Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sun Valley, NV

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Sun Valley? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Sun Valley, including photos, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Nevada camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sun Valley, NV (18)

    Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley

    2. Dog Valley

    4 Reviews
    16 Photos
    93 Saves

    There is no "campground here" Please be aware most of the Dog / Sardine Valley is private property and a working ranch. The places near the valley floor with picnic tables - those are sheep camps. The places with firepits, also sheep camps. Please respect private property and make sure you are camping in the BLM / USDA lands that rim the valley. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Dog Valley provides excellent viewing of both wildflowers and flowering shrubs. Forest, meadows, and streams make up Dog Valley’s landscape, creating a cool and refreshing retreat for this popular recreation area. Dog Valley is also home to two rare plant species, Dog Valley ivesia and Webber’s ivesia. Dog Valley ivesia can only be found in Dog Valley. Other attractions include wildlife viewing and the Crystal Peak Mine, a popular spot for crystal-hounds. Dog Valley offers a variety of opportunities to view wildflowers in the Jeffery pine forests and meadows. As you enter Dog Valley from Verdi, you will see the recovery from the 1994 Crystal Fire with displays of mahala mat, silvery lupine, and chokecherry. Explore the openings in the forest with extensive displays of mule’s ear, balsamroot, buckwheats, paintbrushes, yampah, bitterbrush, bare-stem desert parsley, and manzanita. Walking around, it is easy to enjoy the smaller, less visible flowers, including collomia, prairie star flower, and blue-eyed Mary. Wetter areas have displays of shooting stars, delphinium, and Rydberg’s penstemon. Best Viewing Times: The best time to visit is June and July. Safety First: Creeks and streams can cross the road. Be careful when crossing water and watch for washed-out portions of the road. The road can be very muddy. California OHV registration is required for all vehicles. Campfire permits are also required in California and can be obtained from the Carson District Office or the campground host.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp

    3. Moon Rocks Camp

    2 Reviews
    16 Photos
    38 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
    • No image available

      6. BLM FLATTOP

      3 Reviews
      26 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • No image available

        7. Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

        1 Review
        2 Saves
        • Pets
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
        • No image available

          9. Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

          4 Reviews
          69 Saves
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Phone Service
          • ADA Access
          • RVs
          • Tents
          Camper-submitted photo from Scout Camp at Fort Churchill
        Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Sun Valley

        42 Reviews of 18 Sun Valley Campgrounds


        • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Baldwine East Dispersed Camping
          Nov. 2, 2024

          Baldwine East Dispersed Camping

          NO CAMPING

          there was one other review that said the same, but this spot is just off the road so I thought I’d double check. it’s not only on a gas pipeline, but you’re also verging on private property.

        • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Oct. 12, 2024

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          Not easily accessible

          The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.

        • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Oct. 12, 2024

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Complete trash dump

          It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

        • Paxton B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp
          Sep. 30, 2024

          Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

          The road is terrible

          Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone

        • Anna B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
          Sep. 8, 2024

          Moon Rocks Camp

          Camping on Mars

          (September 28th, 2023) Got here after dark and found an empty clearing to park in for the night. The moon and the stars were so bright, it felt like we were on another planet. Got to explore the area in the morning, such a cool spot! Very quiet when we were there.

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
          Sep. 6, 2024

          Bowman Lake Dispersed

          Lake side Campsites

          If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

        • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
          Jul. 21, 2024

          Bowman Lake Dispersed

          Great Late Spring Escape

          This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM FLATTOP
          Jul. 6, 2024

          BLM FLATTOP

          Access Sucks

          The road kinda sucks but VC is a good time. It was nice other than the road. Please remember to pack everything out, there was a lot of trash I had to pick up that was left behind by others.

        • LThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Grouse Ridge Campground

          Amazing spot for a campground.

          The last five miles to get to this campground was narrow and rocky. Once we got to the campground, I realized narrow and rocky are okay. We were there last weekend in June and there was still snow on the ground. Woot! It was awesome. Quite a few sites there with fire rings, beat up, bear boxes that didn't open and picnic benches that were in bad shape. They had two pot toilets. This was a very busy campground. Lots of traffic on and out, I'm sure to beat the heat. It was 25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento. We loved this campground. I can't wait to go back.

        • EThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dog Valley
          Apr. 23, 2024

          Dog Valley

          Our favorite !

          Dog Valley is a special place where we come to boondock. It’s quite and has a great creek. People come out here to camp, ride atvs, side by sides, dirt bikes, or off road. People target practice a lot and the ranger is very nice.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Scout Camp at Fort Churchill
          Apr. 20, 2024

          Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

          Site on the Pony Express

          Site had a pre-made fire pit. There’s a few spots here to choose from, although if you’re looking for privacy they are somewhat close together. There were 3 others here when we came. Lots of ATVs here. Overall pretty good for a nights stay, especially if you’re in to history!

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Mar. 8, 2024

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          One of my favorite spots

          I love the quietness of this spot and the view is wonderful! The only thing I don’t like is that they took the port-a-potty out, quite possibly for the cold season.

        • Genevieve R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
          Dec. 29, 2023

          Moon Rocks Camp

          Beautiful! Easy access.

          I live nearby, so my family and I went for the day. We left just before sunset. It's gorgeous here. The dirt road is pretty good and not difficult for my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. There were about 3 other groups. We were there on a Thursday. We walked around the whole area where the rocks were. The campsite overlooks a valley where there is an airport. We saw a couple of paragliders. On the way in from Reno, it's very easy to find. I would love to stay here in my travel trailer. There were some huge rigs out there. All of those people had dune buggies, but nobody was driving around on the rocks when we were there. There are no amenities at all. There is just a big clearing for campers. We took our dog. She had fun.

        • Genevieve R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
          Dec. 28, 2023

          Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

          Lots of trash and shells

          I live 10 minutes away, so I checked it out. It's sketchy driving in with a lot of trailers and cars along the road closer to the main road. There may or may nor have been people in them. We didn't see people walking around except one guy who was walking his dog on the dirt road and another guy nearby with a table next to his car. Maybe he was flying a drone. The dirt road was very rutted in a few areas. No big deal, but I was in my Jeep Trailhawk 4x4. I didn't have my trailer with me. The view of the city is great, but that's it. The area to pull off is not that big, so I think it would be crowded with more than 2 other trailers. It wasn't windy at all when we were there, but I'm sure it could be because it can be very windy in this area. I wouldn't stay here unless I absolutely had to for the night. I did hear gunshots in the distance. We only stayed a few minutes to take a few pictures. No amenities like fire rings or tables.

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM FLATTOP
          Oct. 13, 2023

          BLM FLATTOP

          Bad road

          I tried driving up the other day, but couldn’t make it due to rocks. The road starts out as a nice, easy fire road, gets a little rocky, and then by mile 6 or 7 it goes full blown rock garden. SxS’s were going through it slowly, if that helps.

          Virginia City seems like a fun little town, though. And the area itself is pretty cool, just couldn’t make it all the way.

        • Jakey and Alex L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Bear Lake Rd. Dispersed
          Oct. 12, 2023

          Bear Lake Rd. Dispersed

          Beautiful, but a hard drive in

          The road in is paved until you reach the real spot where you can actually set up camp. It is VERY rocky and looks like it’s pretty beaten up by Off Road Vehicles.

          If you have a Trailer or RV this is NOT the place to go. There is another spot down the road that is better.

          Forecast said no rain… it rained. Woke up this morning to 4inches of snow! It was majestic.

        • VThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Scout Camp at Fort Churchill
          Oct. 3, 2023

          Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

          Gorgeous Riparian Forest

          Scout camp is on the Carson river and within the tall cottonwoods. Camp in the shade or out in the open if it’s very windy as the trees can shed branches. Garbage collection and pit toilets. Nice trail along the River.

          As of October 2023 the access road to scout camp was washed out. But there is dispersed camping on the terrace to the south.

        • Ray R.
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Sep. 23, 2023

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          right off housing development that's expanding fast

          Not such a good place. Housing construction getting very close. Lots of local foot traffic. Didn't feel comfortable here, almost felt as I was intruding. It does beat driving around aimlessly searching for a spit, plus its rather close to freeway. You have to leave somewhat early. Lots of joggers and mountain bikers. It has been trashed in the past so left lots of bad tastes in folks.

        • Sage P.
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Sep. 15, 2023

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          Bad vibes, good views

          Did the trick for a night. There was one man with two rv’s there during our visit that gave us pretty bad vibes. Couldn’t go much further up the hill in our 2-wheel drive vehicle. All in all, it’s a gravel lot and road, good views, cool spot.

        • Corey H.
          Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
          Jul. 12, 2023

          BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

          Decent place to sleep for the night

          Tucked off, dirt road with enough seclusion and privacy to feel comfortable at night. Be forewarned that the road is super rough and you will definitely need a car with more clearance to get up it. There is a little pull out before you get to where the directions take you that is perfectly cool to camp. I wouldn’t go all the way up that little stretch of road past the water tanks unless you have a 4x4. The pullout also has a portajohn and sink if needed.

          One thing to note! There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill (about 6 in July) so just be aware of that when camping here. I wasn’t bothered by anyone and I had about 4 people pass by my car this morning.



        Guide to Sun Valley

        Camping near Sun Valley, NV, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to suit different needs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

        What to do:

        • Hiking and Nature Walks: Enjoy the scenic trails around the area. Campers have noted that the trails near Washoe Lake State Park Campground provide beautiful views and are great for a leisurely hike. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful views...worth the stay."
        • Water Activities: If you love being near water, Granite Flat is close to the Truckee River, perfect for fishing or relaxing by the water. A visitor shared, "You have direct access by pathways to the Truckee River."
        • Exploring History: Check out the historical sites at Samuel Buckland Campground — Fort Churchill State Historic Park. One camper noted, "The park was exceptionally clean with staff...we watched the sunrise over the ruins."

        What campers like:

        • Friendly Staff: Many campers appreciate the helpfulness of the staff. At Davis Creek Regional Park, one reviewer said, "Rangers are friendly and often stop by just to see how things are going."
        • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained campgrounds are a big plus. A visitor at Donner Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, "Clean bathrooms. The showers were nice."
        • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Washoe Lake State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "The campground is pretty with big Jeffrey Pines and large boulders."

        What you should know:

        • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A camper at Dayton State Park Campground noted, "It’s right next to the highway so the noise is pretty bad."
        • Reservation Issues: Be cautious with reservations. A reviewer warned about Sparks Marina RV Park, stating, "Believe the negative reviews. This campground will leave you stranded and not have a site available even if you have a reservation."
        • Wildlife Precautions: Since some areas are bear country, it's essential to secure your food. A camper at Logger Campground advised, "Lock up your food, or better yet tie it up in a tree especially in fall."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Boca Rest Campground is noted for being "right next to the water," making it great for family fun.
        • Space for Play: Choose campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Davis Creek Regional Park mentioned, "The spaces are a good size but kinda close to one another."
        • Plan for Weather: Be prepared for temperature changes, especially in fall. A camper at Logger Campground noted, "Cold nights starting in September."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Samuel Buckland Campground said, "It was pretty tight, and I wouldn't recommend that large of a trailer if you don't want a few scratches from bushes."
        • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. Campers at Reno KOA at Boomtown Casino appreciated the "full hookups worked fine."
        • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A visitor at Davis Creek Regional Park mentioned, "People were respectful of quiet hours."

        Camping around Sun Valley, NV, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your trip!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sun Valley, NV?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sun Valley, NV is BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed with a 2.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sun Valley, NV?

          TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Sun Valley, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.