Best Campgrounds near Pioche, NV

Campgrounds near Pioche, Nevada include a mix of established state park facilities, city parks, and RV-specific locations. Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground serves as a popular destination with electric hookups and maintained amenities, while smaller options like Pioche City Park offer basic services with water and trash disposal. The landscape supports various accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and primitive options like Whipple Cave for more adventurous campers. Several campgrounds are positioned within a 30-minute drive of the historic mining town, providing strategic access to multiple state parks in the region.

Road conditions and access vary significantly throughout the area, with some locations requiring high-clearance vehicles for proper access. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with cold winters demanding proper preparation and hot summers requiring adequate hydration and sun protection. Many campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly at state park campgrounds like Cathedral Gorge where early arrival is recommended. Cell service can be limited or non-existent outside of town, requiring advance planning for navigation and communication needs. A visitor noted, "It gets cold in Pioche so make sure you dress accordingly if your coming during the winter months. And bring a hat during the summer times."

Developed campgrounds with electrical hookups receive consistently positive reviews, particularly Cathedral Gorge State Park which campers describe as "immaculate" with level sites and clean facilities. Several visitors highlighted the excellent stargazing opportunities in the area, noting the exceptionally dark night skies. Free camping options like Pioche City Park draw campers seeking basic amenities without costs, though stay limits apply. The region attracts wildlife enthusiasts, with reports of deer frequently seen near campsites. Families appreciate the proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities at locations like Echo Canyon State Park. Beyond the immediate Pioche area, multiple state parks within short driving distance offer varied camping experiences and recreational activities, making the region suitable for extended exploration.

Best Camping Sites Near Pioche, Nevada (31)

    1. Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Panaca, NV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 728-4460

    "One of the best hidden gems in Nevada! Great camping with clean restrooms and well maintained campgrounds. Plenty of good trails nooks and crannies to explore.

    Highly recommended!!"

    "Nice little campground located in the Cathedral Gorge State Park in Eastern central Nevada. Sites are first come first serve. Each has Electrical hook ups, but no sewer/dump facilities."

    2. Horsethief Gulch Campground — Spring Valley State Park

    9 Reviews
    Pioche, NV
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 962-5102

    "Around noon, the sun exposes the west side of the shade structure. So, remember to move your coolers as the sun moves throughout the day. This site is located at the very end of the entire loop."

    "There is easy access to the bathroom and the rservoir is only a short walk away."

    3. North Campground — Echo Canyon State Park

    4 Reviews
    Pioche, NV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 962-5103

    "Was excited to finally make it to this lake. First, the camping sites are spaced out and each has a water access point. Plenty of shade on almost all sites."

    "Easy walk to the reservoir. Large area for a tent, a centrally located fire ring and bbq. Each site had a nice covered table."

    4. RV Campground — Echo Canyon State Park

    5 Reviews
    Pioche, NV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 962-5103

    "Ok, I gave this campsite 4 stars only because it's worth another 20 minutes to get up to the horse thief gulch campground… 

    anyway, it's so sad to see the water level so low… awww this poor lake breaks"

    "Ranger Review: GCI Outdoor Comfort Cushion  at Echo Canyon State Park, NV

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW

    Echo Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Pioche, NV."

    5. Pioche City Park

    2 Reviews
    Pioche, NV
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (775) 962-1585

    "Looks as though it’s an old highway.

    Great Hiking

    There are a lot of animal remains in a ditch and a really neat dry creek to look for rocks and such."

    "They have water, trash and deers always running around here.
    And up the street if you want full hook ups they have that further up the town but for free and basic is what you get here."

    6. Whipple Cave

    1 Review
    Pioche, NV
    2 miles
    Website

    "Whipple cave is located 3 hours from Las Vegas, heading north."

    7. Roll-Inn RV Park

    1 Review
    Pioche, NV
    1 mile
    +1 (775) 962-5735

    $25 / night

    8. Pioche RV Park & Campground

    1 Review
    Pioche, NV
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (775) 962-3772

    $35 - $145 / night

    9. Meadow Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Pioche, NV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 726-8100

    "There is a sign warning that the grounds are not suitable for RV or trailers so it's perfect for tent campers wanting to get away from that."

    "I sprayed the outside and inside of our tent and my family and I wore the .88 cent mosquito bracelets and didn’t get attacked by anything. Soooo make sure you are prepared..."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Pioche, NV

131 Reviews of 31 Pioche Campgrounds


  • Joshua M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Bristol Pass Dispersed

    Great Site

    Very limited spots. Only really two spots here. There is great firewood here. Clean sites. Good place to stop on the way to Great Basin NP

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Horsethief Gulch Campground — Spring Valley State Park

    Flush toilets and well maintained

    I love Spring Valley. This campground is not too far from Cathedral Gorge is in a gem of an area. The spots are not close but still closer to each other than I like. I did not have neighbors on this trip so it was nice. I think if you are in a tent or a pop-up truck camper, stick to the upper campground.

  • Donald J.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground

    Cathedral Gorge Campground

    Campground is well maintained flat level gravel sites with some shade, power available. Overflow parking nearby. This is our second stay here.

  • Jules S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2025

    Bristol Pass Dispersed

    May 2025

    Good dirt area to stay for the night. Pretty quiet. Roads just come up quick and aren’t marked so slow down before you are approaching

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2025

    Hot Creek Campground

    Campground

    Super cute free campground. You can stay for 8 days There is water, vault toilets and picnic tables with sunshades at each spot Everyone was so friendly and nice!! Also lake with fishing

  • Peggy V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 21, 2025

    Kershaw-Ryan State Park

    Fantastic place to stay

    Beautiful spot. State Park with 16 campingspots and very nice trails.

  • J
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Hot Creek Campground

    Hidden Gem of a Spot

    Super clean campground, only one other camper. Very spacious camp sites with easy access to multiple bathrooms. Great area for stargazing too

  • Michael H.
    Dec. 29, 2024

    Big Rocks North

    Rugged and rough

    Not much of a campground as far as campsites are concerned, a cattle pen and staging area are nearby. There was a picnic table and fire ring back in the trees. It's a great place for isolation, we encountered a couple hunters scouting the area. If you are going in winter the shade from the canyon starts at 3pm and the temperature drops real fast once you are in the shade. There is no water or toilets and zero cell reception.


Guide to Pioche

Camping near Pioche, Nevada, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore slot canyons: The slot canyons near Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground are a must-see. One camper said, "Exploring these was so much fun!" The hiking trails here range from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
  • Fishing and boating: At Horsethief Gulch Campground, visitors enjoy fishing and kayaking. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is not big, but the fishing was good."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers often spot deer and other wildlife. A family at Horsethief Gulch Campground enjoyed watching deer graze in the field every evening.

What campers like

  • Stargazing: Many campers rave about the clear night skies. One visitor at Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground exclaimed, "Wow, I've never seen so many stars."
  • Clean facilities: Campgrounds like Kershaw-Ryan State Park are noted for their cleanliness. A camper mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean, and the showers were large and private."
  • Peaceful atmosphere: Campers appreciate the quiet surroundings. One reviewer at Kershaw-Ryan State Park said, "It was peaceful and quiet."

What you should know

  • First-come, first-served: Many campgrounds, like Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor noted, "It was first come, first serve. Thankfully we got a spot with electric and water."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Meadow Valley Campground, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "Bring in your water as there is no access."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Kershaw-Ryan State Park heard a coyote howling nearby at night.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Kershaw-Ryan State Park. A family found their site to be "spacious and clean."
  • Bring entertainment: With limited cell service, it's good to have games or books. One camper at Young's RV Park appreciated the "little free library" available at the campground.
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to include hiking and fishing in your itinerary. A visitor at Horsethief Gulch Campground said, "Fishing and riding your kayaks? Nothing better!"

Tips from RVers

  • Check for hookups: If you need electric and water, campgrounds like Echo Canyon State Park offer full hookups. A reviewer mentioned, "The camp ground overlooking the water has full hook ups available."
  • Be prepared for weather: The area can get windy and cold at night. One camper at Echo Canyon State Park noted, "The winds at night were very strong and loud but didn't do any damage."
  • Explore nearby attractions: Campers often visit nearby attractions. A visitor at Young's RV Park said, "The Rangers were very helpful in telling us some of the secret spots as well."

Camping near Pioche, Nevada, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots in Pioche, NV?

Pioche offers several camping options within and near town. Pioche RV Park & Campground at 462 Bush St provides back-in RV spots with hookups. For a more natural setting, Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground offers first-come, first-served sites with electrical hookups and is known for its stunning geological formations. Additional options include Meadow Valley Campground for tent campers, Roll-Inn RV Park with full hookups and affordable weekly rates, and Young's RV Park. State parks within a short drive include Echo Canyon (12 miles east), Spring Valley, and Kershaw-Ryan, all offering varied camping experiences from primitive to developed sites with amenities.

When is the best time of year to go camping in Pioche?

The best time to camp in Pioche is typically late spring through early fall (May-October) when temperatures are most comfortable. Kershaw-Ryan State Park is particularly beautiful in fall when the natural springs are surrounded by vibrant autumn colors. Summer brings warm days but cooler nights due to the elevation. Horsethief Gulch Campground — Spring Valley State Park can be enjoyed in mid-summer, though water levels at nearby reservoirs may be low during drought years. Be aware that winter brings snow and cold temperatures to the area, making camping more challenging without proper equipment. Check park websites for seasonal closures before planning your trip.

What amenities are available at Pioche camping sites?

Camping amenities around Pioche vary by location. RV Campground — Echo Canyon State Park offers partial hookups, hot showers, and ADA-accessible facilities. The park features sites 1-20 on a hill southwest of the reservoir with full hook-ups, restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Roll-Inn RV Park provides pull-through sites, tables, full hookups, and on-site laundry facilities (coin-operated). Other campgrounds in the area feature electrical hookups, running water, showers, and picnic tables. Some locations like Meadow Valley are more primitive and specifically suited for tent camping without RV accommodations.