Best Campgrounds near Ruth, NV
Camping near Ruth, Nevada encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites in the high desert landscape of eastern Nevada. Ward Mountain Campground, located directly in Ruth, provides a clean, well-maintained base for both tent and RV camping with basic amenities including drinking water and toilets. Nearby, Cave Lake State Park offers two campgrounds—Lake View and Elk Flat—with fishing opportunities in a reservoir setting. The surrounding area includes the historic Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park with its unique 19th-century beehive-shaped kilns and adjacent camping facilities. Many campgrounds in this region serve as convenient stopover points for travelers crossing Nevada or visiting Great Basin National Park, approximately an hour's drive away.
Most campgrounds near Ruth operate seasonally, with Ward Mountain Campground typically open from early June through mid-October. Summer temperatures can reach the 90s during daytime hours but cool significantly at night due to the elevation, which ranges from 6,500 to 7,500 feet throughout the area. Winter brings snow and subfreezing temperatures, limiting camping options. Cell service varies significantly by location and provider, with T-Mobile showing better coverage than Verizon in some areas. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly during drought years. Many campers report strong winds as a regular occurrence, especially in open areas with limited tree cover.
The camping options around Ruth cater to different preferences and needs. RV travelers will find several developed options with hookups in nearby Ely, including the Ely KOA and Silver Sage Travel Center, which offer full amenities including showers, electric hookups, and dump stations. According to reviews, the Ely KOA features "trails right from the grounds for walking, biking, and quading." For those seeking more seclusion, Garnet Hill Camp offers dispersed camping with basic facilities including picnic tables and toilets but no hookups. Visitors note that many campgrounds in the area fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly those with lake access, so arriving early or making reservations when possible is advisable.