35 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains offer campgrounds near Lamoille ranging from developed RV sites with full hookups to free dispersed camping in northeastern Nevada. Camp Lamoille provides dispersed camping opportunities along Lamoille Creek with several primitive sites accessible via Forest Service Road 660. The Thomas Canyon Campground in Humboldt National Forest offers established sites for tents and RVs from May to October. Specialty accommodations are also available, including cabin rentals at the Sheep Camp in Ruby Valley and Iron Horse RV Resort in nearby Elko, which features full hookup sites and cabin options.
Access to camping areas varies significantly by location and season, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Thomas Canyon Campground and other developed sites in the Ruby Mountains typically operate seasonally from late spring through fall due to mountain weather conditions. The Lamoille Canyon area features both easily accessible dispersed sites near the main road and more remote spots requiring four-wheel drive. Water availability differs between developed and primitive sites, with most dispersed areas lacking potable water sources. As one camper noted, "After turning right onto the FS gravel road you can take a left or right to dispersed camping spots. We went further down, rock crawling, high clearance required, and found the perfect spot nestled in the trees about 10ft from Lamoille Creek."
The Ruby Mountains, often called the "Swiss Alps of Nevada," provide a dramatic backdrop for camping experiences near Lamoille. South Fork State Recreation Area offers additional camping options with both East Campground and Coyote Cove providing access to reservoir recreation. Campers exploring Lamoille's campsites frequently mention the stark contrast between the lush mountain environment and surrounding desert landscape. One visitor remarked, "Compared to the surround areas, this place was truly an oasis in the desert." Summer temperatures remain moderate at higher elevations while winter brings heavy snow that closes many roads and campgrounds. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly in canyon areas and at more remote campsites. Most developed campgrounds provide vault toilets and trash service, while dispersed sites require visitors to pack out all waste.
"In spite of appearing to be near the highway, the park is down a hill and there is no noise from it."
"The Iron Horse RV Resort in Elko, NV is a real gem in the Nevada desert. It's on the main highway parallel to I-80 on the north end of town."
"If you continue straight you end up at a private campground, but plenty of space to turn around."
"As noted by others there are a few dispersed sites off the entrance road to the official site."
"Nice quiet spot along the river, trees all around providing privacy and hiking for days. Do your homework if you have a larger rig."
"Awesome hiking trails, beautiful views, spacious camp sites, clean bathrooms, nice camp host! I’ll be coming back to this spot. I believe it’s $18 a night."
from $19 - $38 / night
Check Availability"We really liked this spot in Nevada. The reservoir is a nice thing to walk to, not much more."
"This campground is surrounded by natural beauty. Snow capped mountains hang in the distance. The site is super clean and has flushable toilets and a non-fee shower."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Along the south west side of South Fork reservoir, these functional spots carry all the charm of a dirt parking lot, but the views of the Ruby Mountains reflected in the lake will keep you coming back."
"Not your typical campground; the sites are lined up along the lake with the only privacy being the space (decent) between sites."
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Compared to the surround areas, this place was truly an oasis in the desert as others have said. The hosts were super nice."
"In the middle of the Nevada desert along I80, there's a nice RV oasis for a stopover for travelers. "
from $25 - $42 / night
Check Availability"It’s close to the highway and train tracks, but we didn’t really notice the noise. There is no WiFi, but our phone service was great. Would absolutely stay again."
from $14 - $15 / night
"The boat launch and boat trailer parking lot is in the nearby Coyote Cove campground."
"One of three campsites on a small reservoir outside of Elko. There weren’t many water craft on the water today, but it is October."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. There isn’t a good place to swim and the water inlet has a pretty strong smell. Great views and easy access. Worth the drive."
from $10 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWhat a fun place. They have activities for the kids and the host are supper friendly. The Gift shop has everything you could possibly need. Just a cool calm place to relax after driving in the Salt Lake City traffic then the winds of I-80. The a spots have lush green grass. It’s like a little oasis.
GuideEasy stop. All pull through sites. Big rig friendly with level gravel sites. Flexible hours, can come in late. Great overnight stop.
GuideWhat a gem of a find. Nancy, Jake, and Casey are great people that run this oasis. Very long pull through sites available, up to 90 feet long. A couple of dozen backin sites, and tent camping also.
This RV Camp is close to I80 so there is some noise from the trucks running over the rumble strips.
Great WI-Fi. Cell phone connection of Verizon is weak.
I would stay here again.
GuideEverything is so green here and you are in the middle the high desert.we were greeted and shown to our site, I think we had the best site in the RV Park. There is a little freeway noise, but the green grass, mature trees, creeks, pond and gardens make it so peaceful.
ScoutThere is a fee
ScoutIt basic but has great fews. I did tent camp, but it was very windy.
GuideApril 2026: road has deteriorated. I wouldn’t try to camp by the springs (or drive more than 1/2 mile past the turnoff). We didn’t see the springs, but the photos are amazing. You can walk in; just not what we were needing.
TravelerEpic spot. Got all the way to the hot spring with a non-modified 4WD w/ decent clearance and a skilled driver, but it is September so the water crossings were low. The dirt road is in bad shape and definitely needs a vehicle with good clearance to get within 2 miles of the spring. There are a couple of camping spots for vehicles and/or tents at the spring and several along the road before. If you can get out here it is absolutely worth it.
GuideThis is a great spot with fantastic scenery. Thanks to fellow reviewers for the specific details on how to get to this particular location.
The Lamoille area sits at elevations between 5,900 and 8,800 feet in northeastern Nevada, creating a diverse camping environment with temperature variations of up to 30 degrees between day and night. Most dispersed camping sites in the Ruby Mountains require high-clearance vehicles, while established campgrounds typically operate from May through October due to seasonal snow closures. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with road access becoming limited after November.
Fishing opportunities: South Fork Reservoir provides excellent trout and bass fishing year-round. At East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area, visitors can fish directly from shore. "Had a great time fishing the lake with my wife," notes MacKenzie D.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the Ruby Mountains, including routes with varying difficulties. Thomas Canyon Campground serves as a trailhead for several popular hikes. "Awesome hiking trails, beautiful views, spacious camp sites, clean bathrooms, nice camp host!" reports Ashleigh O.
Water activities: The reservoir offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and paddling during summer months. Jet Ski Beach — South Fork State Recreation Area provides designated launch areas. "The Jet Ski Beach is a great beach for swimming, launching canoes, kayaks, small fishing boats, or personal watercraft," explains Shari G.
Mountain views: The dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks provides a scenic setting. "Beautiful views of the snow capped mountains hang in the distance. The site is super clean and has flushable toilets and a non-fee shower," describes Gina J. from East Campground.
Creek access: Many Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping sites offer direct creek access. "We turned right off of the FS road, there's several spots easily assessable via car, we went further down, rock crawling, high clearance required, and found the perfect spot nestled in the trees about 10ft from Lamoille Creek," explains Callie F.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the area. "Bird life is abundant in this area, with many species stopping along their migration route. We saw Loons, Dowitchers, White Pelicans, Coots and even the shy Hermit Thrush," one visitor noted at Jet Ski Beach.
Weather conditions: Mountain weather changes rapidly year-round. "We went to have a look and less than a mile in the road was covered by several feet of snow. We have a 4wd and I couldn't have gotten through without damage," reports Ana P. about Camp Lamoille in March.
Site selection: Many dispersed sites require advance planning. "Official campground is only open May-September. As noted by others there are a few dispersed sites off the entrance road to the official site. Views are stunning but most of the better sites are high clearance vehicle access only, with few turn around locations," notes Cheryl M.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack services. "Several dispersed camping sites before you get to the actual campground. Good spacing on the sites for privacy. Easy access to the creek for clean fresh water," reports Colt H. about Humboldt National Forest Thomas Canyon Campground.
Established campgrounds: For families with young children, developed sites offer more amenities. "We stopped at the South Fork Reservoir when passing through Elko. This was a great spot to relax from the long day on the road. Plenty of space for the kids to run around and bike around the campsite. Bathrooms were very clean and had hot showers," notes Eric from East Campground.
Temperature preparation: Pack clothing for all conditions. "Temps dropped to the mid-teens so be prepared if tent camping. There are horseshoe pits available and there is also an ADA compliant site also," advises Gina J.
Alternative accommodations: Cabin options provide comfort for families not equipped for tent camping. Sheep Camp in Ruby Valley offers unique lodging. "This is really a great experience, a warm experience staying in this room," reports one visitor.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited to specific campgrounds. "Well maintained sites. BBQ, and fire pits. Free showers, flush toilets, covered picnic tables. Nice large sites. Always a breeze. A camp host is present as well as ranger station 1/2 mile down the road. 25$ per night with full electric hookups," explains Kimberly Q. about East Campground.
Size limitations: Many Ruby Mountain campgrounds have restrictions. "Nice quiet spot along the river, trees all around providing privacy and hiking for days. Do your homework if you have a larger rig," advises Mike M. about Thomas Canyon Campground.
Urban alternatives: Iron Horse RV Resort in Elko provides full-service options when mountain campgrounds are closed. "A beautifully laid out campground with gravel sites and nice landscaping. It's nestled in the heart of Elko, Nevada, a short drive from the Ruby Mountains and a couple of smaller casinos and restaurants," notes Carlyne F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Lamoille Canyon?
Lamoille Canyon offers several camping options in northeastern Nevada's Ruby Mountains. Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping provides multiple spots accessible off Forest Service Road 660. After turning onto this gravel road, you can find dispersed sites by going either left or right. The canyon is also home to Humboldt National Forest Thomas Canyon Campground, which is drive-in accessible with developed facilities. The area is surrounded by the beautiful mountain landscape of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, making it a scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both developed and primitive camping experiences in the Ruby Mountains.
Do I need reservations for camping in Lamoille Canyon?
Reservation requirements vary by campground in the Lamoille Canyon area. For dispersed camping at Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping, no reservations are needed as sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, these spots can fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended. In contrast, some developed campgrounds in the region like Humboldt National Forest Angel Creek Campground offer a mix of reservable and first-come sites. Even at campgrounds that accept reservations, spots may still be available for walk-ins, though they tend to fill up by evening during summer months. For the most reliable camping experience, especially on weekends and holidays, making reservations where possible is advisable.
What facilities are available at Camp Lamoille?
Camp Lamoille offers basic facilities suited for those seeking a more primitive camping experience. The dispersed camping areas provide space for tents and smaller RVs with simple fire rings at most sites. While the camp itself has minimal infrastructure, the surrounding area offers natural beauty with access to Lamoille Creek. For campers seeking more amenities, nearby options like East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area provides more developed facilities. For those wanting full hookups and resort-style amenities, Welcome Station RV Park in the broader region offers clean restrooms, grassy sites, and a pleasant atmosphere described by visitors as an oasis in the Nevada desert. Most visitors to Camp Lamoille come prepared for self-sufficient camping.
Keep Exploring
