Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ruth, NV

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Ruth, look no further. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ruth, NV (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Hill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Hill Camp

    1. Garnet Hill Camp

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    39 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping

    2. Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    30 Saves

    Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska)

    • RVs
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from 19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from 19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from 19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from 19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from 19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from 19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
    • No image available
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          Camper-submitted photo from Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite

          8. Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite

          1 Review
          27 Photos
          14 Saves

          Welcome to the high-desert, and the wide open country of the Great Basin. In this vast un-peopled place you’ll commune with coyotes, pronghorn and pygmy rabbits. You’ll soak up a degree of silence that few places in the Lower 48 can offer. You’ll experience a dome of stars made overwhelming by the neck-straining stretch of the horizons. You’ll inhale the aroma of sage propelled on some of the cleanest air in the west. You’ll discover trees which have experienced over a million sunsets, and otherworldly caverns shocking in form.

          You may also discover, the campgrounds of Great Basin National Park…filled to capacity.

          There is no permitting, paperwork, or payment required for camping on BLM land. It’s called dispersed camping, and all that’s requested is a bit of self-reliance and adherence to some common sense regulations put in place to keep the land enjoyable to all and to ensure the safety and sustainability of this valuable natural resource.

          If dispersed camping is something you are willing to experience, then we would encourage you taking the plunge. BLM land is public land after all. Step up and claim it, but treat it with respect. For specific regulations as well as helpful tips please call the Bureau of Land Management, Ely District Office at 775 289-1800 or go to their website https://www.blm.gov/office/ely-district-office.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Standard (Tent/RV)
          • Dispersed
          • No image available

            9. Strawberry Creek Dispersed Camp

            Be the first to review!
            7 Saves

            There is no permitting, paperwork, or payment required for camping on BLM land. It’s called dispersed camping, and all that’s requested is a bit of self-reliance and adherence to some common sense regulations put in place to keep the land enjoyable to all and to ensure the safety and sustainability of this valuable natural resource.

            If dispersed camping is something you are willing to experience, then we would encourage you taking the plunge. BLM land is public land after all. Step up and claim it, but treat it with respect. For specific regulations as well as helpful tips please call the Bureau of Land Management, Ely District Office at 775 289-1800 or go to their website https://www.blm.gov/office/ely-district-office.

            • RVs
            • Tents
            • Standard (Tent/RV)

          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ruth

          14 Reviews of 9 Ruth Campgrounds


          • UThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
            Oct. 16, 2024

            Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

            FREE. NIce alternative to Great Basin NP which runs FULL

            On the whole, it's avg. as far as campgrounds go

            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, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites. Stayed in#7 which was exposed, but the last one available so we took it. Free. Pit toilets are dirty but don't stink and trash has been emptied. Nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across UT

          • UThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
            Oct. 16, 2024

            Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

            Clean, good alternative to Great Basin which tends to run FULL

            FREE! On the whole, avg., 3 stars. Not many developed BLM sites around.

            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, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites. Stayed in#7 which was exposed, but the last one available so we took it. Free. Pit toilets are dirty but don't stink and trash has been emptied. Nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across UT

          • TThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite
            Jul. 27, 2024

            Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite

            Beautiful single site on a rough dirt road

            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. Also, there is only ONE campsite on this road.

            When you set your GPS for this location the GPS will take you down Lehman Caves Road which is also highway 488 into the national park. About halfway down this road from the small town of Baker, you will be told turn left on Rowland Ranch Road. IGNORE THIS. Rowland Ranch Road is a gated dirt road on private property. Instead continue down Lehman Caves Road until you get to a left on Baker Creek Road. I have attached a picture of detailed instructions of this ^ in my review.

            Baker Creek Road is a maintained road within the national park boundaries but is hard pack gravel with some washboards along it. Just a little ways down Baker Creek Road, you will come to NF-589. This road starts as a Y split. Your first left is a foot path only with no camping signs in it. Directly behind it is the vehicle accessible entrance. Enter at your own risk! 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. With that being said, I managed to squeeze down this road with my stock 2015 Toyota Tacoma towing a 12x6 enclosed trailer. My truck made it no problem without 4wd but I was at the limit of capability with my trailers ground clearance, width, and length. I also pre-scouted the singular campsite on this road with my off-road motorcycle to make sure nobody was there first. The only way for me to turn around with my trailer on NF-589 was to use the campsite I stayed in. Just into the entrance of the road you'll come across a downed tree across the road. Don't worry, somebody remade the road to the left going around it so continue on. About halfway towards the campsite you'll come across a small picket sign on the left side of the road that marks the national park boundaries. The campsite is on your left roughly another 500ft after that, just barely outside the national park boundary. There are some good wash outs almost a foot deep and 6-8in stones in the road. My 6-ft wide trailer, which is slightly wider than my truck, was touching trees on both sides for most of the way down.

            I'll say it again, there is only one campsite here. The GPS coordinates do not bring you to a campsite so follow my instructions instead. This campsite is tight as you first turn in but opens up in the middle about 20ft into it. It also has some flat open areas for tents just a few feet away from main area. The site is not level and on the slope of a hill. There are also some large rocks similar in size to the ones in the trail on the way in all through the site. My 4in levelers for my rooftop tent were not tall enough to counter this slope. I ended up having to use large boulders and back over them to level my truck so I could sleep. There's nothing here but a fire ring, that includes bathrooms of any kind. You are just in the middle of the woods.

            I would love it if people would stop having glass bottle parties around campfires. When did ruining fragile campsites become the new cool? I always try to leave a free campsite better than I found it. I spend time cleaning up other people's trash, rebuilding fallen fireplaces, and sweeping off cement patios when present. I would greatly appreciate it if you would do the same for others.

            Anyways, I was here for 2 nights. The views are slightly blocked by the trees but the trees are fairly short. If you can get above the trees like I could by sitting on the roof of my trailer when the sun went down, the views are actually stunning at this campsite. This campsite is almost walking distance to the Lehman Caves and just a few minutes drive to most other attractions here like the scenic drive to the Alpine Lakes at the base of Wheeler Peak. The campsite is completely silent but there is a home about a half mile through the woods to the North towards Lehman Caves Road so please be respectful with music volume even though it may feel as though you are in the middle of nowhere.

          • M
            Camper-submitted photo from Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping
            Jul. 16, 2024

            Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping

            Well maintained

            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.

            There was a nice creek behind us and lots of cows roaming.

          • Shannon D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
            May. 18, 2024

            Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

            Stealing campsites

            Free BLM numbered designated sites. We read other online reviews about people making a camp site wherever they want and this happened during our stay. We witnessed this (see the picture) 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. Our neighbor came outside (as did several other neighbors wondering what this guy was doing) and confronts the guy. He asks him "you're not going to park there are you?!?". The guy tells him "yes, I need to watch TV" and proceeded to pull out his satellite dish and plop it down. Our neighbor says "this is my site and you're blocking my view." The guy told him he didn't care and set up anyways. Meanwhile there were 2 other RVs camping at the entrance waiting for a campsite to open up. In 7 years of RVing the entire country I have never witnessed such rude and entitled behavior before! The town of Ely for supplies had some of the rudest characters we've come across as well which was very surprising for a small town. This campground might have been a hidden gem at one time but with too much Internet publicity it's very busy now. Constant cars coming and going at all hours especially racing to the upper level of the campground. It probably would've been more peaceful sleeping at one of the highway pullouts.

          • Peter I.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
            Nov. 26, 2023

            Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

            Perfect

            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. No fuss! 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.

          • AThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Hill Camp
            Nov. 19, 2023

            Garnet Hill Camp

            Great overnight!

            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. We navigated the gravel road just fine, even with light snow.

          • Grant W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
            Sep. 10, 2023

            Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

            Great spot

            Make sure you take the road up the hill out of the lower camp spots to the upper area. To this day this is one of my favorite spots. Worth staying a few days, we were there in late April and the weather was great.

          • R
            Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Hill Camp
            Jul. 30, 2023

            Garnet Hill Camp

            Garnet Hill

            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

          • Jeff K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping
            Jul. 2, 2023

            Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping

            Forest Service Down the Road

            About 10mi north of Ely. Map will take you to BLM off the highway. However, there are 4 forest service designated campgrounds on the road across the highway.

          • N
            Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Hill Camp
            Jun. 27, 2023

            Garnet Hill Camp

            A night passing thru

            A 4 mile gravel road mostly up hill. We drove our 25 ft class C without a problem. Many places to camp with minimal leveling. Great views of the terrible Kennecot Mine Scars!

          • Mike G.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Garnet Hill Camp
            Jun. 19, 2023

            Garnet Hill Camp

            Lots of secluded space and cell coverage

            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. There were 3 other cars in the area overnight, but I felt I had the place to myself with the junior and pine providing shelter. I am not sure how a take would fit, but there are some turnouts for a small trailer. ATT cell coverage was decent.

          • MThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
            Jun. 10, 2023

            Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

            Overnight Stop

            Very nice BLM camp area. Each site has tent pad, picnic table, and sun shade. Mostly level for van camper. Vault toilets ok, not pristine. Camp is 2 miles East of the summit. We arrived 4:30 on Friday evening several sites available. Quiet.

          • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground
            Jun. 1, 2023

            Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

            Nice, well kept, free CG

            We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We stayed in the second site for one night in late May. 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. 

            AT&T coverage was poor, with 0 to 1 bar of 5GE and speeds of only 0.3 MB/s. We had access all 3 western DISH satellites and Starlink had speeds were up to 11 MB/s.



          Guide to Ruth

          Camping near Ruth, Nevada, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from that cater to different needs and preferences.

          What to do:

          • Explore hiking trails: The area is known for its beautiful trails. Campers have enjoyed the “great trails for hiking and biking” at Ward Mountain Campground.
          • Visit Great Basin National Park: Just a short drive away, this park features stunning landscapes and unique geological formations. One visitor mentioned, “The campground was closed in October but there's plenty of flat trailhead parking and a toilet” at Wheeler Peak Campground.
          • Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, making them perfect for fishing. A camper at Lake View Campground said, “This campground is just the best spot! A minute walk to the lake and spacious camping sites.”

          What campers like:

          • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Elk Flat Campground — Cave Lake State Park noted, “A very quiet and beautifully maintained campground and they even had flush toilets and showers.”
          • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Ely KOA mentioned, “The front desk lady was so friendly! I only stopped here for one night, but would stop again if I was in the area.”
          • Scenic views: Campers love the picturesque surroundings. One reviewer at Ward Mountain Campground said, “The view was beautiful. It was peaceful.”

          What you should know:

          • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have water or electric hookups. A camper at Baker Creek Campground — Great Basin National Park mentioned, “Water is currently not available in the campground, water can be obtained at the visitor center.”
          • Dusty roads: Be prepared for some dirt roads leading to campgrounds. A visitor at Sacramento Pass Recreation Area noted, “It’s a dusty drive to Baker Creek campground along a gravel road.”
          • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Garnet Hill Camp shared, “Weather and sunsets have been awesome.”

          Tips for camping with families:

          • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A reviewer at Lake View Campground said, “Restrooms and showers were clean! Park rangers and maintenance folks are very friendly.”
          • Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One family at Ely KOA enjoyed the “SXS trails too.”
          • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Elk Flat Campground mentioned, “Next time we will stay more than one night and try some hiking.”

          Tips from RVers:

          • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's sites. A visitor at Ward Mountain Campground noted, “The road were well maintained. There were spots that accommodate group camping.”
          • Bring leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Baker Creek Campground mentioned, “It was super hard to level our 21’ class B.”
          • Plan for high altitude: Campgrounds like Wheeler Peak Campground are at high elevations, so be prepared for cooler temperatures and thinner air. One camper advised, “It does get chilly at that elevation so bring appropriate clothes.”

          Camping near Ruth, Nevada, offers a unique experience with plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, there's something for everyone in this area.

          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 4.8-star rating from 4 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.