Best Tent Camping near Sparks, NV

Tent campsites near Sparks, Nevada range from dispersed areas with mountain views to established campgrounds along alpine lakes. Reno View Dispersed offers free tent camping with panoramic city views, though the unmaintained access road requires high clearance vehicles. Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch provides a unique tent camping experience on a working alpaca farm, with picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water available.

The access road to Reno View Dispersed is particularly challenging, with rocky terrain unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles or RVs. Most tent campers should come prepared with all supplies as amenities are limited at dispersed sites. Lahontan State Recreation Area offers more developed tent camping with toilets, trash service, and showers, though the sandy terrain can be difficult to navigate. Sites at Reno View feature rocky ground that may require careful tent placement, while areas near Lake Tahoe typically have more level surfaces but may require advance reservations. A camper noted, "The road is a beast. I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck."

Tent camping areas around Sparks provide varied experiences based on elevation and terrain. Sites at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures and forest cover, while desert locations like Lahontan offer lakeside camping with opportunities for water activities. Many primitive tent camping areas lack amenities but provide greater solitude. Wind can be a factor at exposed sites like Reno View, where finding protection between trees is recommended. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, tent campers at Reno View often opt for rooftop tents due to the rocky ground, noting that "RTT and campervans are perfect for this spot!" Seasonal conditions affect access and comfort, with spring bringing higher water levels at Lahontan and summer bringing warmer temperatures throughout the region.

Best Tent Sites Near Sparks, Nevada (28)

    1. Reno View Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    20 miles

    "I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno."

    2. Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch

    5 Reviews
    Washoe Valley, NV
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 496-7561

    $25 - $50 / night

    "I parked behind a hay stack and next to a picnic table where I could set up my little kitchen. There was also a clean porta potty and hand washing station which was very convenient."

    "Had the whole place to ourselves……and the roaming Alpacas of course 😁 Park anywhere you want in the designated circular driveway on flat grass and dirt. We walked along the creek and just relaxed."

    3. Developed 7 — Lahontan State Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Silver Springs, NV
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 867-3500

    $15 - $25 / night

    "not close to amenities and no hookups- bring water"

    "Restrooms available."

    4. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 582-7892

    $35 / night

    "Close to Truckee so you can easily get supplies. Lots of trees give a private feel even though it is a busy campground."

    "We were in a large site and had pleasant neighbors. The restrooms were SUPER clean with flush toilets and hot showers. Short walk to Donner Lake and Donner Museum."

    7. Bear Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "People from the area (i guess)  seemed to be "reserving"  sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs...  they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility. "

    8. Lake of the Woods

    4 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    40 miles

    "Nice campground at great lake. Nice water for swimming. Fire rings and benches for each site. A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars."

    "Took my wife here for her first backpacking trip. Was over all a great experience. Went at the end of June . The lake is shallow in some areas with white sand ."

    9. Sagehen Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Truckee, CA
    34 miles
    Website

    "Small Creek runs near the sites with little brookies.  Study area near by pay attention where you are fishing. No dumping but there are toilets. "

    10. North Canyon Campground

    1 Review
    Glenbrook, NV
    33 miles
    +1 (775) 831-0494
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Tent Camping Reviews near Sparks, NV

603 Reviews of 28 Sparks Campgrounds


  • Dani P.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Meeks Bay

    Beautiful and big family oriented campground

    Just a small walk away from Lake Tahoe shore. Big beautiful trees cover the entire campground. A couple bathrooms that surprisingly do not smell bad and have a running faucet. Bears are a real issue, so they have big bear boxes at each site - make sure to use them. Sites close together and not much privacy. Camp Host on site. Very limited parking at the sites, but free parking if you park outside of the campground along the main road and walk in. Do not leave food in your car, especially on the outside. And dont forget to Leave No Trace!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2023

    General Creek Campground — Sugar Pine Point State Park

    Available off-season camping near Lake Tahoe

    After October 2, it is first come, first available and only sites 26-72 were open so my review is limited to a small portion of the campground. When I researched ahead of time, it was the ONLY open campground I could find in the Lake Tahoe area. At least the per night rate was decreased to $25 ($23 for seniors). I don’t know about the rest of the loops but most of the sites in the open loop appeared to be “doubles” or even “triples”; the camper pads were paved but appeared to be side-by-side parking spaces. Fortunately, there were not many campers so this was not a problem, however, if the park were more crowded, this layout would only make sense if the camper pads were used to park vehicles and people tent camped. All sites appeared to be level. No hookups. Each site had a large picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. 

    We had been warned multiple times that we were camping in an active bear area and although we did not encounter any, one of the other campers told us they had seen a mama and bear cub, along with a coyote. 

    The showers and dump station were closed for the season. There was no host on-site. The restrooms were very basic: toilet and sink but no soap, paper towels, or air dryers. 

    My rating might have been higher if we could have seen other parts of the campground, but our experience was limited to one night and we did not visit the day-use area.

  • kathleen K.
    Jul. 2, 2021

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Unexpected Oasis

    First stop in my early summer road trip. Stayed for two nights. Easy self pay station at the front entrance. To get to the campground at the first right little dirt road before the pay station. Entrance into the park patch to the campground has a limited day-use fee also and there is group they use facilities with a large barbecue and outdoor sink that you would be able to wash dishes at if necessary. Great shaded spot in the middle of the desert. This was quite the unexpected little Oasis. Comes with peacocks. Limited number of spots available for tent camping or RV camping with no hookups. There are water spickets available and the park part of this Campground has flush toilets. The campground itself comes with a fire ring and a picnic bench. Trees are plentiful shade is wonderful the heat in this area in the summer time is Relentless but the shade is perfect at this location. There are peacocks on the property that apparently come from somewhere else I believe there are at least three of them they do make noise at night but it's not ridiculous unless there are coyotes on the property. Beware this is the desert there is wild life. Do not leave your food out at night. Bear boxes are not provided but keep your food items inside of your tent or your vehicle or lock them up. I did not have any issues because I am Savvy to the situation. I had a wonderful time hiking around and exploring the area through the trails making my way to the Carson River. This place is a gem and I will be back!

  • Elliott B.
    Sep. 27, 2018

    Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park

    Campground with a beautiful layout

    I walked through the seasonally closed Eagle Point Campground while exploring the Emerald Bay section of Lake Tahoe. This campground is a newly renovated area of the peninsula on the South/West side of the Emerald Bay State Park separated into Upper and Lower sections.

    Since the campground was closed we had to park on Highway 89 and walk through the campground to get to the Rubicon Trailhead which is located at the divider between the 2 camping sections.

    As we hiked through I was really blown away with the layout of the campground. I loved that these sites were almost a multi-leveled. Meaning that your tent site might be 10 feet lower than your picnic table, bear box, etc. or it could have a raised fire pit on a small bluff above the tent pad, table. Each site was unique, and this added to the separation between sites, so you’re not on the same level and directly next to your neighbors, adding to the feeling of being in the wilderness. (At least to me)

    Also, it should be pointed out that there were signs everywhere about using your bear boxes and that they’d fine you if you leave anything in your car. I know some people seem to have an issue with this for some reason…but I don’t want a bear roaming through any campground I’m staying at.

    There weren’t any sites that I saw which could hold an RV or 5th wheel, unless you have something under 18 feet… So maybe tents only, and there are no hookups. While I know I got a sterile experience since no one was actually camping, the campground was very clean and well maintained and the restrooms looked really nice. They had running water, flush toilets and pay showers ($1 per 3 minutes). The little amphitheater at the trailhead was cool and seemed ideally setup for presentations with incredible views of Lake Tahoe.

    While pets are allowed in the campground, they’re not allowed on the Emerald Bay SP trails or beaches. Sites are $35 and all are reservable 6 month out, so

  • R
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Prosser Family

    Large sites, quiet, & beautiful views

    We stayed for two nights during the end of June 2018. Despite being summer, the temperature drops significantly at night. Even with cold weather sleeping bags, my son and I were really cold. There’s no electricity or bath houses, so charge all your devices and shower before your visit, lol. The potable water pumps are tricky to learn how to use at first, and the water is very cold.

    The sites are large and relatively flat, so tent camping is easy. While there are some sites that cannot be reserved online, I highly recommend that you do not rely on getting one that is first come, first serve. We saw three trucks filled with families trying to go after the last non-reservable site. So, reserve yours online!

    Be aware that there might be bear that get close to your sleeping quarters as the area is full of them. I was never scared, but my son swore that he saw one while he was going to bed. I was still up chit chatting with neighbors, so I did not see anything. Earlier that day, the Forest Ranger came through the camp to do an interpretive by showing everyone various mammal furs, two of which were bears. He told us that they have learned to be attracted to ice chests (coolers) and plastic boxes; they know these can contain food, so cover them with blankets or towels when secured in your car or around the campsite. Of course, food should be locked away at night and when not being prepared.

    This campground is located next to Prosser Reservoir, so there are beautiful views of the lake. The sites on the back side of the grounds have the best views. Even if you don’t get a lake view, do not worry as there are plenty of places to hike with lots of spectacular views! Pick up a copy of ‘Lake Tahoe’s Spectacular Wildflower Trails’ by Julie S. Carville, and pick a trail! Sagehen Creek Trail (Hike #12 in the book, I believe) is very close by Prosser Family Campground.

    The coolest thing about this place is that you can drink while enjoying the natural views! Wahoo!

  • Joan F.
    Jun. 12, 2019

    Granite Flat

    An oasis!!

    Coming from a state that has water around it, then moving to nevada really made me sad but not even 2 hrs away you will find this refreshing water of truckee river! I had my birthday here couple years ago. Float on the flowing water is amazing and yet memorable with my friends. On campsite area is a bit rocky. Sleeping pad, sleeping mats or if youre glamping, air bed is a must!! It becomes super chilly at night. Temp changes drastically and that was august. Id bring a pair of wool socks, thermals and sleeping bag will get you comfortable at nightfall, stars are super visible but trees are on its way. Vegetation is lush in here and you will get some unwinding feeling after seeing the desert part of nevada. Lots of shops close to the lake. Restaurants are amazing, parkings are hard but you dont have to fight for a spot. If suggest to reserve a spot even though its not really a popular area due to lake tahoe and tons of cabins around the area. An all wheel drive at least should be driving there bec the road could be closed due to some weather issues or bring chains with you just in case "chain up" sign is on. It gets warm during this time of the month and just perfect to dive in the water. Lots of crawfishes close to shore. Im sure yall will enjoy this place but always remember to respect our mother nature!

  • Sherry L.
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Granite Flat

    "Roughing it" ...near town, close to but not quite glamping...

    Granite Flat is a great way to get out and camp without worrying too much about forgetting something. Now, I know no one WANTS to head back into town for the ice, eggs, or brew they forgot. But if you do, you're only 2 miles from the grocery store.

    This campground is right along the Truckee river! It is RV/Camper, tent & dog friendly. Though there are very few "tent only" sites.

    They have non-flushing restrooms with TP! (fancy outhouses)

    You can park up to 2 cars per site

    There is fresh, clean water located at pumps thruought the campground

    PLENTY of space to pitch a tent

    Bear boxes provided (we were lucky enough to see a mama and two cubs across the river from us!)

    Fire pits and picknick tables

    Super friendly camp hosts

    We stayed here at 3 tent only sites, the night after our wedding with a group of friends! We all loved it and will definitely be back. You can float from one end of the campground down to the other end or keep going if you can find a ride (Uber) back to the campground! I hear the fly fishing on the Truckee river is fantastic as well. Due to the fact that we JUST got married the day before, we actually had our DJ come the the campsite and spin there. The people in the nearby sites were totally cool with it and we were respectful of quiet hours. So, as you'll see in the video, we had music. But typically the festival DJ doesn't come with the campsite. ;)

    One negative to this campground is that the highway is right next to it. The Tahoe region is EXTREMELY popular so I'd suggest booking early if you can (though it seems you can find sites last min too) and know that if you're next to the highway, you'll hear cars/trucks passing through. By no means did any of my party feel that the vehicle noise was intrusive on our experience though. But it's food for thought.

    Lastly, again you're near town and can head into Truckee for some tasty brew and food at many local breweries, breakfast, & BBQ spots! Plus the town of Truckee is super cute and should be explored of you haven't been.

  • jay B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Great spot to dry camp near Tahoe

    This campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!

  • J
    Jul. 11, 2020

    Granite Flat

    The city in the woods

    Its a nice camp ground, easy to get to and everything is kept up nicely. There are bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site so everything you need for an easy weekend on the river. The only downside to this campground is that its right along the highway so you hear road noise all the time. Its also right on the Truckee River and there are good access spots so you don't have to go through peoples spots.


Guide to Sparks

Tent camping near Sparks, Nevada offers a unique blend of scenic views and outdoor adventures, perfect for those looking to escape into nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy stunning views of the Reno skyline while camping at Reno View Dispersed, where you can set up your tent and soak in the beauty of the area.
  • Experience the tranquility of Fish Ladder Beach, a great spot for fishing and water sports amidst the high desert landscape.
  • Explore the hiking trails around Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Spooner Backcountry, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

Tent campers should check out these amenities

Unique features of these camping spots

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sparks, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sparks, NV is Reno View Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sparks, NV?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Sparks, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.