Top Free Dispersed Camping near Owyhee, NV

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Owyhee? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Owyhee just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Owyhee, NV (2)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Owyhee

1 Reviews of 2 Owyhee Campgrounds


  • Beth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonanza Gulch
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Bonanza Gulch

    Plenty of Room

    Bonanza Gulch dispersed area has two sites, one on each side of the bridge. These are the most scenic spots for seeing the mountains, having wide open camp, and some amazing rock formation views. The drive to this campsite is a mind blower. Excellent quality gravel road, crazy rock formations, pretty trees and crystal clear and accessible creek. The road and campsites are all very clean. With the exception of the Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River launch site, there are very few camping pullouts until you get past the town of Jarbidge when there are many. There are many camping options in this area and all are free. No potable water in this area. No cell signal at all anywhere near. The nearest reliable cell signal to the east is 35 miles east of Murphy Hot Springs, which is closed with no opening in sight. Not many people or much traffic. The Jarbidge Wilderness looks amazing.



Guide to Owyhee

Camping near Owyhee, Nevada, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: The Cottonwood CJ Strike Reservoir is perfect for water sports. One reviewer mentioned, "This campground has its pros and cons... If you have a camp trailer, toy hauler or RV, this campground is definitely more designed for that type of crowd."
  • Star Gazing: At Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy star gazing programs. A camper shared, "While the dunes at Bruneau make for some fun sledding, my favorite part is the star gazing program offered by the park staff during the summer."
  • Hiking: The Big Bend Campground offers scenic drives and hiking opportunities. One visitor noted, "Campground was pretty clean and easily accessible. Nice views on the drive in."

What campers like:

  • Peaceful Environment: Campers appreciate the tranquility at Big Bend. A review stated, "Big Bend campground is a nice little oasis in the high desert... it was still peaceful."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathhouse is immaculate. Great showers to wash off the sand from climbing the dunes."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Jacks Creek Campground love the wildlife. One camper said, "I woke up to pelicans on the water near my site. Definitely could’ve spent hours in peace just watching the wildlife."

What you should know:

  • Road Conditions: Accessing Lye Creek Campground can be challenging. A camper warned, "The road is long... it is a dual track, soft center, raised crown with many embedded and loose rocks."
  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Big Bend, lack certain amenities. One review noted, "No camp host... they have never seen a ranger there."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, such as Lye Creek, are only open during specific months. A visitor mentioned, "The campground has been upgraded and currently charges $8 per night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: For families, Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground is a great option. A reviewer said, "A lot of the sites have a shelter over the picnic table, and they are also spaced out more than the Eagle Cove loops."
  • Prepare for Bugs: Be ready for bugs, especially in spring. One camper at Jacks Creek Campground warned, "We found 6 ticks within an hour of being there."
  • Bring Entertainment: If you're at a more remote spot like Cottonwood CJ Strike Reservoir, make sure to bring games or activities for the kids. A visitor noted, "If you come here with kids and you don’t have a boat, be prepared for a lot of 'I’m bored!'"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: RV campers should check site sizes before booking. A review for Scout CJ Strike Reservoir mentioned, "Good fishing here. It is hot in the summer but there are numerous shade trees."
  • Be Prepared for Heat: Campers at Cove at CJ Strike Reservoir noted the heat. One said, "Not much shade in the heat of the summer and the campsites are fairly close together."
  • Bring Water: Many campgrounds, like Big Bend, do not have water hookups. A camper advised, "Haul out your own trash and waste water."

Camping near Owyhee, Nevada, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Owyhee, NV?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Owyhee, NV is Bonanza Gulch with a 5-star rating from 1 review.