Best Campgrounds near Virginia City, NV

Several campgrounds near Virginia City, Nevada put you close to this historic mining town while letting you sleep under the stars. Washoe Lake State Park Campground gives you access to flush toilets and trails that start right from your site. If you need your RV hooked up, Sparks Marina RV Park sits about 25 minutes from Virginia City with full hookups and modern facilities. Bears roam these parts, so you'll need to store food properly at any campsite you choose. Most people camp here during spring and fall when temperatures stay comfortable for hiking and exploring. Summer gets pretty hot, though the lakes around Virginia City make good spots for fishing or paddling when the heat peaks. Winter camping is possible but cold, with fewer people around. The old wooden sidewalks and mining-era buildings of Virginia City make for interesting day trips from camp. Lake Mead and Hoover Dam are farther drives but worth it if you're staying several days. The combination of Nevada history and outdoor recreation makes this area good for both short and longer camping trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Virginia City, Nevada (237)

    1. Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Carson City, NV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 687-4319

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Could easily stay here for a few days and see all the fun things around Reno, Carson City and Virginia City. Great camp hosts, clean showers, flush toilets, garbage and dump available."

    "The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one."

    2. Davis Creek Regional Park

    18 Reviews
    Washoe Valley, NV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 849-0684

    $30 / night

    "This is one of my fav hiking locations in Nevada! I love the variety. There are different levels of hikes from easy to more difficult."

    "Easy access right off the freeway but tucked into trees so you don't hear any road noise. Nice hiking trails, clean restrooms and very nice staff. Well maintained!"

    3. Dayton State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Dayton, NV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 687-5678

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Some of the other parks were full so we kept driving and found this state park. There are only 10 camp sites but they are far, enough, apart."

    "Stoped by for 1 night on my way through the nevada desert on a road trip. Ended up staying 2 nights. Got a quick spot with easy pay. Had great shade."

    4. Sparks Marina RV Park

    25 Reviews
    Sparks, NV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 851-8888

    "Close to the Sparks marina if you want to walk, but we were here for the Nugget rib cook-off. Just not sure on the all the rules as it seems some are followed some you can ignore."

    "Very clean away from the freeway. We paid about $47 for one night for our truck camper with a veteran's discount."

    5. Gold Dust West RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Carson City, NV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 519-5567

    "We stayed at this location during the Sparks Rib cookoff. The only reason for four stars is due to how narrow the spots are."

    "The key here is location, location, location."

    6. Virginia City RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (775) 847-0999

    "Great place to stay and visit Virginia City"

    "Great location and great store that had basic needs. Views overlooking the cemetery were pretty cool. Would stay again."

    7. Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch

    5 Reviews
    Washoe Valley, NV
    11 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."

    "We walked along the creek and just relaxed. Very quiet and the backdrop of the mountains was beautiful."

    8. Reno View Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    3 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."

    9. BLM FLATTOP

    3 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 885-6000

    10. Mount Rose Campground

    6 Reviews
    Incline Village-Crystal Bay, NV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 694-1002

    $32 - $55 / night

    "The area in each site for tents is incredibly level and nicely bordered. Additionally, the toilets (pit) and toilet rooms are exceptionally clean."

    "You are up on a summit so the only thing to cut down the wind if it gets windy is the stand of trees that the campground is situated in. There are pit toilets and water hydrants."

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Recent Reviews near Virginia City, NV

980 Reviews of 237 Virginia City Campgrounds


  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

    Large area, space for RV's and smaller vehicles.

    There is a few large, flat, hard-pack areas to park in and multiple dirt roads that lead off to smaller, more secluded sites. Many of the roads will require 4-wheel drive and high clearance but they are not too bad. Some of the area is free while other parts appear to require payment. Many travel trailers out here with huge set-ups and multiple vehicles.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    River Camp — Lahontan State Recreation Area

    Great overnight stop

    We needed a place to crash on our way home to the east coast. This place was perfect . Not too far off the road. $20 for non residents. We found ourselves alone in this beautiful, quiet spot. Level ground, and it looks like we will be able to get water for the clean tank. Pit toilets are clean but they need emptying pretty badly. Some trash strewn about. But otherwise, met our needs exactly.

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Meh.

    As everyone has noted, it is only about 30 feet from the highway...so that is what it is. For $15 for Nevada residents and $20 for non-residents, it's not anything special. It apparently is first come - first served, since there is no Ranger, no host, and the parks.nv.gov website never works properly.

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Moon Rocks Camp

    Fun place to wheel, or watch other people wheel.

    During the week there is not much going on but on the weekends people come out with some really nice 4-wheeling machines. It's a good area for dirtbikes as well. Tent camping is basic with a lot of wind, but the there is plenty of flat and fairly smooth ground to do so.

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Developed 7 — Lahontan State Recreation Area

    Simple and sparse.

    Not a bad place, but probably not worth paying for if you are just looking for a quick overnight camp. As mentioned, some of the roads can be aware bit rough and pitted, with random sand washes throughout. It is probably very lively here in the summer and weekends, but during the week in October there was hardly anyone here.

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    East of Pyramid Lake

    Quiet and flat.

    This is a simple dirt area with a few spots to tuck away in. It is right off of the small highway and just few minutes north of Nixon. I was here on a coldish, rainy weekday and night, so it was empty except for one RV. It was a good place to do some easy (muddy) trail riding and take a lap around Pyramid Lake. I imagine it is quite hot in the summer. Spots are easy to get to, just be aware of sharp/jagged rocks as you move further off of the highway. Much of the surrounding off-road areas are closed to non-reservation people, so just pay attention to the signage to stay out of trouble with the tribal police. No vegetation other than sagebrush, so bring your own firewood/briquettes/etc. if you plan to have a campfire for grilling.

  • H
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground

    Quieter Camp with Nice Trail Adjacent

    A two loop campground in a beautiful area. I stayed here in October of 2024. Aside from the host and a forest crew, I was the only camper. It was quiet and lovely. I walked the adjacent trail in the morning, which was very pretty. The pit toilets are old style and smelly, but clean.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful boondocking

    Passing through the area, I was pleased to find this site. Large spaces and plenty of room for more than one vehicle per site.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground

    Water, front and tree shaded campsites

    Campsites, along the shores of the reservoir are small and close together. The other sites are larger and have more privacy. All of the sites have shade. Elevation is about 6000 feet. I camped here 9/17/25.


Guide to Virginia City

Dispersed camping options near Virginia City, Nevada provide alternative experiences to the established campgrounds in the area. These sites sit at elevations between 5,000-6,500 feet where summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day but cool significantly at night. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing nights and potential snow, especially at higher elevations like BLM Flattop.

What to do

Hike Mount Rose Summit: Access hiking trails from Mount Rose Campground with views of Reno and surrounding mountains. "Nearby Relay Peak and Mt Rose summit are great hikes," notes camper Nile B. The campground provides a convenient base for multiple trailheads.

Visit wild horses: Stay at Washoe Lake State Park Campground where you might spot wild horses. "Wild horses roaming camp, quiet & clean," reports Jayne N. Winter visitors can still enjoy wildlife viewing as Andrew R. mentions, "Hiking is nice right from the campground and wild horses graze not far away."

Meet alpacas: For a unique experience, camp at Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch where you can interact with alpacas. "There were so many alpacas, all very cute and friendly!" writes Lindsay B. The ranch offers a working farm experience with "tons of other animals to check out during your stay."

What campers like

Winter camping access: Unlike many mountain campgrounds, some Virginia City area sites remain open year-round. At Washoe Lake State Park, "Winter camping is available on Loop A with full power hookups on a first come, first serve basis. Bathrooms are open all winter," according to Andrew R.

Urban-wilderness balance: The Reno View Dispersed site offers unique city views while camping. "An awesome view of the lights of Reno," reports Tyler C., though he cautions about road conditions: "The road is a beast. I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck."

Spacious sites: Davis Creek Regional Park gets high marks for site layout. "The sites were well spaced under the mature pines. So quiet and peaceful," writes Michael M. Another camper notes, "Very shady as it sits in a grove of tall mature pines."

What you should know

Fire restrictions: Check current fire rules before your trip. Many dispersed sites have seasonal restrictions. At Reno View Dispersed, fires are not permitted, while Tyler C. notes it "can be very windy" which increases fire danger.

Road conditions to dispersed sites: Some of the best camping locations require tough driving. BLM Flattop has challenging access: "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," reports Kevin.

Seasonal closures: Verify campground status before traveling. Dayton State Park Campground is typically open year-round, but some sites close seasonally. Mount Rose Campground has limited operating season: "We were up there at the gate last Sunday 7/7/19 And the campsite was closed down the road look like no one had been on it."

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom availability: Choose campgrounds with appropriate facilities. Dayton State Park Campground offers "bathrooms with flush toilets," according to John T., though he notes it's "very close to US HWY 50, and the road noise reflects that."

Age restrictions at casino RV parks: Some family-friendly amenities have unexpected limitations. At Sparks Marina RV Park, one visitor notes: "My children and I could not enjoy the amenities. Kids must be 18 to enjoy the spa even if accompanied by adults, had a great club house with a pool table but kids must be 14 to play."

Nature exploration opportunities: Davis Creek Regional Park offers family-friendly hiking options. "There are different levels of hikes from easy to more difficult. There are lots of trees with excellent shade and you can't beat the views of Washoe Valley when you get to the top," reports Lindsay B.

Tips from RVers

RV age restrictions: Some parks limit older RVs. Leah T. warns about Sparks Marina RV Park: "There is NO mention of an age restriction on their website... But they WILL take the reservation online, take your money, then call to check the age of your rig. If you are honest, you are screwed."

Hookup availability in winter: For winter RV camping, know which utilities remain active. At Gold Dust West RV Park, "Spaces are a bit tight but easily doable. Laundry and showers very clean," says Gregg K. Another winter visitor to Washoe Lake notes: "We paid $25 instead of the full $30 required for an out-of-state vehicle at a hookup site. I think $5 was taken off since the water at the sites was still shut off."

Site dimensions: Virginia City RV Park has space limitations. "The whole park is tight with it looks like 50% long term residents who don't keep their sites very tidy," reports Kim G., adding "Just not our scene as it was too crowded."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find campgrounds near Virginia City, NV?

Several campground options exist within a short drive of Virginia City. Virginia City RV Park is located directly in town, offering basic full hookups and convenient access to historic attractions. For those seeking public lands camping, Samuel Buckland Campground — Fort Churchill State Historic Park is about an hour away in Silver Springs, offering a quieter experience with fire rings and picnic tables. Other nearby options include Dayton State Park Campground, which has sites with tables and fire rings, though some visitors note issues with cleanliness. For those willing to venture further, Davis Creek Regional Park near New Washoe City provides reservable sites with water and toilets within driving distance of Virginia City.

Are there RV parks available in Virginia City, Nevada?

Silver City RV Resort is a popular option near Virginia City, offering wide spaces, level pull-through sites, and convenient access to Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, and Reno. The resort features recent upgrades including privacy fences between sites, clean showers, and an onsite store. Another option is Gold Dust West RV Park, which provides full hookups and serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. Though some note the sites are narrow, this park offers amenities including clean bathrooms, a casino, and a 32-lane bowling alley. Both parks provide good jumping-off points for exploring Virginia City and other nearby attractions.

What is the difference between camping options in Virginia City, Nevada versus Virginia City, Montana?

Virginia City, Nevada camping is characterized by high desert terrain with several RV-focused options. The area features primarily developed RV parks with full hookups, though sites tend to be small and close together. No fires are typically allowed due to the arid conditions, and high winds can be common. The Nevada location offers easy access to Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Carson City. In contrast, Virginia City, Montana camping offers more traditional outdoor experiences with proximity to national forest lands. Kit Carson Campground represents the type of mountain camping available in the Montana region, with riverside sites in valleys surrounded by stone walls. While Nevada options focus on convenience and amenities, Montana camping typically provides more scenic natural settings with better opportunities for tent camping and outdoor recreation.