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Best Campgrounds near Lovelock, NV

44 Reviews

Camping areas near Lovelock, Nevada range from established state parks to dispersed sites on public lands. Rye Patch State Recreation Area, located along Interstate 80, serves as the primary developed campground in the region, offering both RV and tent camping options with some sites featuring shade structures and picnic tables. For those seeking more remote experiences, dispersed camping is available at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land at Rye Patch. The area primarily supports drive-in access with limited walk-in opportunities at select locations.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this high desert region. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though extreme summer heat and winter cold require appropriate preparation. Facilities vary considerably between locations, with Rye Patch State Recreation Area providing amenities like drinking water, showers, and flush toilets, while dispersed sites typically offer minimal or no services. Cell coverage can be spotty throughout the area, particularly at more remote locations. "Stillwater NWR has a number of designated dispersed camping sites with pit toilets and trash bins. Free. All dirt roads but roads are OK. When we were there in April/May 2020, we were the only ones camping in the Refuge."

Several visitors highlight the unexpected natural beauty found in this desert landscape. Rye Patch State Recreation Area receives consistently positive reviews for its riverside camping below the dam, with many campers appreciating the shade trees and relatively level sites. The reservoir attracts fishing and paddling enthusiasts when water levels permit. Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge earns praise for its wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly bird watching, though tent camping can be challenging due to sandy terrain. Visitors frequently mention the area's value as a convenient stopover when traveling along Interstate 80, with one camper noting: "Rye Patch SRA is the perfect layover spot when driving through NV. There are sites for tent camping, RV camping with and without hookups, and group camping that I saw."

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Best Camping Sites Near Lovelock, Nevada (7)

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Recent Camping Photos near Lovelock, NV

7 Photos of 7 Lovelock Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lovelock, NV

44 Reviews of 7 Lovelock Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Rye Patch State Recreation Area

    Lakeside campsites

    Campsites are pretty close together, but have nice views of the lake. This campground can be very crowded prior to Labor Day, especially weekends. I camped on a Wednesday night and got a first come first serve site without problem.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Rye Patch BLM Nevada

    No amenities, several flat areas

    We weren’t able to find this spot at the GPS coordinates listed. Definitely need high clearance 4WD to get here. Found a different spot a little further back the way we’d come, flat enough to pitch a tent. No amenities, no fire rings anywhere but several spots where you could pull off the road and camp.

  • Brittany M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Rye Patch BLM Nevada

    Didn't make it

    The road is very steep, and you will need a true off-road vehicle to make to the site. I have a Ford escape, and I made it 1/2 way before the rocks on the road started damaging my undercarriage. Turned around and had to camp by the electrical poles near the dirt road you turned off of. Can't say how the site was because I didn't make it. Good luck!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Rye Patch State Recreation Area

    Beautiful oasis, used as a pit stop

    Showed up on a Friday night, stopping between ID and CA. There were 2-3 spots left at the river campground, plenty more sites open in the upper gravel lot. I can’t remember the exact # of the spot, but it was around the first bend, kind of on a semi-circle. We use a rooftop tent, spot was level. Lots of RVs. The river was beautiful. Campground seemed pretty quiet, aside from the wildlife at night! It has hot showers. Highly recommend.

  • Mike F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful and quite

    The coordinates lead to an info sign. Past that sign is another that clearly says how far the 2 sites are. It's a long gravel road, but if you're lucky enough to be the only campers, as we were, is beautifully serene

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2025

    Rye Patch State Recreation Area

    Quiet, Clean Campground

    Came on Monday for one night. Very Clean and Quiet. April at Digger’s Deli right down the road made us a couple of making pizzas.
    We camped over in Westside camp ground, it’s primitive, no hook ups, but is water near by, free hot showers and flush toilets, which were very clean. Each camp site had a covered area with a picnic table and fire ring, which came in handy when it rained. I did get to see a double rainbow. The site was very level on gravel. I would definitely stay again.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Rye Patch State Recreation Area

    As noted in other reviews good stopover on long drive

    Stayed a night in June, then a night in September. 

    NV State Park that was not taking reservations at time we visited, and was 1st come/1st serve (might be different now). June: Picked out a nice spot on W side with shade, but neighbor had obnoxious generator going constantly so we moved to site 2, which was quite nice with shade, access to bathrooms, showers, a water tap on site. $20/night for dry camp for out-of-staters, many have a shade structure over the picnic tables and most appear fairly level. 

    For an extra $10 there are a few sites with electric on a bluff above the campground, which is below the dam, on the south side but NO shade or trees, basically on gravel. 

    Water in reservoir quite low, so no boats apparent but some rafters. Wild turkeys strutting around the campsite, including one Tom in full fluff. Cell service was one bar and supposed LTE in campground, but unable to pick anything up. Was able to get/send texts from parking lot at put in with Sprint/T-Mobile but limited access in actual campground. 

    Plan to check out west side campground later. September: Stayed again on way to Lake Tahoe. No one at attendant booth, just drive in and pay at credit card kiosk or with traditional cash and envelopes. Stayed in site#14 which was quite shady and next to bathrooms, although neighbor showed up late and his truck was parked very close and we heard their talking much of the night. Spotted a great basin gopher snake right next to our trashcan which was startling but it was gone by next day. Campground was initially pretty sparce (arrrived around 2p) but filled up pretty by end of day.

  • Maya G.
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Rye Patch State Recreation Area

    Good spot

    Just a short distance off the interstate. Was just passing through, quick overnight stop. Stayed in the upper level campground, did not go to the lower level with all the RVs and tents as I was planning on leaving super early in the morning. $20 for out of state, $15 for in state residents

Guide to Lovelock

Camping options near Lovelock, Nevada include several BLM dispersed sites and established recreation areas situated in Nevada's high desert terrain at elevations around 4,000 feet. Water access varies significantly between locations, with riverside sites at Rye Patch and seasonal wetlands at Stillwater Wildlife Refuge offering unique contrast to the arid surroundings. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F while winter nights can drop well below freezing, requiring appropriate seasonal preparation for visitors.

What to do

Wildlife viewing at Stillwater NWR: The refuge supports extensive bird populations and diverse wildlife. "Tons of birds, waterfowl, deer, coyotes, beavers. Amazing sky with mountains in the background," notes Ariel & John W., who stayed at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping.

Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access multiple fishing spots when water levels permit. "This is the perfect hidden lake down in the canyon. A very beautiful spot for fishing, deer and turkey watching," reports Timothy about his experience at Rye Patch State Recreation Area.

Historical exploration: The area contains several preserved historical sites worth visiting. Ken J. describes Unionville Park as having "nearby historic buildings and foundations to explore, as well as a few off-road or mtn bike trails."

Stargazing: Clear desert skies offer exceptional night viewing. "The view of the stars was amazing!" reports Molly A. after camping at Rye Patch State Recreation Area.

What campers like

Shade availability: Many campers appreciate sheltered sites during hot desert days. "We stayed in site#14 which was quite shady and next to bathrooms," explains Mark M. about Rye Patch State Recreation Area.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and showers receive consistent praise. According to Michi P., Rye Patch offers "free hot showers and flush toilets, which were very clean. Each camp site had a covered area with a picnic table and fire ring."

Wildlife encounters: Campers regularly spot diverse wildlife. Jennifer Q. shares her experience at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge: "Snow on the surrounding mountains, giant white pelicans in the marshes. We felt like immigrants crossing the Nevada desert."

Level camping surfaces: Many sites provide even terrain for comfortable setups. "Each site was clean and quiet. Level," notes Ariel & John W. about Stillwater NWR, while Sheldon M. describes Rye Patch BLM as having "level ground not far from the highway."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. At Rye Patch BLM Nevada, Brittany M. warns: "The road is very steep, and you will need a true off-road vehicle to make to the site. I made it 1/2 way before the rocks on the road started damaging my undercarriage."

Water availability: Bring sufficient water for dispersed camping. While Rye Patch State Recreation Area offers drinking water, most BLM and wildlife refuge sites do not.

Terrain challenges: Sandy areas can complicate tent setup in certain locations. Kevin notes at Stillwater: "The only place to pitch a tent that's not next to a main road is super loose sand. There is zero demarcation of where you should pitch a tent."

GPS accuracy issues: Several campers report navigation challenges. Chris warns about Stillwater NWR: "We went to these coordinates and turns out they are 100+ miles off. Type in the name of the place and not the coordinates to get to the actual place."

Tips for camping with families

Riverside camping: Sites along water offer natural entertainment for children. Monica M. shares about Rye Patch State Recreation Area: "This was a great camping experience. Not only were the views amazing, the facilities there were so clean and convenient. My family had a blast."

Insect preparation: Desert conditions can bring unexpected bugs. Sheldon M. advises: "Bring plenty of bug spray and you will be fine" when camping at Rye Patch BLM.

Temperature management: Prepare for extreme temperature swings between day and night, particularly during spring and fall.

Wildlife education opportunities: The area provides excellent chances to teach children about desert ecosystems and wildlife behavior.

Tips from RVers

Availability patterns: Weekends fill quickly during peak seasons. Mike A. notes about Rye Patch State Recreation Area: "We showed up at 730 pm on a Saturday in June and while every official spot was taken the ranger encouraged us to find a spot in one of a couple overflow lots."

Leveling considerations: Graham W. mentions: "VERY clean with new metal picnic tables and shade structures. Mostly gravel, excellent for RV not so good for tents."

Interstate convenience: Many RVers use the area as a travel break. Alexander M. describes Rye Patch as a "pleasant campground just a few miles off I-80. Most sites provide shade. An oasis in the desert."

Limited big rig access: While established sites accommodate larger vehicles, dispersed locations typically require smaller rigs or high-clearance vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping areas near Lovelock, Nevada?

Several camping options are available near Lovelock. Rye Patch State Recreation Area is a popular destination about 22 miles northeast of Lovelock along I-80, offering both upper and lower campgrounds with flush toilets and showers for $15 per night. The lower campground provides nice tree cover alongside the river. For a more peaceful experience, Unionville Park is a small community park that allows overnight stays with freshwater access, pit toilets, and fire rings. The park is beautifully maintained with a crystal clear creek running through it, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful getaway in otherwise dry terrain.

What RV parks are available in Lovelock, NV?

Lovelock offers a few RV accommodation options. Candy Beach Campground is conveniently located very close to I-80, making it an ideal stopover for RV travelers passing through the area. For those willing to drive a bit further, Star Point Trading Post & RV Park near Imlay offers big-rig-friendly spaces. RV campers can also consider Rye Patch State Recreation Area's upper campground, which is noted as being particularly suitable for RVs with basic amenities including flush toilets and showers. Most RV sites in the area are first-come, first-served, so arriving early during peak travel seasons is recommended.

Are there any free camping options around Lovelock, Nevada?

Yes, several free camping options exist around Lovelock. Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping offers a remote experience with spectacular views of marshes and surrounding mountains. The road is well-maintained and accessible to most vehicles. Another option is 40.69420° N, 118.25481° W, which provides easy highway access for car camping during road trips. While close to the highway, campers report it's surprisingly quiet with beautiful views. Be prepared for wildlife encounters and limited amenities at these dispersed sites. Rye Patch BLM Nevada is another free option, though access requires an off-road capable vehicle due to steep, rocky terrain.

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