Dispersed camping options near Reno, Nevada extend beyond traditional campgrounds with many free sites available on nearby Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands. Within a 30-minute drive of downtown, campers can find several dispersed sites at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet. These areas typically offer no facilities and require proper waste management practices.
What to do
Hiking at Crystal Peak: The Lookout Campground offers access to Crystal Peak trail with opportunities for crystal hunting. "The Crystal Mine is nearby… quick drive, bit longer walk. The history of Crystal Peak is amazing, and the crystals are everywhere. Really nice views from atop the knoll too. Many people visit just for the day to collect crystals," reports Ray B.
Water activities at Stampede Reservoir: Logger Campground sits adjacent to Stampede Reservoir with boat ramp access just a mile away. "Right on the lake and in the shade of the trees most of the day so it doesn't get too hot," notes Beverly C., making it ideal for swimming and boating during summer months when temperatures in Reno valley can exceed 90°F.
Casino entertainment: Many Reno-area RV parks offer direct casino access. "The site was roomy and quiet," notes Lisa K. about their stay at Sparks Marina RV Park, while others mention shuttle services to casinos from various campgrounds for those who want to enjoy gaming without driving.
What campers like
Mountain views: The eastern Sierra Nevada mountains provide scenic backdrops at many camping areas near Reno. At Gold Ranch Casino & RV Resort, Brad H. appreciated being "nestled against the Eastern Sierras, on the Cal/Nev. border" with panoramic views of the mountain range.
Pine forest settings: Davis Creek Regional Park offers shaded sites beneath tall pine trees. "Very shady as it sits in a grove of tall mature pines," notes Alison about this campground located between Reno and Carson City, providing welcome relief from summer heat.
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded camping experiences. Kade H. notes that at Lookout Campground, "you'll be amazed at how much space there is between the sites. From most sites, you can scarcely see that there are other campsites around!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. At Boca Rest Campground, reaching the sites can be challenging during certain seasons. S K. warns about Lookout Campground: "75% of the road is unmaintained hill road, where you have to hug one side or another to avoid 6-inch+ ruts, loose rocks up to 5" in diameter."
Reservation policies: Some RV parks have strict age restrictions for vehicles. Leah T. cautions about one park: "There is NO mention of an age restriction on their website... But they WILL take the reservation online, take your money, then call to check the age of your rig. If you are honest, you are screwed."
Amenities vary widely: Basic Forest Service campgrounds have vault toilets and no showers, while resort RV parks offer full facilities. "Flushie toilets, bear lockers, easy access to Reno/Tahoe," notes Boondocks H. about Davis Creek Regional Park, while another camper described more primitive conditions elsewhere.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some resorts offer recreational amenities specifically for children. "We enjoyed the pool. My kids loved the pool," wrote Vena B. about their stay at Grand Sierra Resort & Casino RV Park, where families have access to resort facilities including pools, arcades, and bowling.
Age restrictions: Not all facilities welcome children at all amenities. "The only negative part was my children and I could not enjoy the amenities. Kids must be 18 to enjoy the spa even if accompanied by adults, had a great club house with a pool table but kids must be 14 to play," notes Mar about one Reno RV park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Seasonal wildlife viewing can be educational for families. "The lake attracts lots of wildlife and it is bear country so lock up your food, or better yet tie it up in a tree especially in fall when the bears are bulking up for winter," advises Davidson L. H. about camping at Logger Campground.
Tips from RVers
Overnight stopover convenience: Many RVers use Reno area campgrounds as convenient interstate stops. "Great place to stay or park," states Love W. about Shamrock RV Park, while Jenny W. noted about another park: "We only stayed for a single night, but have no complaints... We would definitely stay again if we are passing through Reno."
Full hookup availability: Most casino RV parks offer complete hookups. "All sites are full hookup, with wifi, and cable tv. Clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry. We would stay here again if in the area," states Steve about Gold Ranch Casino RV Resort.
Site sizes and accessibility: Site dimensions vary between parks, important for larger rigs. "Very clean and nice RV park. Pool, hot tub, game room and nice small shop. Sites have fake grass but it looks nice. Pads and streets are paved. Full hook ups. Picnic tables at each site," reports Loretta H., describing the level concrete pads available at one Reno area park.
