North Canyon Campground — Spooner Lake State Park
This area is walk in only
Ranger explained you can't drive your vehicle to the campground
252 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Reno, Nevada spans developed RV resorts with full hookups to primitive sites in nearby national forests. The area includes several casino-adjacent RV parks like Gold Ranch Casino & RV Resort and Sparks Marina RV Park, which provide full hookups and amenities for travelers. Within an hour's drive, public lands offer more traditional camping at places like Davis Creek Regional Park and Washoe Lake State Park, where both tent and RV sites are available.
Road access varies significantly across the region's camping areas. Most developed campgrounds near Reno maintain paved roads and level sites suitable for larger vehicles, while dispersed camping opportunities in surrounding mountains often require high-clearance vehicles. Weather conditions impact camping year-round, with many sites operating seasonally due to winter snow at higher elevations. Summer brings warm temperatures to the valley floor while mountain campgrounds remain cooler. "We stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. Right between Reno and Carson City. Access to Casinos and Restaurants nearby (10 minute drive or so)."
Campers frequently mention the convenience of Reno-area campgrounds as bases for exploring both urban attractions and natural areas. Several visitors highlighted the proximity to Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Carson City as major advantages. RV parks connected to casinos receive positive reviews for their amenities and central locations, though they typically lack the natural setting of forest campgrounds. Tent campers tend to prefer the more distant sites at Davis Creek and Mount Rose Campground, which offer greater privacy and natural surroundings. The contrast between developed casino RV resorts and primitive forest service campgrounds provides options for nearly any camping preference, from full-service sites with Wi-Fi and electricity to remote locations with fire rings and vault toilets.
"We would definitely stay again if we are passing through Reno."
"The Reno area is our home base, we are full time RVers in a 35 foot long fifth wheel. "
"Easy access to Reno."
"Right off I-80 and close to the Boomtown Casino but oh so peaceful and quiet. This campground has everything for the RV camper. It is also close to the Truckee River and great fishing."
"Nestled against the Eastern Sierras, on the Cal/Nev. border. Restaurant in the casino temp."
"Great find just west of Reno. Clean, large sites, and amazing customer service in the office."
"Newer showers and bathrooms than any other rv park in Reno. Very little foliage but that is the desert. Large and expensive laundry facility $4.50 for a load."
"It is a bit of a walk to get to the resort. We walked to the pool entrance which appeared to be the closest public access point from the park."
"After two bad experiences staying in Reno at gsr we stayed here last time through. Owner and his dog Daisy were very friendly. Park is nice with grass and paved pads."
"Only 18 minutes into Reno going south on Hwy 395."
"Site A16 is not the best site unless you don’t mind being next to the dog area."
"Flushie toilets, bear lockers, easy access to Reno/Tahoe. Freeway noise noticeable, but not objectionable if you're a city baby like me."
"The best part of this campground right off the 580 between Reno and Carson City was the sites were well spaced under the mature pines. So quiet and peaceful."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It was late and we couldn't find the owner so we ended up staying outside the park on the road. The manager got things worked out in the morning and refunded our money for the night before."
"Right next to the water, and close to town. Cell phone reception. is spotty ."
from $23 - $75 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City."
"I live in Reno and this campground is a nearby escape from the hustle and bustle of Reno. Great hiking opportunities for the dog and peaceful sunsets by a campfire."
from $10 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Lake is calm, but it was too windy to set up the tent. Overnight temps in the 30's for Memorial weekend. Few trees, little shade. Lots of off road vehicles and RVs, but not a lot of noise from them."
"the lake is a great swimming temp in june, the views are gorgeous, and there’s plenty of trees and shade. i was lucky to have the spot i was in because there was plenty of foliage to keep my site fairly"
from $20 / night
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Ranger explained you can't drive your vehicle to the campground
Nice little Campground, not a lot of shade in the site that we were in. But we did have a Palapas, which was lovely. We cooked out everyday we had a fire several nights. The campground was pretty chill pretty quiet overall. Had water access directly across from us which was great. The dump station and water fill up on the exit was easy. Overall great first camping in our new RV.
This park is really beautiful and with good services. Good cell phone signal with Tmobile 7 days every 30. Some sites are reservation only and some others are first come first served No overflow camping
Campground was nice and quiet despite being adjacent to a casino. Showers lock up at seven except for two to cover the entire large campground. Laundry shuts down at six and opens in the morning at eight. Location was fantastic.
Only drawback is that it was near to the road. A little loud. Bring quarters
This appears to be another roadside pullout in the Demonstration Forest area rather than a legal overnight campsite. Based on on-site clarification from CAL FIRE at a nearby listing, overnight camping is not permitted in this Demonstration Forest area. Only the campground run by PG&E is legal.
--- Not a legal campsite: confirmed by CAL FIRE ---
I originally stopped here with an in-progress cargo trailer conversion because this looked like an excellent roadside pullout: large, easy to access, relatively level, and long enough to maneuver a truck and trailer without drama. As a short stop, turnaround, or day-use staging spot, it is genuinely useful. However, this should not be listed or treated as an overnight campsite. While I was on-site, I was contacted by Officer Steve Garcia with CAL FIRE, who advised me that overnight camping is not permitted at this location. I had interpreted the posted seasonal“no parking” signage as suggesting that public use might be allowed outside the snow-removal season, but he clarified that the signage relates to snow removal and does not authorize overnight camping in the Demonstration Forest area. For practical details: the pullout itself is easy to enter and exit, with enough room for a modest trailer rig to get fully out of traffic and turn around. Road noise drops off substantially overnight, though traffic begins again in the morning. The area may be useful for a brief rest stop, equipment check, turnaround, or day-use pause. But as a camping location, the important information is simple: Do not plan to camp here overnight. I’m updating this review so others don’t make the same assumption I did. This is a good pullout, but it is not a legal overnight campsite.
If you are looking for Free Dispersed camping then this is the place. No hookups but there is a toilet at the entrance (about 1 mile from the highway). The first mile was gravel. Turning towards the Sheep Camp the road gets a lot rougher and narrow. I have a smaller RV with 9-10” ground clearance and we were jumping around a bit and taking a lot of trees down the side of the RV. We set up at the end of the road past the Sheep Camp and got Absolutly Overrun with an actual Sheep Herd along with their protectors (3-4 dogs who just barked as us and visited several times in the middle of the night just to remind us not to mess with their sheep). We moved closer to the bathrooms away from the sheep. We were able to get good sky views and solid Starlink connection. This was 4th of July and there was no one there the first day and only two other sites the next. Very quiet. Near the bathrooms there is a dozen sites but I think there are way more if you don’t turn at the bathroom and continue down the road you can camp more in the meadows.
This is a really beautiful area! Very quiet and peaceful! Of course, it is a Wed night, so it could be very different on a weekend!😂
The grounds are VERY well kept! This is going to become a regular stop for us now! My wife has family in Redding, so this will be a nice overnight, before moving on the next day!
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.
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.
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!"
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top tent camping sites near Reno?
Lodgepole Campground is an excellent tent camping destination just an hour's drive from Reno. It offers spots specifically for tent camping with restrooms and fresh water access throughout the area. A nearby lake is just a 5-minute walk from the campground. Plumas National Forest Big Cove Campground is another fantastic option only 50 minutes from Reno, featuring spacious campsites that can accommodate multiple tents and recreational equipment like kayaks. The sites provide enough room for families or groups to spread out comfortably. Both campgrounds offer a more traditional camping experience in natural settings with basic amenities while staying relatively close to Reno.
Where are the best camping spots near Reno, Nevada?
Reno offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Chilcoot Family Campground is just 25-35 minutes from Reno, featuring paved sites perfect for RVs and travel trailers with good privacy between spaces. For a unique experience, Moon Rocks Camp provides beautiful dispersed camping with gorgeous rock formations and is accessible by 4x4 vehicles. Other notable options include Washoe Lake State Park (between Reno and Carson City), Gold Ranch Casino & RV Resort (12 miles from Reno on the California/Nevada border), and Plumas National Forest campgrounds about 50 minutes away. Most campgrounds in the area offer a mix of reservable and first-come-first-served sites, with options ranging from developed campgrounds with amenities to more primitive experiences.
What amenities are available at Reno area campgrounds?
Washoe Lake State Park Campground offers showers and restrooms, with convenient access to restaurants and casinos just a 10-minute drive away. Reno KOA at Boomtown Casino provides full hook-ups for RVs, pull-through spots, grassy areas, and a swimming pool. Many Reno area campgrounds feature clean restrooms, drinking water access, and fire rings. The more developed sites often include electrical hookups, dump stations, and shower facilities. Casino RV parks typically offer full hookups and easy access to gaming and dining. National Forest campgrounds generally provide more basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables but are set in more natural surroundings. Amenities vary widely by location, so checking specific campgrounds before your trip is recommended.
Are there any lake camping options near Reno?
Yes, several excellent lake camping options exist near Reno. Webber Lake Campground offers peaceful lakeside camping with great swimming opportunities and hiking trails around the water. It's perfect for those seeking serenity and water recreation. Grasshopper Flat provides terrific proximity to lake access with decent-sized camping sites and is an easy drive from the Reno area. For something closer to town, Washoe Lake State Park sits between Reno and Carson City, offering camping with beautiful mountain views and lake access. Most lake campgrounds in the region are open seasonally (typically May through October), with some requiring reservations during peak summer months.
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