Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Tonopah, NV

I've passed through Goldfield Nevada several times and always wanted to stay long enough to explore it more. In October 2020 I did just that. I wasn't sure exactly when I'd get there so I didn't make a reservation ahead of time but when I got near Goldfield I called around and they had a space available. (I called a few campgrounds and I can't remember if others were full or if this one had the best rates. I think I paid $25/night for three nights. Their rates have increased to $35/night in January 2021 (I called to confirm this.) They do offer lower weekly rates.  People were friendly.

It's typical RV park. i.e. You're parked too close to your neighbors. My space was next to the "dog park" which was maybe a 20' x 10' fenced area so I didn't have another RV on that side. That made me happy. Few people actually used the dog park while I was there, They had full hookups. There may have been picnic tables I don't remember. They had showers and a restroom. I liked the location because I could walk just about everywhere. I didn't want to unhitch my trailer for such a short stay.

Overall it was a good stay. I prefer to camp BLM lands because you can spread out and there's a lot of space between you and other campers. I have solar, a composting toilet and running water on board so I'm pretty much self contained off-grid for a week or two.  I'd like to explore the nearby BLM camping next time. The disadvantage would be that you'd have to unhitch to go explore the town.

Forgot something VERY important. You have to visit the DInky Diner. Really good food. super friendly. The owner, Karie, has a story about how she started the diner. Check out the photos.

What a treat the Desert Skies RV Resort in Mesquite, Nevada is! The park is large and very spacious with FHU back-in and pull-through sites. The sites are double width with a gravel parking half and a concrete patio half, allowing for plenty of room for all your vehicles and toys. There are also some park model mobile homes that have full-time residents sprinkled in. It is located next to a beautiful golf course and near town and casinos. There is an office, mailroom, gym, laundry room, billiard room, restrooms, pool, hot tub, mini-golf course, dog runs, driving net, pickle ball courts, and access to desert trails for walking. So much fun to be had! All of the facilities here are very clean and there is no trash in the park. All of this and 360’ mountain views! If you are near Mesquite, this RV resort is worth a stay.

For videos on this park and others, check out our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.

This dispersed camping site is located right off highway 95 in Tonopah, about half way between Reno and Las Vegas. It is not a destination camping site, but a great place to get some sleep along the way. The best way to access the site is to take a right off the freeway onto the large gravel road, just south of the BLM office. (Wouldn’t advise going through the BLM parking lot as the map directs you, as it takes you to an AWD dirt road instead…this was not good for our eurovan;)). There is a small butte between the highway and the road that provides a little sound barrier between you and the traffic. There was another RV parked up the road a bit and plenty of space in between. Overall this campsite provides a peaceful and restful night along your journey. Tonopah seems to be a bit windy and a fine layer of dust accumulated in our van during the night so you may want to “batten down the hatches.”

FREE and easy to get in and out.  Plus it was level.  This dispersed area is right off the 95 highway right as you come in to town or leave it based on the direction of travel.  You park up on a hill that overlooks a vast mountain range.  The scenery is just gorgeous and the sunsets are beautiful.  We were the only ones parked on the hill most of the time but a few overnighters did stop in.  We stayed on the hill for a week.  It's close to the town of Tonopah which is quaint and includes all the amenities you need.  We dumped our trash at the local Texaco station dumpster.  

You enter this location right before the BLM office.  Entry road is across from the Texaco station.  There are three paths, take the middle or the left.  The one on the right has a large dip you'll want to avoid.

We pulled into to Tonopah as a halfway stop between Reno and Nellis AFB. They are first come, first serve, so try to arrive before it gets too late. We have a great level spot, great water pressure, full bars of cell service, full hookup 30/50 and laundry facilities on site. As I write this we haven’t visited the restaurant yet. EJ the desk clerk was extremely friendly and helpful. We wanted to check in, she said, find a spot you like, hook up and come back and let me know your spot number. $27/for full hookup is EXCELLENT. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be back this way, but if I am, I’ll be stopping here again!