Looking for dispersed camping near Lund? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Access to Kirch WMA is free—even for overnight camping. Please make sure that you’ve got an up to date fishing license, if you plan to fish.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources.
Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska)
Welcome to the high-desert, and the wide open country of the Great Basin. In this vast un-peopled place you’ll commune with coyotes, pronghorn and pygmy rabbits. You’ll soak up a degree of silence that few places in the Lower 48 can offer. You’ll experience a dome of stars made overwhelming by the neck-straining stretch of the horizons. You’ll inhale the aroma of sage propelled on some of the cleanest air in the west. You’ll discover trees which have experienced over a million sunsets, and otherworldly caverns shocking in form.
You may also discover, the campgrounds of Great Basin National Park…filled to capacity.
There is no permitting, paperwork, or payment required for camping on BLM land. It’s called dispersed camping, and all that’s requested is a bit of self-reliance and adherence to some common sense regulations put in place to keep the land enjoyable to all and to ensure the safety and sustainability of this valuable natural resource.
If dispersed camping is something you are willing to experience, then we would encourage you taking the plunge. BLM land is public land after all. Step up and claim it, but treat it with respect. For specific regulations as well as helpful tips please call the Bureau of Land Management, Ely District Office at 775 289-1800 or go to their website https://www.blm.gov/office/ely-district-office.
Snake Creek may be closed due to snow in winter months, check our current conditions page for up-to-date information. https://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/conditions.htm High clearance vehicles are recommended for these rough, dirt roads. RVs and trailers are not recommended at any time.
Ranger
On the whole, it's avg. as far as campgrounds go
Great Basin was full, so went west on 6 about 8 miles and pulled into dispersed campground where there were some covered picnic tables at sites around a large central pond, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites. Stayed in#7 which was exposed, but the last one available so we took it. Free. Pit toilets are dirty but don't stink and trash has been emptied. Nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across UT
RangerFREE! On the whole, avg., 3 stars. Not many developed BLM sites around.
Great Basin was full, so went west on 6 about 8 miles and pulled into dispersed campground where there were some covered picnic tables at sites around a large central pond, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites. Stayed in#7 which was exposed, but the last one available so we took it. Free. Pit toilets are dirty but don't stink and trash has been emptied. Nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across UT
Traveler
Down 7 miles of dirt road, camp ground has several tree and some camp spots have wind/shade shelters and tables.. no other services . lots of goat heads sticker plants on the ground. It was not crowded when we were there would probably go back
TravelerOther campers were friendly, it was easy to find a campsite, the bathrooms were accessible and relatively clean. There was quite a bit of trash around the campsites however which was sad.
Guide
I enjoyed camping here, and I could see it being a great spot for a large group. As the description said, it's a working gravel pit. ... and the BLM got to work at 8am the morning after I arrived. So, be aware of that. There is no shoulder on the highway, so you can't really pull over to check road or flood conditions before pulling into the pit. In my case it was totally fine, clear and flat, but I didn't really enjoy going in blind.
Guide
First off I'll start by saying the "Get directions" location on this app is incorrect AND the GPS will take you down a private, gated, dirt road to get there. Also, there is only ONE campsite on this road.
When you set your GPS for this location the GPS will take you down Lehman Caves Road which is also highway 488 into the national park. About halfway down this road from the small town of Baker, you will be told turn left on Rowland Ranch Road. IGNORE THIS. Rowland Ranch Road is a gated dirt road on private property. Instead continue down Lehman Caves Road until you get to a left on Baker Creek Road. I have attached a picture of detailed instructions of this ^ in my review.
Baker Creek Road is a maintained road within the national park boundaries but is hard pack gravel with some washboards along it. Just a little ways down Baker Creek Road, you will come to NF-589. This road starts as a Y split. Your first left is a foot path only with no camping signs in it. Directly behind it is the vehicle accessible entrance. Enter at your own risk! This OHV road is narrow and rough with decent sized rocks. There are very little opportunities to turn around and I would strongly recommend AGAINST entering with a two-wheel drive vehicle or a trailer. With that being said, I managed to squeeze down this road with my stock 2015 Toyota Tacoma towing a 12x6 enclosed trailer. My truck made it no problem without 4wd but I was at the limit of capability with my trailers ground clearance, width, and length. I also pre-scouted the singular campsite on this road with my off-road motorcycle to make sure nobody was there first. The only way for me to turn around with my trailer on NF-589 was to use the campsite I stayed in. Just into the entrance of the road you'll come across a downed tree across the road. Don't worry, somebody remade the road to the left going around it so continue on. About halfway towards the campsite you'll come across a small picket sign on the left side of the road that marks the national park boundaries. The campsite is on your left roughly another 500ft after that, just barely outside the national park boundary. There are some good wash outs almost a foot deep and 6-8in stones in the road. My 6-ft wide trailer, which is slightly wider than my truck, was touching trees on both sides for most of the way down.
I'll say it again, there is only one campsite here. The GPS coordinates do not bring you to a campsite so follow my instructions instead. This campsite is tight as you first turn in but opens up in the middle about 20ft into it. It also has some flat open areas for tents just a few feet away from main area. The site is not level and on the slope of a hill. There are also some large rocks similar in size to the ones in the trail on the way in all through the site. My 4in levelers for my rooftop tent were not tall enough to counter this slope. I ended up having to use large boulders and back over them to level my truck so I could sleep. There's nothing here but a fire ring, that includes bathrooms of any kind. You are just in the middle of the woods.
I would love it if people would stop having glass bottle parties around campfires. When did ruining fragile campsites become the new cool? I always try to leave a free campsite better than I found it. I spend time cleaning up other people's trash, rebuilding fallen fireplaces, and sweeping off cement patios when present. I would greatly appreciate it if you would do the same for others.
Anyways, I was here for 2 nights. The views are slightly blocked by the trees but the trees are fairly short. If you can get above the trees like I could by sitting on the roof of my trailer when the sun went down, the views are actually stunning at this campsite. This campsite is almost walking distance to the Lehman Caves and just a few minutes drive to most other attractions here like the scenic drive to the Alpine Lakes at the base of Wheeler Peak. The campsite is completely silent but there is a home about a half mile through the woods to the North towards Lehman Caves Road so please be respectful with music volume even though it may feel as though you are in the middle of nowhere.
Guide
Nice flat gravel camping spots. The road is not difficult at all. Small fee to camp but comes with a well maintained spot, fire pit, and grate for cooking.
There was a nice creek behind us and lots of cows roaming.
TravelerI went to the campsite and it looked great for people who don’t mind other campers close by. There was water available for cleaning dishes, etc. and also vault toilets. That being said there is endless amounts of truly dispersed campus spots all around in this wildlife area. I spoke with a local who said that, it’s safe and accepted within the community to camp anywhere. I found a perfect little spot close to the hot creek.
RangerA big flat gravel lot - found based on a dispersed camping map provided by the national park
ScoutThis is an interesting, remote desert campground at 5500 ft. elevation. There are pit toilets which are maintained, plus there is potable water and, amazingly, a dump station. If you like to be in the desert surrounded by beautiful mountains, this is your place. It is rustic, but there are picnic tables and curved shade shelters around. There are a few scattered trees. There is room here for 20+ campsites. I am here June 20, 2024, and the place is only 1/3 full. Eight day max stay and free. Very dusty, 7 mile gravel road to get here off highway. All in all, I have enjoyed the desert environment. Very quiet. No reservations. I rated it a three because it's pretty rustic and remote. Came from Ely, NV to the north. Fill up your gas tank in Ely, as there is only one gas station in 77 miles.
TravelerDrive a few miles on well maintained gravel road. Campground is basically a dirt lot with restrooms and shade. However the hot creek spring is mile a way and totally worth it. We brought an e-bike so it was quick ride to hot spring and reservoirs. One of the reservoirs has a dock so if you have a boat you can launch it there. Saw plenty of bass just hanging out near the docks. There were lots of bugs so be prepared. Otherwise a fantastic. Saw plenty of wildlife as well. My daughter had a great time. Planning on going back in winter
ScoutFree BLM numbered designated sites. We read other online reviews about people making a camp site wherever they want and this happened during our stay. We witnessed this (see the picture) happen to our neighbor. Thursday evening a single male with CA tags comes flying thru the campground and whipped into our neighbor's campsite and pulls right in front of their picnic table with his truck and 5th wheel trailer. Our neighbor came outside (as did several other neighbors wondering what this guy was doing) and confronts the guy. He asks him "you're not going to park there are you?!?". The guy tells him "yes, I need to watch TV" and proceeded to pull out his satellite dish and plop it down. Our neighbor says "this is my site and you're blocking my view." The guy told him he didn't care and set up anyways. Meanwhile there were 2 other RVs camping at the entrance waiting for a campsite to open up. In 7 years of RVing the entire country I have never witnessed such rude and entitled behavior before! The town of Ely for supplies had some of the rudest characters we've come across as well which was very surprising for a small town. This campground might have been a hidden gem at one time but with too much Internet publicity it's very busy now. Constant cars coming and going at all hours especially racing to the upper level of the campground. It probably would've been more peaceful sleeping at one of the highway pullouts.
TravelerWindy the first few days, but the views, the birds, and the opportunity for activities all great. Lots of dirt roads for hiking and biking. Hot Creek a mile away if you like hot spring soaking. Campground is large enough that people running generators were not too bothersome. Pit toilets kept well stocked, if not well swept or mopped. Most sites have shade/ wind shelter. Our biggest joy was being serenaded by the birds that frequent the WMA and 3 bars of ATT.
TravelerIn the Wayne Kirch WMA near Sunnyside, NV. Desert oasis surrounded by mountains. Well stocked pit toilets and many water faucets around the grounds. If you like hot springs, Hot Creek is one mile away and has rustic developed pools. A myriad of dirt/gravel roads for hiking and biking and the 5 reservoirs popular for fishing within a few miles. First few days we were here, had some wind form the north. Most sites have a shelter/shade protection from the south. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful restful time listening to the host of birds attracted to the area.
ScoutExcellent, flat, well-maintained site. Pretty views. No fees. Open year rounds.
Be aware that you need to go about 2.5 miles pat where Google will drop you off.
ScoutDuring December thru February you may be the only camper.
Spaces are large with wind break and near by, Restrooms
are reasonable and clean. Hot creek is a few hundred yards away.
We appreciate the clubs keeping the campground picked up. The views are spectacular with out a two story or apartment building in sight.
Appreciate the solitude, quite and area.
And I almost forgot the campground is free for the cost of a 7 mile drive on a generally smooth road , how can you go wrong?
GuideNeeded a place to overnight in my RTT, and this worked out great. Pulled in, was the only one there so had my choice of spots. Had a restful night and hit the road in the morning. No fuss! Not sure if this is what I understand to be dispersed camping, as it’s a first come first served campground with tables, fire rings and pit toilets, just no water.
Scout
We loved this spot for an overnight. We drove our 25’ RV up and found a perfect spot. It snowed over night and we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise. We navigated the gravel road just fine, even with light snow.
TravelerIf you tell google to send you to this camp you will find a relic sheep handling facility on BL M land that is mapped as Snake Creek Campground. We never made it to the camp.
TravelerMake sure you take the road up the hill out of the lower camp spots to the upper area. To this day this is one of my favorite spots. Worth staying a few days, we were there in late April and the weather was great.
TravelerBeen camped here for 10 days and has been a good place to be Not many camp sites along the 3 mile dirt road to get here Weather and sunsets have been awesome
TravelerOne of my family’s favorite spots. Fishing regulations are posted by the lake. Campground is down the road from the lake and natural hot spring. We spend most of our time at the hot spring with the kids. Water and bathrooms provided at campground. No cost for overnight camping.
GuideAbout 10mi north of Ely. Map will take you to BLM off the highway. However, there are 4 forest service designated campgrounds on the road across the highway.
ScoutA 4 mile gravel road mostly up hill. We drove our 25 ft class C without a problem. Many places to camp with minimal leveling. Great views of the terrible Kennecot Mine Scars!
TravelerIt it about 3 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. As you are approaching the trailhead, there are spur roads with some good turnouts to park. There were 3 other cars in the area overnight, but I felt I had the place to myself with the junior and pine providing shelter. I am not sure how a take would fit, but there are some turnouts for a small trailer. ATT cell coverage was decent.
RangerVery nice BLM camp area. Each site has tent pad, picnic table, and sun shade. Mostly level for van camper. Vault toilets ok, not pristine. Camp is 2 miles East of the summit. We arrived 4:30 on Friday evening several sites available. Quiet.
LegendWe are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We stayed in the second site for one night in late May. The CG is very clean and well maintained. Although, the CG is small, 8 total sites, 2 or 3 were available when we arrived at 3:30pm. The sites also have nice separation.
AT&T coverage was poor, with 0 to 1 bar of 5GE and speeds of only 0.3 MB/s. We had access all 3 western DISH satellites and Starlink had speeds were up to 11 MB/s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lund, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lund, NV is Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lund, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Lund, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
