Camping near Ruby Valley, Nevada ranges across 5,500-6,500 feet elevation in high desert terrain, with significant temperature fluctuations between seasons. The region experiences cold, snowy winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summer camping season typically runs from May through October with daytime temperatures reaching 80-90°F. Most campgrounds close during winter months when mountain passes become impassable due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Hot spring exploration: At South Ruby Campground, visitors can access natural hot springs for soaking. "The hot spring was around 111 degrees and we were there in July. It was hot, very hot during the day. The hot spring is so warm that we couldn't get in it until the sun went down!!!" warns one camper, who adds "watch you drive in, new springs are forming and some ground is SOFT!!!! be safe, have a spotter."
Hiking mountain trails: The Ruby Mountains provide extensive hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. "Awesome hiking trails, beautiful views, spacious camp sites," notes a visitor at Thomas Canyon Campground. The trails connect to alpine lakes and scenic viewpoints throughout the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
Fishing reservoirs: South Fork State Recreation Area offers productive fishing for trout and bass. "Had a great time fishing the lake with my wife," reports one visitor at East Campground, while another camper mentions "This campground is surrounded by natural beauty. Snow capped mountains hang in the distance. The site is super clean and has flushable toilets and a non-fee shower. There are trails from camp to the water. Make sure to bring your fishing poles because chances are you will catch a good-sized trout."
What campers like
Creek access: Multiple dispersed sites along Lamoille Canyon provide direct water access. At Camp Lamoille, campers appreciate the proximity to moving water. "We went further down, rock crawling, high clearance required, and found the perfect spot nestled in the trees about 10ft from Lamoille Creek," shares one reviewer who stayed for four days.
Open reservoir views: Campsites along South Fork Reservoir offer unobstructed mountain views. A visitor at Coyote Cove describes the layout: "Not your typical campground; the sites are lined up along the lake with the only privacy being the space (decent) between sites. Each site has a cement pad, table, fire ring, bbq, and wind screen."
Aspen groves: The forested campgrounds provide natural shade during summer months. "Well developed campgrounds with fire pits, grills, and tables. Vault toilets are also available. Good amount of privacy with all the trees," notes a visitor about Thomas Canyon Campground, highlighting the aspen trees that create natural separation between sites.
What you should know
Seasonal access: Winter conditions close many roads to Ruby Valley campgrounds. "We went to have a looks and less than a mile in the road was covered by several feet of snow. We have a 4wd and I couldn't have gotten through without damage," reports one camper attempting to access Camp Lamoille during colder months.
Wind exposure: Sites along the reservoir can experience significant wind. At Coyote Cove, a camper warns it gets "CRAZY windy, but decent views. All of the camping spots are right on the water, no cover at all (this isn't really a good tent camping or RTT site)."
Elevation challenges: The Ruby Mountains rise sharply from the valley floor, affecting camping conditions. "We stopped to camp here on a trip to Northern California and we were not disappointed. We had a beautiful view of the canyon valley and the stars at night were perfect," shares a visitor at Thomas Canyon Campground, where nighttime temperatures drop considerably even in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites: Thomas Canyon Campground offers family-friendly spacing. "This is a really nice campground! Awesome hiking trails, beautiful views, spacious camp sites, clean bathrooms, nice camp host! I'll be coming back to this spot. I believe it's $18 a night," reports one visitor.
Reservoir recreation: East Campground at South Fork State Recreation Area provides family amenities and water access. "We got arrived a bit late at night, but this was such an easy campground to find! Not a lot of privacy between sites, and it was very open/no real trees/nature, however it's worth it for the view of the lake right below your spot!" One family notes, "Plenty of space for the kids to run around and bike around the campsite. Bathrooms were very clean and had hot showers."
Wildlife viewing: Ruby Lake area offers bird watching opportunities for all ages. "I really enjoy looking over the beaver dams along the creeks. The mountains are great for hikes," mentions a visitor to Camp Lamoille, highlighting the natural features that interest children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: East Campground offers electrical hookups for RVs. "Well maintained sites. BBQ, and fire pits. Free showers, flush toilets, covered picnic tables. Nice large sites. Always a breeze. A camp host is present as well as ranger station 1/2 mile down the road. 25$ per night with full electric hookups," explains one RVer.
Access limitations: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. "Official campground is only open May-September. As noted by others there are a few dispersed sites off the entrance road to the official site. Views are stunning but most of the better sites are high clearance vehicle access only, with few turn around locations," cautions a Camp Lamoille visitor.
Reservation planning: For developed campgrounds, early booking is recommended during peak season. "The reservation situation here is a bit confusing. Dyrt makes it out to be a group site, which it is, but it can also be reserved as up to nine individual sites if a group hasn't already laid their claim," notes a visitor at Terraces Campground, emphasizing the importance of advance planning.
