The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Virginia City, NV

75 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding Virginia City, Nevada. BLM FLATTOP offers free primitive camping with no amenities or facilities. According to recent reviews, the access road becomes increasingly difficult, starting as a manageable fire road but deteriorating into a "full-blown rock garden" by mile 6-7. Standard passenger vehicles typically cannot reach the final destination. Reno View Dispersed camping provides spectacular nighttime views of Reno's city lights but requires high-clearance vehicles.

No drinking water, toilets, or trash service exists at these sites. Visitors must pack in all necessary water and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally; always check current fire restrictions before traveling. Most sites permit pets but offer no designated camping areas or established fire rings. Cell service ranges from nonexistent to spotty depending on location and carrier.

BLM Water Tank Road Dispersed camping provides more accessible options for overnight stays. The area features a pullout before the main camping area that accommodates vehicles with less clearance. Some visitors report this location has a portable toilet and sink facilities, though these may not be consistently maintained. Morning activity begins early, with joggers and bikers frequently using the road after sunrise. Scout Camp at Fort Churchill, located farther east, offers more amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, toilets, and trash collection within a cottonwood forest along the Carson River. However, recent reports indicate access roads may be washed out or deeply rutted, making entry difficult for larger recreational vehicles.

Map showing campgrounds near Virginia City, NevadaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Virginia City, Nevada (26)

    1. Reno View Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    3 miles

    "The first turn off has the best view with somewhat flat ground for a tent. Very rocky ground and a little windy so ground tents might be tough. RTT and campervans are perfect for this spot!"

    "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. BLM FLATTOP

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

    3. BLM next to Truckee River, in Mustang

    3 Reviews
    Sparks, NV
    15 miles

    "To close to the train tracks and highway"

    4. BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Sparks, NV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 861-6500

    "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."

    5. Scout Camp at Fort Churchill

    4 Reviews
    Silver Springs, NV
    22 miles

    "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."

    "So beautiful, open, and feels safe. Late March is hot in the day and a little cool at night. Family friendly."

    6. Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

    4 Reviews
    Silver Springs, NV
    22 miles

    "Since COVID has closed all state and national parks to camping, we were happy to find this BLM land for an overnight."

    "Map coordinates are a bit off. Quick and easy place to pull off for a night. Very flat, hard dirt area perfect for a tent and easily driveable."

    7. Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Reno, NV
    25 miles

    8. Big Dog Valley

    4 Reviews
    Verdi, CA
    29 miles
    Website

    9. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    18 Reviews
    Echo Lake, CA
    41 miles

    "Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east."

    "Easy to see right off the road with plenty of campsites down either side of a nice dirt road. Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

    10. Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Verdi, CA
    27 miles
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Virginia City Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Virginia City, NV

28 Photos of 26 Virginia City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Virginia City, NV

75 Reviews of 26 Virginia City Campgrounds

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

  • J
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

    No Go for Class A due to rotted access roads

    We drove thru both Fort Churchill State Park Campground and Scout Camp near by. We were looking for a place to camp for the night. We have a 36ft class A with a tow. Fort Churchill Campground is not accessible if you love the paint job on your rig. For lower profile campers it would be ok. Narrow dirt roads with sage brush to scratch you and overhanging low tree branches to ruin solar and a/c.

    Scout camp access is deeply rotted so our Class A couldn't safely get in there, otherwise there would have been plenty of space for us.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Echo Summit Dispersed

    Not dispersed camping

    This spot is national forest, and overnight camping is not allowed. We had a knock from someone with the forest service the next morning who was very kind and let us know that overnight is not allowed.

    Look up lakes and forest in this area on google — not many places allow dispersed camping

  • Precarious J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 6, 2025

    BLM Land near Pyramid Lake - Dispersed Camping

    The closest accessible blm near Pyramid Lake.

    The pin is the starting point of blm land in that area. There is at least one drivable pathway deeper into blm land. I think more. I'll find out tomorrow. I was driving around trying to find access to blm land and found it. I used a public lands app to verify it is blm. The boundary barley crossed over 447. A perfect access point to blm land. My cell service was bad. I use boost mobile, but I've heard Verizon isn't very good in the area as well. If it works for you it's convenient.

  • Tim R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest Dispersed

    Standard Dispersed Camping

    Standard dispersed camping on national forest land. Paved main road with dirt roads and areas for camping branching off. Plenty of room. Some areas have beautiful views of strawberry valley!

  • Shane C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2022

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping with campground layout/feel

    Camped here for a night in early October. Easy access and reasonably good road quality make it very RV friendly - I would say that it was at least 75% RVs/Trailers. Beautiful views of the valley and hills to the east. Most sites are obvious, with a driveway and stone fire ring. We like a more "dispersed" feel, but felt comfortable. 

    There are no services - bring all the water you will need and practice "leave no trace." This goes for your waste (human and animal) as well. I wish I could say that we didn't see any dog waste or "TP Flowers" but we did. Not a significant amount, but any is too much.

    The place was pretty much full, but still good vibes and quiet neighbors. Very close to Hwy. 88, so road noise and campers coming in looking for a spot after dark. Gets quiet later in the evening.

    Overall, a nice spot.

  • Kailey C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2020

    Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill

    Alternate free camping next to the state park!

    Since COVID has closed all state and national parks to camping, we were happy to find this BLM land for an overnight. There are no services and the ground is a little bumpy/sandy but we were able to get around just fine in our camper van. There was a makeshift fire ring at our site, but it was so windy and dry brush everywhere that we didn't want to attempt to use it.

    We for service on both Verizon and Sprint! Had some coyotes track around our van over night so make sure you keep everything inside!

  • ron R.
    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.

Guide to Virginia City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Virginia City, Nevada, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to escape into the wild.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Virginia City

  • Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape at BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed, where you can set up camp and soak in the tranquility of the area.
  • Explore the historical significance of the region by visiting nearby attractions, making your stay at Scout Camp at Fort Churchill a perfect blend of adventure and education.
  • Engage in outdoor activities like hiking and biking, especially around Peavine Road Dispersed Camping, where local trails offer a chance to connect with nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Virginia City, Nevada

  • Be prepared for rough access roads, particularly at Reno View Dispersed, where a sturdy vehicle is recommended to navigate the terrain.
  • Always pack out what you pack in; many areas, including BLM FLATTOP, have been affected by litter, so your efforts can help maintain the beauty of these spots.
  • Check for local regulations regarding fires and camping amenities, as places like Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp may have restrictions that you need to be aware of.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the picturesque views of the Carson River while camping at Scout Camp at Fort Churchill, where the lush riparian forest provides a serene backdrop.
  • Visit the historic Fort Churchill area, which is close to Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill, allowing you to combine your love for history with outdoor adventures.
  • Take in the expansive vistas from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed, where the open skies and rugged terrain create a perfect setting for stargazing at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Virginia City?

Several dispersed camping options exist around Virginia City. BLM Land near Pyramid Lake - Dispersed Camping offers primitive sites with drivable pathways deeper into public land. For camping with river access, Scout Camp at Fort Churchill provides sites along the Carson River amid tall cottonwoods, though the access road has experienced washouts. Other options include Kyburz Flats with high-clearance vehicle access and areas east of Pyramid Lake. When selecting a site, verify it's on public land using a public lands app, as boundaries can be confusing. Most areas are primitive with no services, so come prepared with everything you need.

Is there free camping available near Virginia City?

Yes, free camping is available near Virginia City on public lands. East of Pyramid Lake offers quiet, open boondocking with flat terrain, cell service, and hiking opportunities. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping provides free sites with beautiful valley views and established fire rings, accessible via reasonably good roads suitable for RVs and trailers. Be cautious about site selection, as some free areas like Peavine Road have reports of excessive trash and abandoned vehicles. For a more structured experience, Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp offers free sites with drive-in access. When using free dispersed sites, remember they typically have no facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping around Virginia City?

Dispersed camping rules around Virginia City vary by land management agency. At Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill, typical BLM regulations apply: no services provided, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Many areas have existing fire rings, but fire restrictions may apply seasonally. In the Packsaddle Pass - El Dorado National Forest area, camping is permitted on national forest land with standard 14-day stay limits. Always verify camping is allowed before setting up, as some national forest areas like Echo Summit prohibit overnight stays. Respect any posted regulations, maintain distance from water sources, and be aware that some areas may require high-clearance vehicles for access.

Keep Exploring