Camping near Round Mountain, Nevada provides access to high desert terrain at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 90°F during the day, with minimal rainfall and low humidity. The area features juniper-covered hillsides and sagebrush valleys with significant temperature drops after sunset throughout the year.
What to do
Explore ghost towns: Visit the well-preserved Berlin ghost town at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, located about 3 hours from Reno. "The old 1800s ghost town of Berlin, Nevada provides the entrance to this unique camping experience. A short trail from the campground leads up to the fossil house where one can view the remains of the largest collection of Ichthyosaurs ever found," notes Jacqueline L.
Fishing streams: Big Creek offers trout fishing opportunities in a canyon setting. "There are trout in the creek and easily accessible depending on how much snow the mountain range got the winter before," according to graham K., who recommends Big Creek Campground for anglers.
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional dark sky viewing. "The night sky was awesome," reports William J. about Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. Minimal light pollution allows for excellent galaxy and satellite observation throughout the area.
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campgrounds offer creek-side sites. At Kingston Campground, "The sites are pretty well isolated and with the creek flowing fast, the background noise easily washed away the sounds of other campers," according to Erik J. at Kingston Campground.
Shaded sites: Despite the arid region, several campgrounds offer tree cover. "Don't let the arid scenery fool you on your drive toward the park as there is plenty of shade at most of the campsites," notes Gina J. about Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife populations. "Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a herd of mule-tail deer!" reports one Berlin-Ichthyosaur camper, highlighting unexpected wildlife encounters in this desert region.
What you should know
Leveling challenges: Many sites throughout the area require careful setup. "Not level as whole campground is on a slant. Being new to this we couldn't get level," notes joe G. about Tonopah RV.
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "3 bars 4g with Verizon," reports Dave B. about McKinney Tanks Camp, but more remote sites have no service at all.
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires navigating unpaved roads. "Access to the campground is via a 2.5 mile long single lane dirt road. There are a few small wider spots to squeeze past oncoming traffic, but locals tend to travel fast, so be vigilant," warns Erik J. about Kingston Campground.
Water availability: Seasonal and location-dependent water access affects planning. "During the winter there is no water at sites but they do have a spot you can fill up," notes Kimberly about Tonopah RV.
Tips for camping with families
Bring bikes: Larger campgrounds benefit from wheeled transportation. "E-bikes are nice to use to zip around to different site in the park," suggests Terri D. about Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. "Bring bikes as it is a great way to get around the park."
Educational opportunities: Fossil displays provide learning experiences. "I highly recommend doing the ranger talk at the fossil house. Our ranger was a great speaker and explained a lot," advises Terri D.
Pack for temperature swings: Prepare for significant day-to-night temperature variations. "It definitely cools off at night, with temps dropping to upper 40s in mid-September," reports Gina J. about Desert Skies RV Resort.
Consider timing: School holidays affect site availability. "We visited on a busy holiday weekend and found one other camper on site," notes Augi E., highlighting that even during peak times, some remote campgrounds remain uncrowded.
Tips from RVers
Scout sites before parking: RV parks Round Mountain, Nevada and surrounding areas often have uneven terrain. "Scout out your site on foot and create a plan before pulling in. You may wish to travel around the loop one direction or another depending on your chosen site," advises Erik J.
Length limitations: Know your vehicle's requirements. "We towed our 30 foot bumper pull behind our full size truck (49 feet tip to tail) and made it but this is right at the limits for maneuvering. There are several sites that will fit a 30 foot trailer. 35 feet seems like a stretch to me," warns Erik J. about Kingston Campground.
Winter water considerations: Plan for limited winter services at rv parks near Round Mountain, Nevada. "Sites are on slight slope, power and water," notes Ken J. about Tonopah Station Casino RV Park.
Fuel planning: Remote locations require careful fuel management. "The drive out here is something, make sure you have enough gas. The road is paved for all but the last 5 miles," advises connie C. about Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
