Dispersed camping near Round Mountain, Nevada primarily occurs on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Situated in central Nevada at approximately 6,300 feet elevation, this high desert region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. The rustic camping opportunities surrounding Round Mountain feature minimal development, with campsites characterized by sagebrush flats, juniper trees, and mountain views.
What to do
Soak in hot springs: Spencer Hot Springs provides natural soaking opportunities with multiple pool options. "The upper tub was not warm enough for me 97°. The lower however was 107° which I loved," notes one visitor at Spencer Hot Springs. The site features both natural pools and a plastic tub setup where temperature can be adjusted.
Wildlife observation: Watch for wild burros that frequent camping areas, particularly at dusk and dawn. "At sunset, kick back in your chair or in the hot spring and watch and listen to the wild burrows come in from the desert to drink and graze," reports a camper from Spencer Hot Springs.
Explore historical remains: Discover remnants of Nevada's mining and stagecoach history at some sites. At McKinney Tanks Camp, "If you explore the surroundings a bit you'll find a ruined building, a still-flowing spring, and thousands of old tin cans," according to a reviewer who found the location "really pleasant and interesting."
What campers like
Easy roadside access: Several camping areas offer convenient accessibility for travelers passing through. A visitor to Tonopah Dispersed Camping noted, "This is a great place for a easy roadside stop. It appears as a dirt road beside the BLM office that is easy to miss. It basically a wide gravel road that is large enough for bigger rvs to turn around."
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the relative isolation despite proximity to roads. "Right off Hwy, but very little traffic noise. Great View!" reports one camper at McKinney Tanks Camp. Another adds, "No one here. Nice view. Good temp in May 65 degrees."
Cell service availability: Contrary to expectations for remote locations, some sites offer decent connectivity. A camper at McKinney Tanks Camp reported "3 bars 4g with Verizon," while at Spencer Hot Springs, a visitor mentioned, "Verizon is 3-4 bars!"
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Twin Trailhead Camp explained, "Multiple forks in rd to get here... Middle fork goes up canyon on a rocky rd that was gorgeous but definitely rough and a good spot to sit down. No turn arounds for a long ways up the middle fork to mouth of canyon."
Limited amenities: Pack all necessities as these sites lack facilities. "Once you get past the fact that this is truly dispersed, with no toilets, water, or trash, and no real established sites and no trees, you then remember, this place has wild hot springs and wild burrows," explains one Spencer Hot Springs visitor.
Weather considerations: The area experiences considerable wind and dust. A camper at Tonopah Dispersed Camping advised, "Tonopah seems to be a bit windy and a fine layer of dust accumulated in our van during the night so you may want to 'batten down the hatches.'"
Tips for camping with families
Safe soaking options: When visiting hot springs with children, verify temperatures first. At Spencer Hot Springs, "The first one was a little blue kiddie pool like thing that was WAY too hot mid-day. Unless you like feeling like you're being cooked alive..." warns one visitor.
Tire swing entertainment: McKinney Tanks Camp features natural play opportunities. "The main site with the big cottonwood tree and tire swing is charming," notes one camper, providing simple recreation for children.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. A camper at McKinney Tanks Camp reported, "Under the tree had a few ant's nests and rodents loved to visit the camp throughout the night."
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: Look for wider areas to accommodate larger vehicles. At Tonopah Dispersed Camping, one RVer suggests, "We found plenty of room to park, but be sure to drive to where the area is the widest but before the road starts to go downhill."
Road navigation challenges: Research routes thoroughly before arrival. A camper traveling in a Eurovan advised, "Wouldn't advise going through the BLM parking lot as the map directs you, as it takes you to an AWD dirt road instead... this was not good for our eurovan."
Overnight considerations: For those using rustic camping near Round Mountain as a waypoint rather than destination, prioritize practicality. "This dispersed camping site is located right off highway 95 in Tonopah, about half way between Reno and Las Vegas. It is not a destination camping site, but a great place to get some sleep along the way," explains one RVer.
