Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hiko, NV

We got in on a Thursday night right around 6:30 pm. We knew we were going to be cutting it close and in our 26 foot rig out of the 10ish spaces that could fit us (some spots are only for vans or tents) only 2 were left so we suggest getting here earlier. We found a space that was available next to another camping couple who were very kind. They were pulling a Bighorn maybe a 28 ft with slides and we both fit in spots 2 and 3 with ease. The road heading in is incredibly washboarded. Stick to the left side of the road if you want a slightly less bumpy ride. Scenery was gorgeous. Lots of shade for Nevada. Amazing view of the stars too! You are close to the highway but at night the road settles down and it was not a problem for us. Being so close to the lake be prepared to be inundated with bugs at night time if you have any lights on at all. Also, people do not seem to pick up after their pets (maybe even themselves?) as the closer you get to vegetation the more poop you’ll see alongside the grass/bushes. Overall, we enjoyed our stay here. It is a donation only park and it is first come first serve! We arrived Sept 17th around 6:30 pm with only two spots left and right after we pulled in another van and camper pulled in so I’m pretty sure it was full by 7 pm. Temps were low 60s at night and 85 when we arrived up until about 8:30 pm! Each site is spaced far enough apart where you aren’t necessarily on top of each other (except for our site which was meant for two rv’s)! There are also picnic tables, grills and fire pits at each site.

There was no one around the entire night, and for the price, it was very nice with all the hookups for $13.00. The weather was windy and stormy in the distance, which made for excellent sleeping weather and a beautiful sunset and sunrise. Some cattle were in pens not far off, but otherwise, it was vacant. 

Alamo is a small Mormon town, so it felt safe even though we were the only people in the area. When it got dark, there was a quad driving in circles very close, and sometimes coming directly at us. I was a little nervous about being alone out there so I called 911, and they sent an officer out. By then, the quad had gone, but we felt safer because the officer said he would be nearby all night. 

The area has a large lake and a river running through it and is very lush and green in some places. They sell fishing supplies if you feel like fishing in the middle of the desert. :-) I highly recommend it as a nice stop-over.

The Sinclair gas station has a well-stocked grocery store, but they're a dry county so if you want a beer you need to go 7 miles up to Hiko and you'll be able to buy beer and wine.

We didn’t stay in the Primitive camping because it was $15 a night. We ended up staying on the road in a pull-off section.

The road was flooded and in very bad shape. The site was very spacious.

There looked to be a Pull-behind in one area with no vehicle. A resident i presume.

The mountain view was spectacular. Very cold as it snowed the day we decided to set up.

We heard a coyote just outside our camper around 3am. It’s howls echoed throughout the range.

Right next to a railroad track. There is no crossing so the trains don’t blow their whistles through there. We are used to trains as we have a home along the Mississippi river and about 10 yards away from BNSF railway. Felt like home.

I would come back for sure, in warmer months.

There are natural springs and the flora is gorgeous!!! The short overlook trail is absolutely stunning. Our trip was in Fall so the colors were amazing. We camped for only one night but had a good visit and plan to return since this is a very nice place. This is a small first come, first serve campground with electric hookups, restrooms, and more. Each site has a picnic table, BBQ, and fire pit. The picnic table has shade and there are trees around the campground. There are showers but I didn't use them to verify they work well or are warm. There are water spouts, for use but not to hookup. There is a dump station at the park entrance but no sewer hookups. We got the last spot in the campground, it fills up quickly and people came after us who had to leave to find another place. Lesson: arrive early in the day probably between 10am-1pm will get you a spot. The campground is at the park entrance and is 0.8 miles from the main park area where the playground, wading pool, grassy areas, and most trail heads are. That main area is also where you will find maps and the stamp to use on your Nevada state parks passport. When we came the wading pool was empty. But I guess during summer it's a nice refreshing place for children to play. There are two spots to play horse shoes and one for volleyball. The playground equipment is old but usable. Cellular service is better up at the main park area than at the campground but the campground does offer wifi for a fee. Just outside the state park is a grazing area with cows and just past that is the railroad- you may hear the train from your campsite. We liked that but I'm sure some people wouldn't. Animals in the area we saw: turkey, rabbits, kangaroo rats, frogs, and various butterflies. The camping price is$15 per night without hookups,$25 with hookups OR if you get the state park all access pass then camping is free and you just pay$10 for the hookups if you use them. Read up on the Nevada State Park website for more details.