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Best Dispersed Camping near Pioche, NV

31 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist on public lands surrounding Pioche, Nevada, with several free sites scattered across the high desert terrain. Bristol Pass Dispersed and Bristol Road Dispersed Trail offer primitive camping approximately 15 miles west of Pioche on BLM land. Other options include Outcrop Rock, located south of Pioche, and camping areas near Ranch Camp in Spring Valley State Park. These primitive sites typically lack developed amenities and provide genuine backcountry experiences for self-sufficient campers. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though vehicle size restrictions may apply in certain areas.

Access to many dispersed sites requires travel on dirt and gravel roads that can become difficult after rain or snow. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching Bristol Road Dispersed Trail and Outcrop Rock. Most sites permit camping for up to 14 days, following standard BLM regulations. Fires are allowed at Bristol Road Dispersed Trail, Ranch Camp, and Outcrop Rock, but may be restricted during dry conditions or fire bans. Water availability varies by location; Bristol Road Dispersed Trail reportedly has drinking water, but visitors to other sites should bring their own supplies. None of these areas provide trash collection, requiring campers to pack out all waste.

These dispersed sites provide solitude and scenic desert landscapes with views of rock formations and mountain ranges. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper at Bristol Road noting, "We saw wild horses and jackrabbits on the road to the campsite." Bristol Pass Dispersed receives positive reviews for its cleanliness and available firewood, though one visitor cautioned, "Roads just come up quick and aren't marked so slow down before you are approaching." Camping at Outcrop Rock allows access to interesting rock formations and provides good cell service for remote workers. Bristol Road Dispersed Trail earns praise for its privacy and spaciousness, with a camper commenting that it's "big enough for a small group" with "plenty of fallen wood" available for campfires.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pioche, Nevada (7)

    1. Bristol Pass Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Pioche, NV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 726-8100

    "There is great firewood here. Clean sites. Good place to stop on the way to Great Basin NP"

    2. Bristol Road Dispersed Trail

    2 Reviews
    Pioche, NV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1800

    "campsite with a great view, plenty of fallen wood, privacy, and big enough for a small group. good road to the site but washed out further down. safe for even small cars."

    "We saw wild horses and jackrabbits on the road to the campsite (off the highway). There was one or two fire pits and lots of rooms. We were there Friday night and had the place to ourselves."

    3. Ranch Camp — Spring Valley State Park

    1 Review
    Pioche, NV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 962-5102

    "Spring Valley has meadows camping, horsetheif gulch, an overflow for campers and a ranch campground."

    4. Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    22 Reviews
    Lund, NV
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1655

    "We wanted to do some dispersed camping near basin and range nm...we couldnt find Basin and range national monument. Were barely able to turn around our rig and come back to this CG."

    "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."

    5. Hwy 93 & Malloy Springs Rd

    Be the first to review!
    Pioche, NV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1800

    6. Outcrop Rock

    2 Reviews
    Hiko, NV
    35 miles
    Website

    "BLM land. You can see two distinct rock croppings off the highway. Turn down a dirt road and then right on the first turn off. There are two or three areas where you can camp."

    7. Enterprise Reservoir Campground

    3 Reviews
    Enterprise, UT
    44 miles
    Website

    $40 / night

    "Lakeside dispersed camping is competitive, so get there early on a Friday if you plan to be there over a weekend."

    "They're at your campsite and all the trails. I'll definitely recommend this place and will be coming back! 

    Always remember folks if you bring it, you pack it out!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pioche, NV

26 Photos of 7 Pioche Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pioche, NV

31 Reviews of 7 Pioche Campgrounds

  • fThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2022

    Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    Nice for the price. Not far off 318

    We wanted to do some dispersed camping near basin and range nm...we couldnt find Basin and range national monument. Were barely able to turn around our rig and come back to this CG. Road looked recently graded but would not reccomend driving a big rig any furthur than the campground. Wide open lot ..free easy in and out if you have a long trailer. We stayed 2 nights..fishing seems the thing to do here..

  • Jeffrey F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2024

    Outcrop Rock

    Cool rock cropping off the 93

    Fun little spot for the night right off the 93. BLM land. You can see two distinct rock croppings off the highway. Turn down a dirt road and then right on the first turn off. There are two or three areas where you can camp. Probably not the best for long term, but great for a night and pretty secluded. The back drop of the rocks makes it feel even more remote. I had good Verizon cell service. You don’t really hear the noise from the highway. About a mile off the highway. Good soft dirt. 

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    If you are looking for seclusion in the desert

    This 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.

  • T
    May. 13, 2024

    Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    Free desert oasis

    Windy 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2022

    Bristol Road Dispersed Trail

    well rounded campsite

    campsite with a great view, plenty of fallen wood, privacy, and big enough for a small group. good road to the site but washed out further down. safe for even small cars.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2024

    Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    What a deal for free

    In 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.

  • Kaltra B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2024

    Bristol Road Dispersed Trail

    Private camping, quiet

    We saw wild horses and jackrabbits on the road to the campsite (off the highway). There was one or two fire pits and lots of rooms. We were there Friday night and had the place to ourselves. Plenty of wood to burn,great spot for dispersed camping

  • Andrew J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area

    Not for everyone

    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

Guide to Pioche

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pioche, Nevada, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of options, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and solitude.

Dispersed campers should check out Bristol Road Dispersed Trail

  • This spot offers a serene environment where you can enjoy the company of wildlife, including wild horses and jackrabbits, as noted by visitors who appreciated the privacy and spaciousness of the area. Check it out at Bristol Road Dispersed Trail.
  • Campers have reported plenty of firewood available, making it an ideal location for cozy campfires under the stars.
  • The access is straightforward, with options for both drive-in and walk-in camping, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pioche, Nevada

  • Always be prepared for a rustic experience, as many areas, like No evidence of Wardel Spring, lack amenities such as toilets and trash disposal.
  • Bring your own water and firewood, as some locations do not provide these essentials, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
  • Respect the environment by packing out what you pack in, as maintaining the natural beauty of these dispersed sites is crucial for future visitors.

Ranch Camp — Spring Valley State Park for dispersed campers

  • The Ranch Camp — Spring Valley State Park features spacious sites that can accommodate both tents and RVs, making it versatile for different camping styles.
  • Visitors have enjoyed the scenic views and the opportunity for bird watching, with reports of deer and other wildlife enhancing the camping experience.
  • While the campground may have limited services, the surrounding area offers beautiful trails and a chance to connect with nature, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any amenities available at dispersed camping sites near Pioche?

While true dispersed sites have minimal amenities, the Dave Deacon Campground - Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management Area offers more facilities than typical dispersed camping. Located at 5,500 ft elevation, this desert campground features maintained pit toilets, potable water, and even a dump station. Some sites have picnic tables and wind/shade shelters. For recreational activities, Hot Creek is about a mile away with rustic developed hot spring pools. The area has numerous dirt and gravel roads for hiking and biking. Cell service (Verizon) is generally good. Be aware that mosquitoes can be problematic during certain seasons, and goat head sticker plants are present throughout the grounds.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in the Pioche area?

When dispersed camping near Pioche, standard BLM regulations apply. At Bristol Pass Dispersed, you can typically camp for up to 14 days in a 28-day period. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and keeping your campsite clean. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, so check current conditions before building campfires. Most dispersed sites require self-contained waste management as no facilities are provided. At areas like Hwy 93 & Malloy Springs Rd, camping is free, but stay within established use areas to minimize environmental impact. Always check with local BLM offices for the most current regulations and seasonal restrictions.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Pioche, Nevada?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Pioche. Bristol Road Dispersed Trail offers sites with great views, plenty of fallen wood, and privacy. The road to this area is generally accessible even for small cars, though it becomes washed out further down the trail. Another option is Outcrop Rock, located just off Highway 93. This BLM land features distinctive rock formations visible from the highway, with two or three camping areas accessible via a dirt road. While it's better suited for overnight stays than long-term camping, it provides a convenient and relatively secluded spot.

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