306 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Washoe Valley, Nevada sits between Carson City and Reno, offering camping options that range from lakeside state parks to unique private ranches. Washoe Lake State Park Campground provides year-round access with full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas, consistently earning high ratings from visitors. Davis Creek Regional Park, located on the western edge of the valley, features both drive-in and hike-in sites with protection from the valley's characteristic winds. For those seeking alternative experiences, Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch offers a small number of tent sites where campers can stay among alpacas in a working ranch setting. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
Seasonal conditions significantly impact the camping experience in Washoe Valley. The lake level fluctuates dramatically between wet and dry years, sometimes partially drying up during drought periods. As one camper noted, "The lake and 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." Strong winds are common in the valley, particularly in spring and fall, though some campgrounds like Davis Creek are positioned on inclines that provide natural wind protection. Summer temperatures can be hot during the day but cool significantly at night, while winter camping requires preparation for cold conditions. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near I-580, which was completed in recent years.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly among visitor experiences in the Washoe Valley area. Wild horses frequently roam near campgrounds, though visitors are cautioned not to feed or approach them. According to reviewers, the area supports diverse bird populations including osprey, hawks, and bald eagles, making it popular with birdwatchers. Hiking trails accessible from Davis Creek Regional Park offer "different levels of hikes from easy to more difficult" with "excellent shade and views of Washoe Valley." Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at Washoe Lake State Park, with one visitor noting its "flat, wide spaces with mostly pull-throughs, clean bathrooms and shower." The proximity to both Carson City and Reno allows campers to access urban amenities while enjoying the natural setting of the valley.
"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."
"Spent the night here on a road trip. 30$ for non Nevada resident but includes full hookups except water was shut off for the season."
from $10 - $75 / night
Check Availability"This is one of my fav hiking locations in Nevada! I love the variety. There are different levels of hikes from easy to more difficult."
"Easy access right off the freeway but tucked into trees so you don't hear any road noise. Nice hiking trails, clean restrooms and very nice staff. Well maintained!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Close to the Sparks marina if you want to walk, but we were here for the Nugget rib cook-off. Just not sure on the all the rules as it seems some are followed some you can ignore."
"Very clean away from the freeway. We paid about $47 for one night for our truck camper with a veteran's discount."
"Some of the other parks were full so we kept driving and found this state park. There are only 10 camp sites but they are far, enough, apart."
"Stoped by for 1 night on my way through the nevada desert on a road trip. Ended up staying 2 nights. Got a quick spot with easy pay. Had great shade."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"The area in each site for tents is incredibly level and nicely bordered. Additionally, the toilets (pit) and toilet rooms are exceptionally clean."
"You are up on a summit so the only thing to cut down the wind if it gets windy is the stand of trees that the campground is situated in. There are pit toilets and water hydrants."
from $32 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Hardly anyone there so we got a nice site in the corner with some rare Nevada grass. The casino construction was not an issue for the campground. Exceptionally clean facilities."
"For those who enjoy some adult games, there is a casino that you can spend some time and support the Nevada economy. You might earn a prime rib dinner if you get a players card and earn enough points."
"Short walk to town with tons to do here"
"Great location and great store that had basic needs. Views overlooking the cemetery were pretty cool. Would stay again."
"I parked behind a hay stack and next to a picnic table where I could set up my little kitchen. There was also a clean porta potty and hand washing station which was very convenient."
"We walked along the creek and just relaxed. Very quiet and the backdrop of the mountains was beautiful."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The GPS coordinates tell you to turn up what looks like a four wheeler path so we obviously kept going until we found a single bump out where we were able to turn around and stayed for the night."
"I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno."
TravelerThe campsites are so big and it's right on the river. The bathrooms are clean, hiking is forever and it's 8 miles up from the highway so most people don't know about it. It's quiet and there is a big sandy beach.
TravelerImpressed!! We needed to stop for the night and was pleasantly surprised by this camp. Pull through site with concrete slab. Very clean showers and laundry facility. Definitely would recommend.
TravelerAll sites are First Come First Serve. Arrived on a Thursday with only 1 other camper at the grounds. By Saturday morning it was full and loud. All sites are close enough to the lake, that your priority should just be what ever fits your set up. Traveling in a 25ft Class C felt like I didn't belong and space was tight. Almost no sky for solar or starlink, and AT&T service gave me a single bar.
I'd return if I had a small towable or in a tent. Overall very scenic and peaceful during the week days.
As of August 2026 price was $10 a night.
TravelerWe were able to get a spot on a Saturday evening thanks to some no-shows! Large space for our rpod.
GuideLots of sites available midweek. Summer weekends may be all about dirt bikes. $20 cash/night self check-in no reservations. No campfires or outdoor charcoal fires are allowed in August. Bear containers. Tables. Lake views and access.
ScoutThe campground was clean and quiet
ScoutVery nice clean park with lake views
GuideSpent two nights in site 13, it was the site directly across from the camp host. Host was kind, very present and always cleaning and ensuring the camp was spotless! DO NOT take a trailer beyond the little gate to the “back” of the camp ground, the northern most part. We took our 32’ trailer through the gate because satellite images show a cul-dê-sac like turn around area. It is still present, however it is also a campsite and with people occupying the site, turning around is impossible. We had to back our trailer back down the road and into the main area again.
Bathrooms are clean! River nearby was refreshing and has a few small human made dams that allow for wading and safe play areas for kiddos. Chilly nights and hot days!
Scout5 stars for the campground itself. I've been camping at Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park since 1984, when I was just 20 years old. I have loved every camping trip since(at least 30 plus times)! The campsites are great, the grounds, and trails are well-maintained, and safe. I love that the general store is easy to get to and has ice and extras that we may have forgotten to bring. However, we have noticed over past few years that the restrooms in the campground have become increasingly filthy. I get that people walk in with dirt all over their shoes, so of course the floors will be dirty, but it's unacceptable to allow the toilets to be so gross! I will leave out the unpleasant details! I asked a young park ranger how often the restrooms are cleaned and he said every day. Apparently they source out the cleaning. It's obvious that all they do is sweep the floors, empty the trash and provide more TP. The sinks, and floors look like they haven't been scrubbed in a long time, and I noticed the toilets looked as bad the day we got there to the day they left. I remember in the 80's and 90's seeing rangers doing a very thorough cleaning each morning. We would walk in and could smell the cleaning chemicals, and the floor would be wet from mopping. Also, the showers are dirty too. They removed the benches in the individual shower stalls so there's no place to put your clean clothes. Do better Lodgepole!
Washoe Valley sits at an elevation of about 5,000 feet between the Carson and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. During spring, the valley often experiences strong afternoon winds with gusts regularly exceeding 30 mph. Water levels in lakes and streams fluctuate seasonally, affecting camping conditions and accessibility to shoreline sites particularly at Washoe Lake.
Wildlife viewing treks: At Washoe Lake State Park Campground, seasonal animal watching offers unique experiences. Wild horses often visit the camping area as noted by one camper: "Beautiful spot 1/2 mile walk to lake, wild horses roaming camp, quiet & clean." Winter provides different wildlife opportunities, with another visitor reporting, "Winter camping is available on Loop A with full power hookups on a first come, first serve basis. Hiking is nice right from the campground and wild horses graze not far away."
Alpaca ranch visits: The Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch offers a rare chance to camp among farm animals. "Stacey, the owner of the alpacas ranch, was very welcoming and friendly! There were so many alpacas, all very cute and friendly!" Access to nature walks adds variety as one visitor mentioned: "We walked along the creek and just relaxed. Very quiet and the backdrop of the mountains was beautiful."
Mountain hiking: Trails near Mount Rose Campground provide varied terrain difficulty levels. "Nearby Relay Peak and Mt Rose summit are great hikes," reports one camper. The elevation provides cooler temperatures and access to mountain trails. Another visitor noted the campground's "spacious and well-spaced sites, especially toward the front of the campground," making it a good base for exploring the trails.
Wind-protected sites: Davis Creek Regional Park offers sites sheltered from the valley's strong winds. "Not many campgrounds in Northern NV have forest like trees. The spaces are a good size but kinda close to one another," according to a recent visitor. The tree coverage creates a forest feel despite being close to urban areas.
Urban proximity with natural setting: Multiple campgrounds near Washoe Valley offer easy access to cities while maintaining a natural environment. "Great campground, lots of spots for both tent and RV. Easy access right off the freeway but tucked into trees so you don't hear any road noise," reports one Davis Creek Regional Park camper. The park allows outdoor experiences while staying connected to urban amenities.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Washoe Lake State Park. "Each campsite (in Loop A) is large and spacious and the views are epic," notes one visitor. Another adds, "Beautiful campground! Flush toilets and showers." The open layout accommodates various camping setups while maintaining privacy between sites.
Seasonal facility closures: Water access may be limited during winter months at multiple camping areas. At Washoe Lake, visitors report: "Water at the campsites was still shut off for winter but the water at the dump station was turned on. Only one loop was open for winter."
Road noise levels: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds in the area. Dayton State Park Campground visitors note: "The campground is typical - flat for parking and tents. It's very close to US HWY 50, and the road noise reflects that." Similarly at Davis Creek Regional Park, one camper mentioned "Freeway noise noticeable, but not objectionable if you're a city baby like me."
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary by location and season. "Currently there's a fire ban but they do have fire pits," reported one Davis Creek visitor in 2024. Always check current fire regulations before planning campfires as restrictions change frequently based on drought conditions and fire danger levels.
Accessible wildlife viewing: Camping near wild horses provides educational opportunities for children. A Washoe Lake State Park camper noted, "Wild horses frequently roam near campgrounds," making wildlife sightings more accessible for families with children who might not handle longer hikes.
Animal interaction opportunities: Silver City RV Resort offers recreational amenities beyond standard camping. "This place has everything. Beautiful setting and great, complete amenities," reports one visitor. Another mentions the "fishing pond" which provides contained fishing opportunities suitable for children.
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature swings regardless of season. Daytime temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, requiring layered clothing options especially for children who may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
Hookup availability: Washoe Lake State Park receives high marks for RV amenities. "Large sites with water and electricity (loop A). Beautiful views of the mountains. Lots to do in the area," notes one RVer. Another mentioned, "$30 for non Nevada resident but includes full hookups except water was shut off for the season. Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs."
Advance reservation requirements: During peak seasons (late spring through early fall), secure reservations early, particularly for sites with electrical hookups. First-come availability varies significantly between weekdays and weekends.
Internet connectivity: Signal strength varies dramatically throughout the valley. One Washoe Lake visitor documented specific measurements: "Internet. Verizon via iPhone 12: 22.2 mbps down and 3.38 mbps up with 38 ms ping," indicating reasonable connectivity for those needing to stay connected while camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Washoe Valley, NV offers a wide range of camping options, with 306 campgrounds and RV parks near Washoe Valley, NV and 43 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washoe Valley, NV is Washoe Lake State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 43 free dispersed camping spots near Washoe Valley, NV.
What parks are near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Washoe Valley, NV that allow camping, notably Martis Creek Lake and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
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