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Best Campgrounds near Ruby Valley, NV

81 Reviews

Camping opportunities near Ruby Valley, Nevada range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across public lands. The Ruby Lake Dispersed area provides primitive camping with basic amenities including drinking water and toilets. South Ruby Campground in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest accommodates both tent and RV camping from early May through late October. Several campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while others like Camp Lamoille offer dispersed camping options with more limited facilities. The region includes both fee-based developed sites and free dispersed camping areas on Forest Service land.

"Several dispersed camping sites before you get to the actual campground. Good spacing on the sites for privacy. Easy access to the creek for clean fresh water," noted one camper about Camp Lamoille. Most campgrounds in the Ruby Valley area operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures. Road conditions vary significantly, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. A review mentioned, "After turning right onto the FS gravel road you can take a left or right to dispersed camping spots... we went further down, rock crawling, high clearance required, and found the perfect spot nestled in the trees about 10ft from Lamoille Creek." Cell service is limited throughout the region, with spotty coverage reported at most campgrounds.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites near water sources, particularly those along Lamoille Creek and Ruby Lake. The Ruby Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for many camping areas, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. South Fork State Recreation Area offers developed campground options with electrical hookups and lake views. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Nice campground with electrical hookups; nice bathrooms with showers. Sites that overlook lake are closer together but sites with mountain views were spread apart." Wind can be a factor in more exposed camping areas, particularly at Coyote Cove where one reviewer noted it was "CRAZY windy, but decent views." Most campground options near Ruby Valley provide basic amenities like toilets and trash service, while dispersed sites typically offer more solitude but fewer facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ruby Valley, Nevada (19)

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Recent Camping Photos near Ruby Valley, NV

8 Photos of 19 Ruby Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ruby Valley, NV

81 Reviews of 19 Ruby Valley Campgrounds

  • Kimberly Q.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area

    East fork RV campground

    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. Doggy clean up bags provided.

  • Matt G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping

    Lamoille dispersed

    The main paid camp ground was closed. Just took a right and was back in the wilderness with mountains all around. Many dispersed camping sites but probably need 4x4 with elevation to get to the best.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Loves RV Hookups Carlin NV

    Loves RV hookups are great

    The professionalism and kindness of the Loves staff can be experienced at any Loves location, as far as I can tell. Me and my family are on a 1 year road trip in an rv, and what we like most about Loves is; we know what to expect. If we can make it to a Loves, everything will be fine for the night.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Iron Horse RV Resort

    Nice Park for a Couple of Nights

    This is a nice park, friendly staff and well-maintained site. What I didn't like was the fact that they advertised Wi-Fi, which they had, but not at my site. They said they had trouble pushing out the network, but that was information I didn't have when booking. I would have stayed elsewhere. Otherwise, nice park.

  • Wolfram B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Elko KOA Journey

    My KOA "Experience": A Comedy of Errors (and Misery

    It all started when we rolled up to the reception desk, only to find it completely deserted. After finally flagging someone down and, in the glorious 100-degree Fahrenheit heat (that's 38°C for you metric folks), asking for a spot with some shade, I was promptly informed that, since I'd booked a "cheap spot" ($60, mind you!), shade was simply not an option. So, we set up our little slice of hell, desperately trying to conjure some shade with our awning and sunshade in the blazing sun. Just as we finished, some park "authority" waltzed over to tell us we had to turn our rig around because, get this, "park rules." Our polite suggestion that this would render our awning useless and bake our van's entrance was met with a shrug and another firm nod to "the rules." Never mind that we were the only fools in a very long, empty row. Naturally, the staff offered precisely zero solutions. Then came the joys of the night. The highway, just a stone's throw away, apparently doubles as a drag strip where drivers have an insatiable desire to ride the rumble strip, making delightful, ear-splitting music. And on the other side of this "peaceful" park? A train track, where conductors apparently believe the only way to announce their presence is with a constant, valley-echoing blare of the horn. Sleep? Yeah, that was a laughable concept. This place isn't just unsuitable as a stopover; it's an absolute travesty. Consider this my last dance with KOA.

  • Brian P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Humboldt National Forest Thomas Canyon Campground

    Beautiful Views

    Stayed for one night on our way back from California. Very quiet campground that had the basic forest service type amenities. Paves spots, fire rings, picnic tables, grill and vault toilets. The amenities seemed like they could use a refresh and seemed older. The views in the canyon were fantastic and a nice surprise as the recreation.gov page does not do it justice. Would stay again.

  • C
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Sheep Camp in Ruby Valley

    i love Camp in Ruby Valley

    I was a kid I will camp in village with my father and mom old memories are best in village we are playing unblocked games 76 and much more fun we are doing in old days.

Guide to Ruby Valley

Camping near Ruby Valley, Nevada, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

  • First-come, first-served: Many sites at East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A reviewer noted, "Sites were First Come First serve but it looks like a reservation system is in the works," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited amenities: Campgrounds like Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping have fewer amenities. One camper pointed out, "No showers, no firewood," so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Road conditions: Some roads leading to dispersed sites, like those at Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping, may require high clearance vehicles. A visitor mentioned, "High clearance required," so check your vehicle before heading out.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with space for kids to play. At Iron Horse RV Resort, one parent said, "Good amount of space, clean, nice playground," making it a great choice for families.
  • Safety first: Be aware of wildlife. One camper at East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area warned about bugs, saying, "They're attracted by light and will swarm into your tent or RV if you leave the door open even a second."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A reviewer at Humboldt National Forest Thomas Canyon Campground mentioned, "Bring your own firewood," so be ready to cook over a campfire.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: RVers should pay attention to site sizes. One visitor at Iron Horse RV Resort noted, "The sites are very small in width," which could be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Access to amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Iron Horse RV Resort appreciated the "full hookups," making it easier for RV living.
  • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise. A reviewer at Iron Horse RV Resort mentioned, "The trains aren't terrible," so if you're sensitive to noise, consider that when choosing a spot.

Camping near Ruby Valley, Nevada, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful scenery and a variety of activities, it’s a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in the Ruby Mountains?

The Ruby Mountains offer several excellent camping options. Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping provides stunning mountain views with dispersed sites off the entrance road, though some require high-clearance vehicles. The official campground is open May-September. For group camping, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Terraces Picnic and Group Camping Site offers beautiful surroundings with individual sites available when not reserved by groups. Thomas Canyon Campground provides drive-in and walk-in access with reservable sites, water, and toilets. The Ruby Mountains region also features campgrounds near lakes and reservoirs that provide access to fishing and hiking opportunities within this scenic mountain range.

Is camping in Ruby Valley Nevada free or are there fees?

Camping fees in Ruby Valley vary by location and amenities. Most developed campgrounds charge fees. East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area requires payment for overnight stays but offers clean facilities including flushable toilets and non-fee showers with beautiful mountain views. For budget options, Ruby Lake Dispersed offers free camping with basic amenities like water and toilets. When staying at developed RV parks near Ruby Valley, such as those in Elko, expect to pay nightly fees ranging from $30-60 depending on hookups and amenities. Always check current fee information before your trip as rates may change seasonally, and some areas may require recreation passes in addition to camping fees.

What amenities are available at South Ruby Campground?

South Ruby Campground offers several amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground provides potable water, vault toilets, and is accessible by both boat and vehicle. It's designed to accommodate larger RVs, making it big-rig friendly for those traveling with larger setups. The campground is reservable, allowing you to secure your spot ahead of time, particularly important during peak seasons. Located near Elko, South Ruby serves as a great base for exploring the Ruby Mountains. While not as developed as RV resorts, it offers the essential amenities needed for a pleasant outdoor experience while maintaining the natural Ruby Valley setting.

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