camped out near a mine, epic!
Guide
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.
Traveler
Sadly we were delayed and would not have arrived at Pyramid Lake until 2am so we didn’t stay. We did however visit the lake and museum and visitor center and it was well worth it! We will definitely be back to try and camp here again. We spoke with the locals and they confirmed that once you purchase the camping permit ($15) then you just drive to the lake and find a spot - very rustic, very cool! The lake itself is absolutely beautiful. We can’t wait to come back… maybe during a full moon and fishing season! Be sure to visit the museum and definitely stop at the INDIAN TACO spot on the way to the lake… it was delicious!
TravelerWe 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.
GuideThis 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:
Guide
We stayed here overnight when passing through the area. Very clean campground with pit toilet, concrete picnic tables and fire rings. There were also a few game cleaning stations as well. Beautiful rock formations and juniper trees. The area feels ancient with a beautiful energy. Will definitely be staying here again when we pass back through the area.
Guidethis 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
LegendThis 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.
LegendCool 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!
LegendThis 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!
TravelerCamping 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.
TravelerCamp 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 
Traveler
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.
TravelerThis 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.
GuideBrilliantly 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.
GuideBeautiful $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)
GuideBeautiful campground not too far off of 395. Stayed one night passing through. Free campground with pit toilets. Stayed on a Thursday lots of spaces open. Was able to back in our 19 foot trailer. Road in was a dirt road fine for the most part with a few ruts.
TravelerWords 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.
RangerSo the desert is the desert, finding a lake there is pretty special. Yes, it looks barren, but it attracts tons of birds and the water sports and fishing are fun. Sunsets are out of this world. This campground is a much nicer experience than the RV park as long as you are prepared to car/tent camp. Bring the boat/water toys.
RangerThis 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.
ScoutWe went in August and were the only ones at the whole site. Nice place though, right by the water, fire rings, picnic tables, juniper trees and a pit toilet that looks like it's regularly serviced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gerlach, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gerlach, NV is Fish Ladder Beach with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
