Join the fun near Reno. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Reno, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$23 - $75 / night
"It was late and we couldn't find the owner so we ended up staying outside the park on the road. The manager got things worked out in the morning and refunded our money for the night before."
"Right next to the water, and close to town. Cell phone reception. is spotty ."
$6 - $25 / night
"This site is really close to Reno, except for the time it takes on the dirt road. We went in one way and out the other. Our way in was from 395 at Bordertown north of Reno on Long Valley Road. "
"But most stay in other "dispersed" camping, and there aren't nearly as many vehicles as you might see, for example, in a Nevada dunes off-road park."
$15 - $30 / night
"We stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City."
"The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one."
$47 - $128 / night
"The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."
"From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."
"Located just outside of Reno , this is where the locals play."
"Many different spots from able to use the marina or at the boat launch still on pavement or just right down on the beach next to the water. Only biggest issue is there is no trees. So no shade."
$24 - $48 / night
"Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5."
"So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by."
$15 - $25 / night
"not close to amenities and no hookups- bring water"
"We camped 2021 at beach 7 and it wasn’t to bad we were in a tent but the water was low in lake just Carson river running to dam."
$30 - $160 / night
"Just returned from a weekend getaway to Loon Lake. We (2 people, 1 pup) stayed two nights at site #25 at Loon Lake Campground. Perfect location for daytime fishing and nighttime stargazing."
"These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well."
"I guess it’s a 5 minute uphill walk from the PCT and is hidden (plus not on PCT maps) so it’s relatively unused for non-locals. Always find something fun here left behind. 8 bunks."
ScoutOur visit to Loggerhead campground actually didn't get off to a good start. When we arrived at the campground a pickup truck was parked in our spot. It was late and we couldn't find the owner so we ended up staying outside the park on the road. The manager got things worked out in the morning and refunded our money for the night before.
The campground is very dog and kid friendly. There are spots for tents and campers of all sizes. Stampede Reservoir is great for boating, skiing and swimming. Each campsite has a fire ring and grill. There are water spigots placed at regular intervals. There are some campsites that are next to the lake. It's only an hour from Reno.
GuideWe stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City. Access to Casinos and Restuarants nearby(10 minute drive or so). The Park has showers and bathrooms as well as water and electricity hook ups. The camp host was nice and provides us with a huge bundle of firewood for only a $5 donation.
GuideIf you like Bird Watching (or wildlife in general), Boating, Fishing, Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Equestrian Activities, Camping or BBQ's, or even history, then this is a place you might enjoy.
The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one. Sometimes when it has been extremely dry, the larger of the 2 lakes dries up either partially or entirely, leaving the smaller one as a valuable water source for Wild Mustangs who live in the area. (which is a great opportunity for photographers).
When the larger lake bed dries up a little, it extends the hang gliding / paragliding landing zone. (take off point is up on the hill on Eastlake Blvd, which is also a good view point of the lakes).
During the wetter years, the larger lake fills up, allowing water activities such as boating to take place on both lakes, and provides you with the opportunity to bird watch at any of the wildlife viewing areas provided. The smaller lake also provides bird watching opportunities (Osprey and other birds of prey like to fish there) You can also fish at the smaller lake, just don't eat them, the area was once used for the processing mills during the mining boom.
Also if you are into wildlife, there is the occasional coyote hunting the area, owls, hawks, bald eagles, and if you want to see deer, take a little drive up Eastlake Blvd towards little Washoe Lake, and one of the fields on the right often has huge herds of Mule Deer, and the occasional wild horse. Talking of Wild horses, you are requested not to feed or harass the wild Mustangs anywhere in Nevada (Washoe lake park included). Horses can be defensive, especially when they have young foals. Also feeding them anything other than what they naturally eat in the wild, not only causes a high number of deaths in the herds, it also creates dangerous situations on the roadways when horses come to retrieve the food. (it can also cost you thousands of dollars in fines) There are people who regularly monitor the interaction visitors have with the horses. But if you want to interact with a horse, why not bring your own for a ride around too, people often bring their horses down for a trot around the grounds.
There are restrooms available throughout the park, and facilities for camping. It is a good place for dogs, though it is requested that you clean up after them. There are doggie clean up stations available, and containers for waste.
The land the park sits on was once owned by one of Nevada's wealthiest men Theodore Winters, who was a prominent businessman and politician in early Nevada history. He once owned some of the most famous racehorses in the world, and his cheese was world renown. His Ranch is still around, and you can find it located just on the other side of the lake (Old Route 395), not far from the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory (which is great if you get a hankering for something sweet), and Old Washoe City.
The lake's history goes back even further than that, the area was once inhabited by the local tribes people, and before the early pioneer's came and settled here, they used hunt ducks on the lake, and fished here. There is probably still the odd chance you might come across old Native tools and arrowheads, but the State of Nevada does ask you to leave artifacts where they are found. Check the local and federal laws before attempting to remove anything.
It has some lovely sunsets here, the view can be spectacular at times and changes according to season and weather, and the wildlife seem to enjoy it. Nice place to go and hang out with family and friends, and if you happen to forget to bring anything, you are only a little drive from Carson City :)
GuideThis campground is labeled as equestrian however anyone can stay. Great place close to Frenchman lake. Has pasture area for horses. Spots are well spaced out and never filled up while we stayed for 4 days. Tons of horseflies late morning and early afternoon. Pit toilets, and drinking water available. Easy to stay with trailers and rvs. Road is dirt/gravel on way in but easy to navigate.
ScoutI live in Reno and this campground is a nearby escape from the hustle and bustle of Reno. Great hiking opportunities for the dog and peaceful sunsets by a campfire. A super, close spot to take the teardrop any time of the year.
GuideThis site is really close to Reno, except for the time it takes on the dirt road. We went in one way and out the other. Our way in was from 395 at Bordertown north of Reno on Long Valley Road. Once on the dirt the first couple of miles were bad washboard. Slow going. Then, the rest of the trip had some challenging driving with rocks and ruts. We went really slow and everything was fine. We left via Dog Valley Road and hit the pavement again in Verdi.
We visited for a night mid-week. Only one other campsite was occupied. The trail from the campground to Crystal Peak was great. It's more like Crystal knoll. The history of Cristal Peak is amazing, and the crystals are everywhere. Really nice views from atop the knoll too. Many people visit just for the day to collect crystals.
LegendOfficially this is listed as an equestrian campground. We were there during the off season so no one else was around. The campground was quiet and peaceful. Website stated that fees are not collected at this time. There are only 6 sites here and it is a compact little campground. The sites are a good size but the loop is tight and it took some creative maneuvering to back into our site.
The road in was fairly smooth with some areas of washboard, managed fine in our 26’ Class C. Water is available from an hand pumped spigot at the entrance of the campground, website states non potable but we drank it and it was fine and in fact tasted really fresh. There is no garbage so pack in and pack out.
The bathrooms were open. Each space has a bear box, fire pit and picnic table all in good condition. Sites were relatively flat and a mix of sun and shade.
There is hiking and biking on the main dirt road and on the multiple side roads. There was a few vehicles coming and going but not so busy as to be annoying.
The view of the huge meadow was nice and just before you reach the campground there are a few buildings that are open and some horse corrals.
Zero cell service from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
TravelerWords cannot explain this enchanted place. Located just outside of Reno , this is where the locals play. With the most beautiful sunny, and sunsets I've ever seen this week is the only lake in the world you can catch lahontan cutthroat trout. October 1st opening day. About 11 dollars a night to tent camp , or bring an r.v. for your glamping experience. The Paiute Native Americans reside here , and I have a wonderful relationship with them volunteering picking up the area in my spare time . This is Americas best kept secret. If you camp here, make sure you leave it clean when departing . Lots to do here.
GuideBeautiful spot 1/2 mile walk to lake, wild horses roaming camp, quiet & clean.
Horse camping in Nevada offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there overnight lodging options where I can stay with my horse near Reno?
Yes, there are several overnight lodging options near Reno where you can stay with your horse. Lahontan State Recreation Area offers developed camping with water and toilets that can accommodate horses, located near Fallon. For a quieter experience that's still convenient to Reno, Logger Campground provides a peaceful setting with manageable access. These campgrounds vary in amenities but generally offer enough space for horse trailers and some grazing areas. Most require you bring your own portable corrals or highline setup for securing your horses overnight. For extended stays, Washoe Lake area has multiple options with varying levels of horse facilities.
What amenities are available at horse camping sites near Reno?
Horse camping sites near Reno typically offer amenities tailored to equestrian needs. At Lookout Campground, you'll find spacious sites with level, wood-bordered dirt/gravel pads ideal for setting up camp near your horses. The campground offers a peaceful environment with reasonable distance between sites. For more developed facilities, Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park provides RV hookups just outside Reno. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities like pit toilets, drinking water sources (though you may need to boil it), and designated areas for horses to graze. Some sites have well-established trails leading directly from the campground.
Where can I find horse friendly campgrounds near Reno, Nevada?
The Reno area offers several excellent horse-friendly camping options. Washoe Lake State Park Campground is a top choice, located between Reno and Carson City with equestrian activities and trails. You might even spot wild horses roaming nearby. For another option, Meadow View Equestrian Campground is specifically designed for equestrians but welcomes all campers. While a bit further from Reno, it offers dedicated pasture areas for horses and access to miles of riding trails. Both locations provide the necessary facilities for camping with horses while enjoying the beautiful Nevada landscape.
Keep Exploring
