Best RV Parks & Resorts near Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters, NV

We stopped here for lunch to check it out as a potential spot for the future. So we didn't actually camp here but we looked around, took pictures, and made a plan for our return. First thing is that since this place is free and beautiful it fills up quickly. We arrived around 11:30 am and there were spots available but they were all taken by the time we left after our lunch. However, there is another free boondocking spot across the highway near the refuge entrance, so if you arrive too late to get a spot you could camp at the boondocking spot for one night and then try to get a campsite at the refuge the next day. It was October when we were there and the weather was cool and the leaves turning. Just gorgeous scenery and the campsites are literally right next to the lake. Lots and lots of water fowl. There are nice trails around the area too but be careful at the lower parts of the refuge because hunting is allowed there. The refuge consists of two lakes and a marsh. Parts of the lakes are muddy, which is probably how the place gets it's name. There are sites big enough for RVs and sites where only tents are allowed. None have hookups but they do have picnic tables. The road noise might bother some people. And the entire park is dirt roads, not paved. Parts of the road are narrow, so caution must be taken when passing other vehicles.

We stopped in to review the campground for a future trip, pulling a 34 ft travel trailer with no problems. It’s located on a gravel road with a small portion washboard surface. Good for kayaking until October 1st. Then, closed to boating for the season. No swimming, no hookups. Fire rings available to use, but must bring your own firewood. There’s a trail at the south end of the lake. There are a few spaces for small vehicles only, but we found open choices today to fit our trailer. The highway runs along the campground, so there is road noise. We’d like to come back in a different season.

Campground Review: This lake is incredible! It is on the road to Cathedral Gorge State Park and filled with wildlife! We were there for the bird count and it took all day just to count the birds on the lake. 

There are fifteen lakeside campsites are available along Upper Pahranagat Lake. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are free, but there is a donation box at the registration kiosk if you want to leave some support for the Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge reserved sites for our group participating in the bird count service project. So be aware that you might want to have a back up plan if the sites are full since there is no reservation channel.  Several of the sites can accommodate multiple tents, camping trailers, or RVs. No electrical, water or sewage facilities are available. There are vault toilets. 

Visitors may stay for a maximum of fourteen days within a 31 day period. Quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. Generators are allowed, but if the generator is noisy it should be shut down overnight to respect other campers. Fires are allowed only in provided grills and fire pits. 

Non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors are permitted on Middle Marsh Unit and Lower Lake throughout the year, and on Upper Lake from February 1 through September 30. Upper Lake is closed to boating October 1-January 30. Due to fragile habitats, the use of boats, rubber rafts, or other flotation devices is not permitted on the North Marsh at any time. Watercraft must be in compliance with all applicable state and federal rules. Trailer launching is not permitted. To prevent the spread of invasive species, only car-top watercraft are permitted.

After a long, hot, WINDY ride down the ET Highway, I was ready for a stop.  I found this place via The Dyrt.  A bit difficult to find the actual entrance, to the north of the camps.  The Visitor Center, to the south, was closed.  The camps are rather exposed, but right on the water's edge.  Most were filled, as it is 'first-come' camping.  I was able to share spot #3 with a big motorhome in #2.  Pretty cute extremes in camping.  The camp host was kind, and had no problem with me setting up a clothes line for drying my sweaty gear.  Pit toilets are only at the two ends of the camping area, so plan ahead.  It was about a 5-minute walk from #2, for #2.  Quite a few bugs got me during the evening hours, but not too bad.  Fun to watch the Mexican free-tail bats come out in the evening.

It’s about a 2 and a half 3 hour drive outside of Vegas depending on how fast you’re going. If you drive past the sign, you missed it! You pull in off the highway and just pick a spot. I’ve been here 3 maybe 4 times. This is the first time I wasn’t alone, but there was enough distance between the sites that I didn’t mind it. There is a couple of fire rings and old picnic tables. No water hookups, bathrooms, or cell service. Nearest gas station is about 30 miles in either direction. The road in is a bit rocky, but not too bad.

1st come. Sites 2 and 3, 4 and 5 are good for a RV ours is a class A with tow 55ft. Also at the end of campground 13, 14, 15 are back in sites for a longer rig with a roundabout to turn and get back out. Picnic table and fire pit and bbq. No services, no fees for 14 days. No Atv, etc. Vaulted toilets. No services, there is a dumpster at the turn in from highway onto Upper Lake Road. 3 miles into Alamo is gas, great little grocery store and Chester's Chicken. Pritchett RV has dump station, propane fill. Camp host actively monitors the goings at this Campground. Fishing for bass, crappie, catfish. We were here May 2021, gnats and mosquitoes but only in late evening, fun to watch the bats hunting for their dinner.

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.

Stopped here short of intended destination due to lateness of the hour and long drive. Great sites along the lake with tables and fire rings and fireplaces. Able to set up in one of the RV sites next to the water. Bike trails available, boating allowed but no swimming. Visitor center is nearby. Reasonable temps. Proximity of water does mean bugs of all kinds(gnats, nozzles, dragonflies etc.) 8 person occupancy. Only downside is proximity to the highway but not as heavily trafficked as it could be.

This spot is really unique, if your like me, you like to be away from the crowd. Then this the perfect spot for you. Very clear sky, full of stars and STRANGE unexplainable activity. The owner took my call. Very nice an attentive. I would recommend watching his video on how to get to the property as it is a few miles south inland from the highway. Bring your own fire wood and connect with nature..

Ashley here with The Dyrt! We're so happy to have this new partner on our platform! Tent camping, the least light pollution in this part of the world, and maybe even a UFO sighting. Come give this place a try and leave your review here.

The drive on 375 was decent road, all uphill but not bad. Great views. Drive back down was super easy! A bit disappointed as the app had said showers and toilets.

Followed detailed directions in app and boom Great spot! Didn’t know till I saw strange aircraft that site was actually right in area 51’s night sky. So trippy.

Drove in and veered to the right to a campground that had a firepit next to a juniper bush that provided some nice privacy. Very quiet at night, did some hiking around the area and lots of desert wildflowers and landscape. Does have a trashcan but not much else. We had a 17ft sprinter van and accessed it with no problem. Lovely free campsite for the night.