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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
