Dispersed camping areas near Round Mountain, Nevada offer self-contained wilderness experiences within the Toiyabe National Forest at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during daytime with overnight lows dropping to 40-50°F, creating significant temperature swings even in summer months. Many access roads to camping spots require careful navigation across rocky terrain with limited turnaround opportunities.
What to do
Wilderness hiking: Pine Creek Campground provides direct access to canyon trails. "Trail into the wilderness is a lovely canyon walk that is not too strenuous for the first mile to the first major creek crossing," notes a visitor to Pine Creek Campground.
Explore ghost towns: Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park combines camping with historical exploration. According to one camper at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, "Aside from the excellent condition of the campgrounds, there are a few hiking trails available and an old mining town that the kids loved exploring."
Stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities with minimal light pollution. A visitor reported, "It definitely cools off at night, with temps dropping to upper 40s in mid-September... enjoyed viewing the galaxy from inside, stargazing and watching satellites fly across the sky all night."
What campers like
Creek sounds: Running water creates ambient sound at several campgrounds. One camper at Peavine Campground mentioned, "It was so quiet and peaceful with the creek running through it. It did get a little cold once the sun set behind those mountains in the canyon."
Wildlife sightings: The area offers opportunities to observe desert wildlife in natural habitats. At Spencer Hot Springs, a visitor described, "Had an amazing view where I could see donkeys roaming, jackrabbits hopping about and various other desert like critters."
Aspen forests: Several campgrounds feature deciduous tree groves uncommon in Nevada. "It is nestled in Quaking Aspen so there is plenty of shade," notes a reviewer about Pine Creek Campground, while another mentioned, "Campground is in a lovely aspen and birch forest."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have unreliable or non-existent mobile coverage. "No cell reception of any kind. Enjoy being disconnected for a while," explains a camper at Pine Creek Campground.
High clearance vehicles recommended: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Twin Trailhead Camp observed, "Multiple forks in rd to get here... Middle fork goes up canyon on a rocky rd that was gorgeous but definitely rough."
Limited water sources: Most campgrounds lack reliable drinking water. "No hookups and no water other than a creek that may dry up as the season progresses," warns a Peavine Campground visitor.
Seasonal closures: Higher elevation campgrounds close during winter months. Columbine Campground operates only from May 15 to November 1, while others follow similar seasonal patterns due to snow and access issues.
Tips for camping with families
Bring activities: The remote nature requires self-contained entertainment. At Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, a family found creative solutions: "The best part was the kids started getting bored, as they do, in the afternoon. We went and bought a deck of cards from the fossil center."
Pack for temperature swings: Even summer nights can be cold at these elevations. "It did get a little cold once the sun set behind those mountains in the canyon but I camped in September. So for fall camping I would definitely bring lots of heavy sleeping bags and sleeping materials," advises a Barley Creek visitor.
Bring bikes: Several campgrounds are spread out but navigable with bicycles. "Bring bikes as it is a great way to get around the park," recommends a Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited level sites: Many campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger vehicles. At Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, an RVer noted, "Sites are spacious but are spread out around a hillside resulting in very unlevel sites. We were in site 12 with a 29' travel trailer. Our hitch was almost on the ground to be level."
Scout before committing: Narrow roads with few turnaround spots create challenges. "Do not go past here with a trailer or large RV without scouting it out first. The larger spaces on that side would accommodate a truck and 25' trailer or possibly up to 30' RV, but if the river is high and you cannot make the crossing at the south end of the campground you will have to back all the way out including across the narrow bridge!"
Size restrictions: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. According to a Peavine Campground visitor, "I really can't see a big camper getting in here there are pretty tight spots although there is a road that goes all the way through you could probably camp down at the end."
