Dispersed camping near Ruth, Nevada centers around several BLM and Forest Service managed areas, with free campsites scattered throughout the surrounding mountain terrain. Sacramento Pass BLM Campground offers designated dispersed sites about 8 miles west of Great Basin National Park on Highway 6, while Garnet Hill Camp provides primitive camping options along a 3-mile dirt road with various pull-off spots. Additional free camping can be found at Old 93 BLM, Strawberry Creek, and along Forest Road 19631, all within reasonable driving distance of Ruth.
Most access roads to these dispersed sites are unpaved and vary in condition, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Garnet Hill Camp's approach involves a 3-4 mile dirt road that most vehicles can navigate, though larger RVs or trailers may find some sections challenging. The NF-589 dispersed site near Baker Creek Road features a rough, narrow track with washouts and large rocks that demands 4WD access. One camper noted, "This OHV road is narrow and rough with decent sized rocks. There are very little opportunities to turn around." Most sites provide no amenities—no water, trash service, or restrooms—though Sacramento Pass does offer vault toilets and trash collection.
These free dispersed campsites offer excellent views of the surrounding Nevada landscape, with many providing good cell reception despite their remote settings. Several campers report quiet, peaceful experiences with beautiful vistas. One visitor to Garnet Hill mentioned, "Beautiful high desert scenery. Lots of available dispersed spots for big groups/lots of people." Sacramento Pass receives consistent positive reviews for its cleanliness and mountain views. Most sites allow fires in established fire rings, though seasonal restrictions may apply. Campers particularly appreciate these free options when Great Basin National Park campgrounds are full, with one reviewer noting, "Great Basin was full, so went west on 6 about 8 miles and pulled into dispersed campground where there were some covered picnic tables at sites around a large central pond."
"It it about 3 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. As you are approaching the trailhead, there are spur roads with some good turnouts to park."
"Lots of available dispersed spots for big groups/lots of people. Roads aren’t too bad, sort of bumpy & sandy. Heard coyotes at night which was cool."
"Map will take you to BLM off the highway. However, there are 4 forest service designated campgrounds on the road across the highway."
"The pin in the app has you turn west off the highway. There is a gate with a sign from the department of transportation saying to keep it closed."
"This is over a mile up a dirt road, but it’s well packed so our 2WD camper made it easily (in dry weather). Camp spot is great - has vault toilets, grills and a peaceful view of the reservoir."
"There are more dispersed sites available via dirt roads if you want to be back from the campground. It was very nice for a BLM site. There is a fun hiking trailhead right off the horse area."
"Not sure if this is what I understand to be dispersed camping, as it’s a first come first served campground with tables, fire rings and pit toilets, just no water."
"Quiet easy access-just what you want in a dispersed campsite."
"Easy to get into the park and easy to get situated. All dirty, with concrete pads for your RV or Trailer. Not a bad spot, felt safe and headed out the next day during our commute."
"First off I'll start by saying the "Get directions" location on this app is incorrect AND the GPS will take you down a private, gated, dirt road to get there."
GuideVery remote and wild, but the sites are very developed. Firm level pads, grills, picnic tables, horse pen, clean toilets, trash can. We passed the first group of sites, went up to the top and so glad we did. Trails everywhere. Views amazing! It snowed in May- be ready!
GuideQuiet area, easy drive up, about 3 miles off road. I have full service at the very top. Not much in the area on our drive to Zion so it was a great stopping point.
RangerI stayed up in the house camp area and had a concrete pad, covered picnic table, and metal fire ring. There was a bathroom up there and another at the lower level. The road was pretty good. There are more dispersed sites available via dirt roads if you want to be back from the campground. It was very nice for a BLM site. There is a fun hiking trailhead right off the horse area. Beautiful view in all directions. A few bugs.
TravelerOnce you get past the gate follow the gravel road. Seems to have been grated recently. We pulled in to one of cattle water trough areas. Didn’t go all the way to the creek but with rains during the day we wanted to be safe than sorry. Verizon has two bars 5 g. Plenty of flat spaces for setting up. Areas without brush seem to be scarce. But satellite looks promising near the creek.
ScoutDon't enter this campground from Highway 93
GuideGreat plat to camp and look forward to cool rocks and garnets. There is a bathroom that not very well kept and there’s trash all over. Roads are not very well maintained rock clutter from hounds and huge ruts in the road. Did find what we came for can’t complain there. Peace and quiet. Great garnets and fun times
ScoutIts a nice spot with covered picnic tables. Had a flattened tent spot, nice spot for a bunch of cars. Got there at 10 pm and still plenty of spots. You can definitely hear the road from your spot. But its not too bad
TravelerThe pin in the app has you turn west off the highway. There is a gate with a sign from the department of transportation saying to keep it closed. I went through the gate and turned my travel trailer around (22-ft). I was able to turn it around to face the gate but I had to drive over some sagebrush. The terrain is pretty level. Overall, a place to stay for a night, but I wouldn't spend any more time here personally.
RangerThe upper campsite has great amenities for a free BLM site. The area was clean and not overcrowded on a cool Friday night. If only all free campgrounds were this nice...
Dispersed camping opportunities near Ruth, Nevada include several sites on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The area sits at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach the 80s during daytime hours while dropping to the 40s at night, even during peak camping months.
Rockhounding at Garnet Hill Camp: Visitors can search for garnets at the designated collecting area. "Been camped here for 10 days and has been a good place to be. Not many camp sites along the 3 mile dirt road to get here. Weather and sunsets have been awesome," notes Ralph, who spent an extended stay at the site.
Stargazing from high elevation: The remote location offers minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. At Illipah Reservoir Recreational Area, Jonathan M. confirms the exceptional conditions: "On the reservoir with beautiful mountain views. 3 bars AT&T 5G" while enjoying the open skies.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife including mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species. A camper at Strawberry Creek mentioned, "Quiet easy access-just what you want in a dispersed campsite," making it ideal for wildlife watching from your site.
Level camping surfaces: Many sites offer relatively flat areas suitable for various camping setups. At Sacramento Pass BLM Campground, Peter I. found: "Needed a place to overnight in my RTT, and this worked out great. Pulled in, was the only one there so had my choice of spots. Had a restful night and hit the road in the morning."
Open sites for larger groups: Some areas accommodate multiple vehicles and tents. According to Ray & Terri F., Sacramento Pass offers good spacing: "The CG is very clean and well maintained. Although, the CG is small, 8 total sites, 2 or 3 were available when we arrived at 3:30pm. The sites also have nice separation."
Sheltered picnic areas: Several campgrounds feature covered tables for protection from sun and weather. Sarah M. notes at Sacramento Pass: "For this to be a free campground, it's really nice! Each site is an established site, with a covered picnic table & firepit. Each site is spaced out also."
Limited turnaround space: Several roads to dispersed sites have minimal areas to turn vehicles around, especially with trailers. At Strawberry Creek Dispersed Camp, a camper advises: "We pulled into the first side available on the left-hand side of the road going into Strawberry Creek. Nice views to the north. Very quiet."
Early arrival recommended: Most free sites fill quickly during peak season. Matt G. suggests for Sacramento Pass: "Beautiful and clean dispersed camping. There are many different sites. Even has restrooms. The best sites are further back in the forest don't stop at the main section just off the road."
Poor site etiquette reported: Some campers report issues with site respect. One reviewer noted: "We witnessed this happen to our neighbor. Thursday evening a single male with CA tags comes flying thru the campground and whipped into our neighbor's campsite and pulls right in front of their picnic table with his truck and 5th wheel trailer."
Toilets available at select sites: Only certain camping areas provide vault toilets. "There's 2 bathrooms & a dumpster. Right above great basin national park. Very clean also," reports Sarah M. about Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping.
Weather preparation crucial: Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common. One Garnet Hill Camp visitor reported: "We loved this spot for an overnight. We drove our 25' RV up and found a perfect spot. It snowed over night and we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise."
Cell service varies by location: Reception can be spotty depending on exact location and carrier. Marty K. notes about Garnet Hill: "About one thousand feet before the top of Garnet Hill, at a 90 degrees right hand turn, there are a number of good, level spots with excellent cell service on T-Mobile."
Road condition challenges: Many access roads require careful navigation. At Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite, Teri G. warns: "This OHV road is narrow and rough with decent sized rocks. There are very little opportunities to turn around and I would strongly recommend AGAINST entering with a two-wheel drive vehicle or a trailer."
Size limitations for larger rigs: Some areas restrict larger vehicles. "I would not take a trailer or large motor home to the top of the hill. There are no good places for trailers (tents are ok) and the parking lot at the top is small," cautions Marty K. about Garnet Hill.
Free dumping limited: RVers should plan ahead for waste management. Matthew S. mentions about Old 93: "Nice flat gravel camping spots. The road is not difficult at all. Small fee to camp but comes with a well maintained spot, fire pit, and grate for cooking."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ruth, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ruth, NV is Garnet Hill Camp with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ruth, NV?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Ruth, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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