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Best Dispersed Camping near Reno, NV

57 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the public lands surrounding Reno, Nevada. Several free sites exist within an hour's drive of the city, including BLM - Water Tank Road, Moon Rocks Camp, and Big Dog Valley. These primitive camping areas typically lack amenities but offer solitude and open spaces for tent and RV camping. Reno View Dispersed provides panoramic city views, though according to reviews, "the road is a beast" and requires high-clearance vehicles. Fort Sage OHV Area, while technically in California, offers a more developed dispersed camping experience with vault toilets and fire rings.

Most dispersed sites near Reno require visitors to be self-sufficient. No drinking water is available at these locations, and campers must pack out all trash. Fire regulations vary by location and season; fire bans are common during summer months due to high wildfire danger. Several campers noted that Peavine Road Dispersed Camping suffers from excessive trash and abandoned vehicles, making it less desirable despite its proximity to town. Vehicle access varies significantly between sites, with Moon Rocks Camp offering relatively good dirt roads while Water Tank Road requires higher clearance.

Weather conditions around Reno can change rapidly. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F during daytime hours while dropping significantly at night. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations but requires proper cold-weather gear. Wildlife encounters may include coyotes, which campers report can be heard "yipping in the distance" at sites like Fort Sage. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better coverage at sites closer to Reno. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve these public lands for future use.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Reno, Nevada (23)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Reno, NV

42 Photos of 23 Reno Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Reno, NV

57 Reviews of 23 Reno Campgrounds

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2023

    Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

    Gorgeous Riparian Forest

    Scout camp is on the Carson river and within the tall cottonwoods. Camp in the shade or out in the open if it’s very windy as the trees can shed branches. Garbage collection and pit toilets. Nice trail along the River.

    As of October 2023 the access road to scout camp was washed out. But there is dispersed camping on the terrace to the south.

  • Genevieve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2023

    Moon Rocks Camp

    Beautiful! Easy access.

    I live nearby, so my family and I went for the day. We left just before sunset. It's gorgeous here. The dirt road is pretty good and not difficult for my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. There were about 3 other groups. We were there on a Thursday. We walked around the whole area where the rocks were. The campsite overlooks a valley where there is an airport. We saw a couple of paragliders. On the way in from Reno, it's very easy to find. I would love to stay here in my travel trailer. There were some huge rigs out there. All of those people had dune buggies, but nobody was driving around on the rocks when we were there. There are no amenities at all. There is just a big clearing for campers. We took our dog. She had fun.

  • J
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

    No Go for Class A due to rotted access roads

    We drove thru both Fort Churchill State Park Campground and Scout Camp near by. We were looking for a place to camp for the night. We have a 36ft class A with a tow. Fort Churchill Campground is not accessible if you love the paint job on your rig. For lower profile campers it would be ok. Narrow dirt roads with sage brush to scratch you and overhanging low tree branches to ruin solar and a/c.

    Scout camp access is deeply rotted so our Class A couldn't safely get in there, otherwise there would have been plenty of space for us.

  • Precarious J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 6, 2025

    BLM Land near Pyramid Lake - Dispersed Camping

    The closest accessible blm near Pyramid Lake.

    The pin is the starting point of blm land in that area. There is at least one drivable pathway deeper into blm land. I think more. I'll find out tomorrow. I was driving around trying to find access to blm land and found it. I used a public lands app to verify it is blm. The boundary barley crossed over 447. A perfect access point to blm land. My cell service was bad. I use boost mobile, but I've heard Verizon isn't very good in the area as well. If it works for you it's convenient.

  • Kailey C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2020

    Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

    Alternate free camping next to the state park!

    Since COVID has closed all state and national parks to camping, we were happy to find this BLM land for an overnight. There are no services and the ground is a little bumpy/sandy but we were able to get around just fine in our camper van. There was a makeshift fire ring at our site, but it was so windy and dry brush everywhere that we didn't want to attempt to use it.

    We for service on both Verizon and Sprint! Had some coyotes track around our van over night so make sure you keep everything inside!

  • ron R.
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Complete trash dump

    It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

  • Genevieve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    Lots of trash and shells

    I live 10 minutes away, so I checked it out. It's sketchy driving in with a lot of trailers and cars along the road closer to the main road. There may or may nor have been people in them. We didn't see people walking around except one guy who was walking his dog on the dirt road and another guy nearby with a table next to his car. Maybe he was flying a drone. The dirt road was very rutted in a few areas. No big deal, but I was in my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. I didn't have my trailer with me. The view of the city is great, but that's it. The area to pull off is not that big, so I think it would be crowded with more than 2 other trailers. It wasn't windy at all when we were there, but I'm sure it could be because it can be very windy in this area. I wouldn't stay here unless I absolutely had to for the night. I did hear gunshots in the distance. We only stayed a few minutes to take a few pictures. No amenities like fire rings or tables.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2023

    East of Pyramid Lake

    Great boondocking

    This place is everything we look for when boondocking. It's quiet, open, easy to get to with our class c, flat(ish), cell service, and places to hike/walk around. There was nobody else around when we stayed here for 2 nights in May.

    The road is nearby but barely visible and you can hardly hear the cars. The rocks (tufas) are really neat and fun to climb.

    There's absolutely no shade so the sun makes it feel hotter than it is. And the wind comes through somewhat unpredictably so we couldn't keep our awning out.

    It's surprisingly clean, I mean there's some trash which is to be expected, but not huge amounts of it.

    There are a couple of little narrow roads you can take to find a more secluded spot, but I wouldn't attempt it unless your vehicle can handle it. There are a couple of random big dips to get past, and really there aren't very many camping opportunities past the big giant open area by the rocks. The big main area is huge and would easily fit several campers.

    Great place to boondock!

  • Corey H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2023

    BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

    Decent place to sleep for the night

    Tucked off, dirt road with enough seclusion and privacy to feel comfortable at night. Be forewarned that the road is super rough and you will definitely need a car with more clearance to get up it. There is a little pull out before you get to where the directions take you that is perfectly cool to camp. I wouldn’t go all the way up that little stretch of road past the water tanks unless you have a 4x4. The pullout also has a portajohn and sink if needed.

    One thing to note! There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill (about 6 in July) so just be aware of that when camping here. I wasn’t bothered by anyone and I had about 4 people pass by my car this morning.

Guide to Reno

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Reno, Nevada, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you're sure to find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Dispersed campers should check out BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

  • This area is known for its quiet surroundings and stunning views, making it a favorite among those seeking solitude.
  • While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to camp in a natural setting is a major draw for many.
  • Access is primarily via a drive-in route, so be prepared for a bit of a rough road to reach this hidden gem.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Reno, Nevada

  • Always pack out what you pack in, especially at places like BLM FLATTOP, where visitors have noted the importance of keeping the area clean.
  • Be cautious of the road conditions; for instance, the access road to Reno View Dispersed can be challenging, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife and other campers, especially at spots like Moon Rocks Camp, where the natural beauty attracts both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Top activities while free camping near Reno

  • Hiking and exploring are popular activities, particularly around East of Pyramid Lake, where the unique rock formations provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures.
  • Photography enthusiasts will love capturing the breathtaking views at Big Dog Valley, especially during sunrise and sunset when the landscape transforms.
  • For those interested in off-roading, the trails near Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area offer thrilling experiences for ATV and SXS riders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available year-round near Reno?

Free camping is generally available year-round near Reno, though seasonal conditions affect accessibility. Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill offers free overnight stays on BLM land with no services but suitable terrain for camper vans and RVs. Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area also provides free camping with vault toilets and picnic facilities. Winter access to higher elevation sites may be limited by snow, particularly December through March. Spring brings potential for muddy conditions that can make roads impassable. Always check weather forecasts before heading out, as desert temperatures can be extreme in summer and winter. No permits are typically required for these free camping areas, but 14-day stay limits are common on most BLM lands.

What BLM land near Reno is available for camping?

Numerous BLM areas around Reno offer dispersed camping opportunities. BLM Land near Pyramid Lake provides accessible camping with multiple drivable pathways into the public lands. Kyburz Flats offers camping spots near its interpretive site, though the road becomes progressively rougher beyond the first mile and requires high clearance vehicles when dry. Additional BLM options include areas along Water Tank Road, land east of Pyramid Lake, and sites near the Truckee River in Mustang. Most BLM lands near Reno follow standard 14-day stay limits and require campers to practice Leave No Trace principles. Use existing fire rings when permitted and check current fire restrictions before visiting.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Reno, Nevada?

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour's drive of Reno. Moon Rocks Camp offers a scenic location with interesting rock formations and accessible dirt roads suitable for most vehicles with moderate clearance. Northeast of Reno, East of Pyramid Lake provides quiet, open spaces with flat terrain and good cell service - perfect for boondocking with class C RVs and other vehicles. Other options include Fort Sage OHV Area about 60 miles north, BLM land around Fort Churchill to the east, and dispersed sites near Kyburz Flats. Most areas require no reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though it's advisable to check local fire restrictions before planning your trip.

What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping sites around Reno?

Dispersed camping around Reno typically offers minimal amenities, varying by location. Scout Camp at Fort Churchill is one of the more developed dispersed areas, featuring garbage collection, pit toilets, and shade from cottonwood trees along the Carson River. Most other dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever - you'll need to pack in water, pack out waste, and be fully self-sufficient. Some sites like Peavine Road Dispersed Camping have unfortunately experienced trash dumping issues. Cell service varies significantly by location - strong in some areas like east of Pyramid Lake but potentially non-existent in more remote locations. Prepare for primitive conditions with no water sources, no toilets, no garbage service, and no designated sites at most locations. Fire rings may exist at some established spots, but always check current fire restrictions.

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