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Best Dispersed Camping near Hawthorne, NV

70 Reviews

The landscape surrounding Hawthorne, Nevada features predominantly dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, with Walker Lake serving as a focal point for outdoor recreation. Twenty Mile Beach Dispersed Camping, located approximately 20 miles north of Hawthorne along Highway 95, offers waterfront sites with mountain views and basic vault toilets. Most camping in this region consists of primitive sites without hookups or developed facilities, making self-sufficiency essential. The town of Hawthorne provides necessary supplies, fuel, and groceries for campers preparing for stays at these undeveloped sites.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many access routes requiring high-clearance vehicles. According to one camper at Twenty Mile Beach, "Access to the site is along a slow and easy gravel road that is wide enough for two rigs to safely and comfortably pass each other." However, soft sand near the lakeshore can create challenging driving conditions, particularly for non-4WD vehicles. Weather patterns in this high desert environment include intense summer heat with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional snow at higher elevations. Cell service is generally available near major roads but becomes spotty in more remote camping areas.

Campers consistently mention the panoramic mountain views and lakeside settings as highlights of the region. "The views are spectacular as you are surrounded by mountains on all sides with Walker Lake in the middle of it all," notes one visitor to Twenty Mile Beach. Night skies receive particular praise for exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Visitors should be prepared for limited shade at lakeside locations and potentially intense insect activity, especially during summer evenings. Some reviewers mention significant bug presence after dark, recommending early bedtimes and minimal use of lights. The region's camping areas tend to be uncrowded, offering substantial privacy and a genuine wilderness experience within relatively easy access of Highway 95.

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Detours Nearby

Buckeye Hot Springs

Buckeye Hot Springs

1 hr 18 min away

Desert Creek Campground

Desert Creek Campground

1 hr 48 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hawthorne, Nevada (18)

    1. Twenty Mile Beach Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Hawthorne, NV
    17 miles
    Website

    "This BLM site is 1 of 3 along the west side of Walker Lake. This is the northernmost BLM campground along Highway 95. Follow the signage along the highway."

    "There is no shade anywhere around, so if you're tent camping in summer be prepared to get up early. The sun and heat had us out of bed by 6am, taking down the tent."

    2. Walker Lake

    1 Review
    Hawthorne, NV
    9 miles

    "I was driving by and seen the lake the I notice people were there… rocky entrance but well worth it! Meet some nice people. Slept with windows and doors open amazing sounds from the water."

    3. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    37 miles

    "The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction."

    "Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road."

    4. Mono Lake South Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake)."

    "The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat! "

    5. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    8 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    47 miles
    Website

    "And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help."

    "Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater.  You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area.  "

    6. Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking

    6 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    44 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful location and well secluded. Passed/saw only about 3 others during our one day stay here. Setup camp near the end of the road. A bit windy at night."

    "It was just so nice, I don’t know if it was dispersed camping cause the location takes you to Virginia creek and there is a long road with lots of space like it’s a legit campground but no one there to"

    7. Mill Creek National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    44 miles

    "This is a very cool spot the entrance is just south of Lundy Lake rd. on the 395, there's also a back way in on Lundy Lake rd. just past the first building."

    "nice shaded with creek sounds no restroom"

    8. Buckeye Hot Springs

    2 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    43 miles
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    $24 / night

    "Gorgeous area and plenty of space to go around. The hot springs parking lot signs that say that there is camping at the day use area where this is marked."

    9. Bodie Roadside Camp

    1 Review
    Bridgeport, CA
    38 miles

    "We stopped here because several other locations (that we found on this app) nearby were full or closed. It was nice and we had it to ourselves until about midnight when one other car showed up."

    10. Green Lake test

    3 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    48 miles

    "Ends at Green Lake with some phenomenal spots.

    Keep in mind, the lake is from snowmelt, so not particularly warm.

    Would get 5 stars if the bugs weren’t so bad."

    "I mean... all these little mammoth lakes are hidden gems but I loved my time hiking into green lake around thanksgiving time. A little more difficult to get to but worth it."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hawthorne, NV

45 Photos of 18 Hawthorne Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hawthorne, NV

70 Reviews of 18 Hawthorne Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Sage Hen Dispersed

    Beautiful, near Mono Lake

    The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable. This spot is at an intersection of forest service road 1S158A and Sage Hen Rd. There was still snow on the dirt road at this time of year (in mid April) so be aware,  and there are also low hanging branches that might make it tough for taller rigs. 

    This spot is a large flat area with zero amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out. 

    Good for a night or two if you want to hike or bike along the plethora of forest service roads. There were signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any.

     Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2021

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Beautiful view of Mono Lake

    All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake). Note there are multiple pull out areas and forest service roads to stay in along Hwy 120 east just be mindful that the entire area is sand, as some vehicles may get stuck.

    The road into these spots is quite sandy and narrow in some places, but we did fine in our 26' Class C. There is a very large previously burned area with charred remains of plants and trees but it made for some interesting eerie photos. Very quiet place with amazing views and stunning night sky. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out all trash. Nearby are various hikes and other roads to the range of craters in the area and the tufas along Mono Lake.

    We stayed there on a Monday night and did not see anybody else around, other than a truck that drove past our camp spot in the night.  Very quiet night.

    Good cell reception from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

    Note that Google Maps said that Hwy 120 is closed Oct through May and would not direct us to this area via that road, but the road was open in April 2021, probably due to the mild winter.  Check Hwy 120 conditions for yourself because without it you miss out on so much beautiful area to explore.

  • Val C.
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Epic

    Came up here in July. It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help.

  • Nora S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Never seen anything like this before!

    So I was hesitant to write a review because I didn’t want this place to have any more visitors than it already does..! It was an amazing experience overall and we can’t wait to come back. The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction. It’s actually off the highway before where the maps lead you and there is a sign that says Travertine Hot Springs. Having arrived at night, we were very glad to have met the locals that were helpful in showing us the way! So once you turn off the highway, you follow a dirt road that leads you straight to the springs. We ended up turning off and heading up a pretty rough road to find a spot on top of a canyon looking hill to camp. We were looking for seclusion and we definitely got it! The view was amazing from up top, and in the morning with a quick 5 minute drive we changed into our bathing suits and went for an early morning “nature hot tub swim”. The springs are hot but not boiling, and we spent an hour soaking there with absolutely no worries in the world. Definitely an amazing stay, and absolutely no hesitation to go back!

  • S E.
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    I loved camping here. There’s a few spots off the road that leads into the hot springs, before you hit the sign that says no camping. Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road.

    There was no one else there when I was camped there, and as a solo female traveler I felt extremely safe. It was quiet and secluded, beautiful, yet only 10 minutes off of 395, less than a mile from the hot spring, and I had full LTE cell reception (verizon).

    There are rock fire rings that previous campers have made if you’re going to be here when camp fires are allowed. There’s no other amenities such as picnic tables or a bathroom, water, or garbage collection - this is free dispersed camping, so be prepared to be self-sufficient: pack out what you bring in and leave no trace!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Incredible location, amazing views, hot springs!!

    Road was accessible for us in a Toyota Tacoma, but a Camry also made it up. It was a little crowded in the area we stayed (with 4 other caravans and trailers), as the other dirt road giving access to different campsites was more for high clearance vehicles (very steep and uneven). Hot springs in walking distance. Incredible views of the mountains. We would definitely stay here again. No waste services or restrooms, but a vault toilet was available at the hot springs less than a mile away. Would visit again!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Amazing Hotsprings / Very Popular Spot!

    No camping is allowed at the hot springs themselves, but outside of the hot springs there are a few cleared out spots with fire rings where you can camp.  There is a cluster of about 6 spots fairly close together, as well as a few more isolated spots if you're lucky enough to get one. From here it is about a .5 mile walk to the springs. 

    So many cars zip in and out on the dirt road leading to the hot springs, from early in the morning to pretty late at night. The dust hasn't been too much of a problem but some people do drive rather quickly so watch out for your loose dogs and kids. It was also intermittently very windy.

    No services or amenities here, but it is really close to the town of Bridgeport for supplies, so pack in and pack out your garbage(and maybe a little extra) and bring water.

    The hot springs are amazing and we got a nice long soak by ourselves in the morning until around 11am when is starts to get busier. Clothing is optional at these hot springs but almost everyone was wearing something. Come sit in a hot spring and enjoy the free camping and extraordinary panoramic views.

    The road in is pretty washboarded and rutty in parts, so go slowly.

    You can hear road noise and hourly church bells :)

    Good Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile reception.

    ** Gas here in Bridgeport is very expensive (currently $5.15/gal) so fuel up before you get here.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2021

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Great Views

    Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater.  You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area.  

    The road gets a little rough and soft after the 4th site. 

    Good Verizon service (4G/LTS, 4 bars).

    This is a primitive campground near a unique geological and biological site.  The area is relatively pristine and we hope that it will stay this way when you visit.  Please take all trash out including TP.  Campfires are not allowed here; there are no pre-existing sites and fire rings.  The ash/sand might be a little soft for securing tents.  When there is wind, it really blows.

Guide to Hawthorne

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hawthorne, Nevada, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Hawthorne, Nevada

  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, at Twenty Mile Beach Dispersed Camping, there are no permits required, but you should pack in and pack out all your supplies.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons. Many visitors have noted that the area can get busy, so planning ahead is essential.
  • Bring bug spray and be ready for wildlife; reviews from Twenty Mile Beach Dispersed Camping highlight the presence of bugs, particularly at night.

Enjoy breathtaking views while free camping near Hawthorne

  • The Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed offers incredible mountain views and is just a short drive from natural hot springs, making it a unique spot for relaxation.
  • Campers at Mono Lake South Dispersed have praised the peaceful environment and stunning lake views, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
  • For those looking for a more secluded experience, Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking provides breathtaking sunset views and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Dispersed campers should check out the unique features of these sites

  • At Sage Hen Dispersed, you'll find spacious areas surrounded by pine trees, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a forested setting.
  • The Mill Creek National Forest is known for its calming creek sounds, providing a serene backdrop for your camping experience.
  • If you're looking for a spot with easy access and a variety of trails, Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site offers beautiful views of Mono Lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains, perfect for hiking and exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hawthorne?

Free dispersed camping is available at Twenty Mile Beach Dispersed Camping on the west side of Walker Lake along Highway 95. This BLM site offers easy access via a wide, navigable gravel road. Another excellent option is Walker Lake, which provides big-rig-friendly sites. Both locations are close to Hawthorne and offer lake views. Additional dispersed camping can be found along forest service roads in the surrounding mountains, particularly in the Toiyabe National Forest areas. Always look for established pull-outs with existing fire rings to minimize environmental impact.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Hawthorne?

When dispersed camping near Hawthorne, stay on established sites and practice Leave No Trace principles. At Mono Lake South Dispersed, you must camp above the 1941 water line (marked by signs). For Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed, camping is prohibited at the hot springs themselves, but allowed in designated areas with fire rings nearby. Generally, the 14-day stay limit applies on public lands. Pack out all trash, use existing fire rings, and check for seasonal fire restrictions. During high fire danger periods, campfires may be completely prohibited regardless of location.

What amenities are available at Hawthorne dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping sites around Hawthorne are primitive with minimal to no amenities. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site offers spectacular views of Mono Lake and has reported good Verizon cell service (4G/LTE), but no facilities. Similarly, Sage Hen Dispersed provides natural settings but no services. Most dispersed sites have informal fire rings, but you'll need to bring your own water, toilet supplies, and pack out all waste. For facilities, consider established campgrounds like Buckeye Hot Springs, which has vault toilets. Always arrive with full water tanks, empty waste tanks, and all necessary supplies.

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