Top Tent Camping near Owyhee, NV
Looking for the best Owyhee tent camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Owyhee, NV (13)
1. Humboldt National Forest Wildhorse Crossing Campground - CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE
2 Reviews•2 Photos•1 SaveCLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE - CLOSED INDEFINITELY (updated Nov 2022)
Adjacent to the Owyhee (Oh-WHY-HEE) River, a trout stream lined with willows and native brushes. Fishing for trout in river is available. Wildhorse Crossing CG is located in the Owyhee Canyon on the Mountain City Highway north of Wildhorse Reservoir (fishing!) and is right along the Owyhee River (fishing!) and lots of good opportunities for OHV recreation and many two track and dirt roads for mountain biking, hiking; has two double restrooms, 19 sites, no water, and is $5 per night. Not reservable.
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
2. North Wildhorse Campground
1 Review•4 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
3. Jarbidge
2 Reviews•4 Photos•11 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
4. Bonanza Gulch
1 Review•2 Photos•22 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
5. Upper Bluster Campground
1 Review•2 Photos•3 SavesSet along the Jarbidge River surrounded by large trees.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
6. Pine Creek Campground
1 Review•11 SavesThis campground is located on the Jarbidge River just south of the actual town of Jarbidge. Campground has trees to provide shade during the warm summer months.
- Pets
- Tents
- Toilets
7. Lower Bluster Campground
1 Review•2 Photos•1 SaveSurrounded by large trees near the Jarbidge River.
- Tents
8. Big Cottonwood Campground
2 Reviews•1 Photo•15 SavesTwo-wheel drive vehicles are sufficient to reach the campground, located on the East Fork of the Jarbidge River about half a mile north of Murphy Hot Springs.
- Tents
9. Juniper Grove Campground
2 Reviews•3 Photos•4 SavesJuniper Grove Campground has 3 developed sites. This site provides access to the Jarbidge Willd and Scenic River. The Jarbidge has a short boating season, typically it only has enough water to float in the spring. The river has challenging whitewater and sections that most boaters portage. Two-wheel drive vehicles are sufficient to reach the put-in, located at the confluence of the West Fork and East Fork of the Jarbidge River about two miles north of Murphy Hot Springs.
- Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Owyhee
29 Reviews of 13 Owyhee Campgrounds
DL M.
Legend
Wild Horse State Recreation Area
Pretty lake
Clean sites. Covered picnic tables. Bbq and fire pits. Pit toilets in one circle away from the lake. Near the lake has two flush toilet bathrooms and two high volume showers. Quite a walk from our site
Nelson T.
Scout
Sawmill
Landscaped great
Called about 2 hours out. They had room. Great level spots. Very nice landscaping. Helpful staff. Absolutely a come again place.
Edited by geometry dash subzero 1 day ago
Beth M.
Guide
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.
- Beth M.Guide
Jarbidge
Gorgeous Area
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 roads 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.
- Beth M.Guide
Juniper Grove Campground
Gorgeous Site
Juniper Grove has four campsites and fire pits, a pit toilet, a lovely creek with accessible pools, tucked up against a rock wall. No water, no data access. A short distance down the road, there is a developed site along the river with four camps as well. super pretty area, easily accessed by passenger vehicles. No services anywhere near.
- Beth M.Guide
Lower Bluster Campground
Long Drive Worth Making
Lower Bluster has three creek-side campsites, all on the water and very private, and a pit toilet. 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.
- Beth M.Guide
Upper Bluster Campground
Fantastic Area
Upper Bluster has one campsite on the water, nearest pit toilet is at Lower Bluster or Pine Creek. 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.
- Beth M.Guide
Big Cottonwood Campground
Lovely Area
This whole area is absolutely lovely and extremely accessible. No cell signal anywhere near. Note that Murphy Hot Springs is not open as of August 2023 and no dates are planned for its opening
- RRobin B.Scout
Wild Horse State Recreation Area
Wild Horse Reservoir Campground
Very clean, nice bathrooms, flat spots. Amazing fishing
Mk A.Guide
Wild Horse Rec Area 2
No shade
Nice area close to the water and just off the side of the road. Lots of other RVs
- Mk A.Guide
North Wild Horse Recreation Area
The ground was alive
SO MANY CRICKETS! I paid before finding my campground and was unaware at how many crickets flooded the area. It looked like the ground was moving. It was 10$ a night so not a huge loss. Beautiful area with covered picnic tables and a great view of the water. Probably won’t be back. Woulda been an awesome spot if weren’t for the massive amount of crickets.
allison W.LegendJuniper Grove Campground
Water levels almost always low these days
This is a beautiful spot and relatively convenient to Boise (which otherwise doesn’t have a lot of great camping spots nearby). The river itself is beautiful and so much fun to raft, but this section is kind of spread out and shallow, making it essentially impossible to float on. Still worth a stop, but nowadays I feel a bit depressed looking at the water levels and thinking about days gone by. This is BLM administered land, if you’re really wanting to integrate boating into your stay I’d recommend calling ahead to ask them about the situation on the river.
- allison W.Legend
North Wildhorse Campground
Oh my stars!
This place is incredible and I’m so happy it’s reopened since the devastating Sugarloaf Fire some years back. Thank you BLM for cleaning up and repairing this special spot.
To get here, you literally just get off the highway in Elko and drive 70 (!) miles north. The end, it’s right there on the side of the road. No cities for miles around. You can imagine the dark sky and how awe inspiring it is in the middle of the night.
It’s a bit tricky to access in the winter, but one of the best places in the state to try your hand at ice fishing. The surrounding countryside is also great for snowmobiling! In the summer, you are free to do anything from fishing to canoeing to paddle boarding to water skiing.
Sites are basic but serviceable - about 20 sites with tables and fire rings. Plenty of trees to provide shade. There are vault toilets available and hand pumped water but no RV hookups. Super cheap at only $6 a night.
- allison W.Legend
Camp Draw Trailhead
No frills nothing
Camp Draw Trailhead is basically a free and easy place to kick off into the Jarbridge Wilderness Area. The area is under the authority of the U.S. Forest Service so no one really keeps tabs on when it opens and closes; this is the definition of dispersed. Due to the weather conditions in the area of the country, it can snow well into June, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast.
Amenities include vault toilets and packed dirt parking areas. No water! Bring your own anticipating what you need depending on your plans and the season. The closest town is all the way back in Jarbridge.
- Gin C.Scout
Sawmill
Blue tree
I didn't want to leave but we were running out of previsions. However before we left I hit a rather large root in the pathway and popped a tire. It is all dirt roads. I had to change a tire on a soft dirt road, it was almost impossible. We caught some sprinkles, which was awesome to escape the Las Vegas heat. The hike at sawmill was great. Not to hard. We made it to a peak. Seen horse's, lizards rabbits, and preying mantis. No amenities or water source. There is no fires allowed, stoves ok. There is a picnic area at sawmill trailhead with tables, grills and bathrooms. A few minutes walk or about 1 minute drive. I will be back. It is first come first serve there are no fees except gas and maybe a tire.
Adventure G.Guide
Big Bend
Wow! What a campground
Wow! What a campground. I love this excellent campground location.
- Adventure G.Guide
Humboldt National Forest Wildhorse Crossing Campground - CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE
This Campground is Closed, Gated, and Locked.
This Campground is Closed, Gated, and Locked. And has been for the last couple of years. I have no idea when or if it will reopen. But I can tell you the grass is 3ft to 4 ft tall on the roadway. Probably a great place to stay when it's open.
- Adventure G.Guide
Wild Horse Crossing
This Campground is Closed Gated and Locked
This Campground is Closed, Gated, and Locked. And has been for the last couple of years. I have no idea when or if it will reopen. But I can tell you the grass is 3ft to 4 ft tall on the roadway.
Miles G.
RangerNorth Wild Horse Recreation Area
Beautiful Scenery
Great camp site next to reservoir. Campsites have tables and fire rings. Vault toilets and hand pump is also available nearby. Spent some time fishing here too.
- Miles G.Ranger
Wilson Reservoir
Bring your poles
Great lake to catch some bass. There are about 20 campsites at the lake. Camping is $4 per night. Valut toilet and hand pump available.
- NNameScout
Big Bend
BIG BEND WAS AWESOME
I went there with my family and it was great. The only thing was if you do not go as far in you are bound to see more people.
Hayley H.
TravelerBig Bend
Great spot
Campground was pretty clean and easily accessible. Close-ish to Wild Horse for fishing or boating. Nice views on the drive in. Nice and shady spots! Will come back for sure.
Chani K.GuideBig Cottonwood Campground
Almost to Big Cottonwood, unmarked spot
What an incredible spot! On the north entrance/end coming out of Jarbidge and the Jarbidge wilderness, this little spot lies just next to Big Cottonwood, and truly can only be seen heading toward the campground, not away from it. It’s right up against the river and has excellent privacy. There is a designated fire pit, perfect access to the beautiful flowing river, and is easy to drive in and out of.
I will absolutely hope to stay here again, that is, if we can find it twice ;)
- Chani K.Guide
Jarbidge
Anywhere you stop, you’ll love it
There were so many campsites along the dusty dirt road through Jarbidge wilderness both before and after the historic living ghost town. And anywhere you stop, is going to be worth your while. We camped twice on the 100+ mile trek, the first time on the south side of Jarbidge. This site was beautiful, easy to drive in and out of, and had its own designated fire pit - which, while we didn’t use it, was nice to see to help preserve the outdoors while still encouraging camping and enjoying the wilderness.
We were right up against a cool creek, and were able to walk up and down a bit of it, and see a variety of wildlife, bugs, birds, and more!
- John H.Traveler
Wild Horse State Recreation Area
Wildhorse State Recreation Area
Very clean sites, I watched the camp host pull in right after someone left and make sure it was clean and the sand was raked for the next guest. Camp host stopped and talked with us, very friendly, ready to share his fishing tips. Clean bathrooms with sinks and the bathroom on the southern loop had showers! Water hydrants everywhere, with great tasting water. Easy pull through spots. Nice tables with shelter over it, fire ring, nice sandy camp area and trees planted to shade the each site. Popular campground, stayed full and people do like their generators which we did here a lot of. Good cell service with AT&T. No WiFi. Trash dumpster at the ranger station. Boat ramp with ample parking. Sanitary dumps with water if you need to refill your fresh tank or to use the spray in the black tank.
- John H.Traveler
Big Bend
Peaceful
Big bend campground is a nice little oasis in the high desert. It was hunting season and the road was busy, campers all over in the campground (they were very friendly and quiet) and hunters camped in the area but it was still peaceful. Very scenic camp sites and cooler than the surrounding area. No camp host, talked to a few folks that frequent the campground and commented they have never seen a ranger there. 8 bucks self pay, very reasonable price. 2 bathrooms that need attention, had my own in the camper so I didn’t mind. Water hydrants throughout but not charged, no water available. Haul out your own trash and waste water. Remote so not cell service or WiFI. Great base camp to explore the surrounding public land. 11 miles of good dirt road to access it. A nice base camp to go visit Jarbidge, a must visit!
Shari G.LegendWild Horse State Recreation Area
No wild horses, but a great campground!
This Nevada State Recreation Area is in a beautiful very remote location, along the Wild Horse reservoir. There are two camping areas with about a dozen sites in each. Each site has a nice picnic table, rain / sunshade, and fire ring...and lots of sun for the solar panel. The bathroom facilities are the fanciest we've ever seen for $15 per night. Can you say, "Custom tiled shower?" Someone did a really nice job. And, the campground is kept emaculate.
Just below the campground is a boat ramp and parking lot and swimming beach area. The lake is great for boating, fishing and paddling. The winds we experienced would make it a great lake for sailing, and sailboarding. There are numerous hikes along forest roads in the area that will get you up into the mountains (and even up to an old gold mine), but not alot of "trail hikes." Mountain biking is a great option along these backroads.
The nearest town with services is Owyhee, gas and small grocery store, about 35 miles to the north. There was no cell service in the campground, but we found it on our hike up the mountain!
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 tent campsite near Owyhee, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Owyhee, NV is Humboldt National Forest Wildhorse Crossing Campground - CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Owyhee, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Owyhee, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.