302 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Washoe Valley, Nevada sits between Carson City and Reno, offering camping options that range from lakeside state parks to unique private ranches. Washoe Lake State Park Campground provides year-round access with full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas, consistently earning high ratings from visitors. Davis Creek Regional Park, located on the western edge of the valley, features both drive-in and hike-in sites with protection from the valley's characteristic winds. For those seeking alternative experiences, Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch offers a small number of tent sites where campers can stay among alpacas in a working ranch setting. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
Seasonal conditions significantly impact the camping experience in Washoe Valley. The lake level fluctuates dramatically between wet and dry years, sometimes partially drying up during drought periods. As one camper noted, "The lake and 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." Strong winds are common in the valley, particularly in spring and fall, though some campgrounds like Davis Creek are positioned on inclines that provide natural wind protection. Summer temperatures can be hot during the day but cool significantly at night, while winter camping requires preparation for cold conditions. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near I-580, which was completed in recent years.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly among visitor experiences in the Washoe Valley area. Wild horses frequently roam near campgrounds, though visitors are cautioned not to feed or approach them. According to reviewers, the area supports diverse bird populations including osprey, hawks, and bald eagles, making it popular with birdwatchers. Hiking trails accessible from Davis Creek Regional Park offer "different levels of hikes from easy to more difficult" with "excellent shade and views of Washoe Valley." Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at Washoe Lake State Park, with one visitor noting its "flat, wide spaces with mostly pull-throughs, clean bathrooms and shower." The proximity to both Carson City and Reno allows campers to access urban amenities while enjoying the natural setting of the valley.
"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."
"Spent the night here on a road trip. 30$ for non Nevada resident but includes full hookups except water was shut off for the season."
from $10 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Hardly anyone there so we got a nice site in the corner with some rare Nevada grass. The casino construction was not an issue for the campground. Exceptionally clean facilities."
"For those who enjoy some adult games, there is a casino that you can spend some time and support the Nevada economy. You might earn a prime rib dinner if you get a players card and earn enough points."
"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."
from $32 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Short walk to town with tons to do here"
"Great location and great store that had basic needs. Views overlooking the cemetery were pretty cool. Would stay again."
"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."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The GPS coordinates tell you to turn up what looks like a four wheeler path so we obviously kept going until we found a single bump out where we were able to turn around and stayed for the night."
"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."
GuideHere in June and is beautiful it's right off the highway 50. I don't mind road noise myself. At night the hwy is quite. There's a fast flowing river that drowned out most road noise. Campsites are big and lots of space. Everyone has been very polite and informative.
ScoutPeaceful, serine, mountainous views. Trails, as well as clean restrooms and showers.
ScoutEasy place to camp had a low sports car and still no issues, near a main road but minimal noise with a faster running river. Bathroom and trash near depending on where your at. Lots of open sites to choose from.
ScoutNice mellow vibes by the river, it’s so loud you barely notice the limited traffic late at night.
GuideWe stayed here in our slide in camper and stayed in our rig in the parking lot. The host told us that a lot of people do that and they don’t care as long as you paid for your site.
GuideNot a big fan of Reno....so this RV campground is a plus. The complex has a little Casio, gas station, couple of dinners, Jack in the box, and just about everything you would need. Friendly staff. It does have a lot of long term tenants. But they keep their sites clean. Restroom/shower combos, laundry that were clean. Most sites have winter rye planted and you don't want to leave things on the grass due to a sprinkler system. We are here for two days heading to Eureka, CA. Coming from Salt Lake City and it's refreshing to be out of the desert. Would recommend this campground. We were in back in site 7. Little noisy from I 80. We were here the 1st of June....very pleasant weather.
ScoutDaughter parked in empty site over night. At 9:30 three (pounding in our trailer)people yelling at us for parking that spot. The three people came into our camp yelling insisting we were not following rules. We told them we were happy to follow rules and moved car. They called the sheriff giving us two hours to leave. The host continued to lie about her conversation that night at 11 pm in the rain about leaving the car overnight due to it being late and unreserved.. She reported we would be cited but no mention immediate reason to kick us out(the campground is nearly empty due to weather rain/snow)The manager had no self control threatening and escalating the situation all over a parked vehicle. Diann the manager is threatening on a power trip with there was no issue but us moving a vehicle out of an unreserved spot. The camp ground in managed by people who threaten rather than ask you to do something different. As well if a bear comes into your site they come charging in at 11 pm charging you for leaving food out when there is none. Stay at Camp Richardson or State Park as the harassment here has sadly destroyed the family orientation.
TravelerThe landfill signs were definitely concerning as we drove up, but was expected after reading other reviews. The site was pretty trashy, there were pre existing fire set ups(didn’t use), shotgun shells, and a bunch of stickers plants (be careful were you walk). You could hear the road and it did quite down later in the night, the train did go by a few times. There is basically no privacy once the near by landfill was opened, as truckers used the road around the site. We did wake up to wild horses. The site worked for what we needed which was just somewhere to stay the night.
ScoutOur stay was an overnight only. The dog run area was spotless, same with the garbage area. Would stay again. Beautiful views.
Washoe Valley sits at an elevation of about 5,000 feet between the Carson and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. During spring, the valley often experiences strong afternoon winds with gusts regularly exceeding 30 mph. Water levels in lakes and streams fluctuate seasonally, affecting camping conditions and accessibility to shoreline sites particularly at Washoe Lake.
Wildlife viewing treks: At Washoe Lake State Park Campground, seasonal animal watching offers unique experiences. Wild horses often visit the camping area as noted by one camper: "Beautiful spot 1/2 mile walk to lake, wild horses roaming camp, quiet & clean." Winter provides different wildlife opportunities, with another visitor reporting, "Winter camping is available on Loop A with full power hookups on a first come, first serve basis. Hiking is nice right from the campground and wild horses graze not far away."
Alpaca ranch visits: The Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch offers a rare chance to camp among farm animals. "Stacey, the owner of the alpacas ranch, was very welcoming and friendly! There were so many alpacas, all very cute and friendly!" Access to nature walks adds variety as one visitor mentioned: "We walked along the creek and just relaxed. Very quiet and the backdrop of the mountains was beautiful."
Mountain hiking: Trails near Mount Rose Campground provide varied terrain difficulty levels. "Nearby Relay Peak and Mt Rose summit are great hikes," reports one camper. The elevation provides cooler temperatures and access to mountain trails. Another visitor noted the campground's "spacious and well-spaced sites, especially toward the front of the campground," making it a good base for exploring the trails.
Wind-protected sites: Davis Creek Regional Park offers sites sheltered from the valley's strong winds. "Not many campgrounds in Northern NV have forest like trees. The spaces are a good size but kinda close to one another," according to a recent visitor. The tree coverage creates a forest feel despite being close to urban areas.
Urban proximity with natural setting: Multiple campgrounds near Washoe Valley offer easy access to cities while maintaining a natural environment. "Great campground, lots of spots for both tent and RV. Easy access right off the freeway but tucked into trees so you don't hear any road noise," reports one Davis Creek Regional Park camper. The park allows outdoor experiences while staying connected to urban amenities.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Washoe Lake State Park. "Each campsite (in Loop A) is large and spacious and the views are epic," notes one visitor. Another adds, "Beautiful campground! Flush toilets and showers." The open layout accommodates various camping setups while maintaining privacy between sites.
Seasonal facility closures: Water access may be limited during winter months at multiple camping areas. At Washoe Lake, visitors report: "Water at the campsites was still shut off for winter but the water at the dump station was turned on. Only one loop was open for winter."
Road noise levels: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds in the area. Dayton State Park Campground visitors note: "The campground is typical - flat for parking and tents. It's very close to US HWY 50, and the road noise reflects that." Similarly at Davis Creek Regional Park, one camper mentioned "Freeway noise noticeable, but not objectionable if you're a city baby like me."
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary by location and season. "Currently there's a fire ban but they do have fire pits," reported one Davis Creek visitor in 2024. Always check current fire regulations before planning campfires as restrictions change frequently based on drought conditions and fire danger levels.
Accessible wildlife viewing: Camping near wild horses provides educational opportunities for children. A Washoe Lake State Park camper noted, "Wild horses frequently roam near campgrounds," making wildlife sightings more accessible for families with children who might not handle longer hikes.
Animal interaction opportunities: Silver City RV Resort offers recreational amenities beyond standard camping. "This place has everything. Beautiful setting and great, complete amenities," reports one visitor. Another mentions the "fishing pond" which provides contained fishing opportunities suitable for children.
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature swings regardless of season. Daytime temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, requiring layered clothing options especially for children who may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
Hookup availability: Washoe Lake State Park receives high marks for RV amenities. "Large sites with water and electricity (loop A). Beautiful views of the mountains. Lots to do in the area," notes one RVer. Another mentioned, "$30 for non Nevada resident but includes full hookups except water was shut off for the season. Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs."
Advance reservation requirements: During peak seasons (late spring through early fall), secure reservations early, particularly for sites with electrical hookups. First-come availability varies significantly between weekdays and weekends.
Internet connectivity: Signal strength varies dramatically throughout the valley. One Washoe Lake visitor documented specific measurements: "Internet. Verizon via iPhone 12: 22.2 mbps down and 3.38 mbps up with 38 ms ping," indicating reasonable connectivity for those needing to stay connected while camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Washoe Valley, NV offers a wide range of camping options, with 302 campgrounds and RV parks near Washoe Valley, NV and 41 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washoe Valley, NV is Washoe Lake State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots near Washoe Valley, NV.
What parks are near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Washoe Valley, NV that allow camping, notably Martis Creek Lake and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
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