305 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."
GuideAbsolutely fantastic lookout to stay anytime of year. Spent 8 yrs straight going for our anniversary. Got to know the rangers well enough that we spent Thanksgiving there in an awesome snow storm. Luckily we were able t0 drive up in our built rig. Snowshoeing wouldn't have been so pleasant. Hope to make it back someday. Feeling a lil home sick.
ScoutI’d give this campsite a 4/5 if it weren’t for the road. Maybe if you get a spot right next to the river it isn’t an issue, but if you’re not that lucky then you’re going to be stuck hearing cars go by all day and night.
ScoutI've been camping at this location for 10 years. This year the bathrooms were so disgusting it was difficult to use them. The smell was awful and we never saw the hosts clean them once in the 3 days we were there.
Also, the camp hosts were MAGA and thought they owned the place. They had 3 large dogs that at times were running around the campground off leash. We were enjoying our time in the river when her 3 big dogs and her, came to our quiet peaceful spot and just took over and her dogs were off leash and out of control. They tried to attack my small dog multiple times and she wouldn't even try to control them. She kept telling us that she's the camp host and she could do what she wanted. We had to leave because it was so chaotic. She totally ruined our good time. Then, when I tried to make a complaint to the Lake Tahoe Hospitality group who manages that campground, they did not take the event serious and even tried to kick us out because we said a curse word. I told them we were not leaving since we had done nothing wrong and to call the Sheriff. Which they did and guess who took our side. Animal control was dispatched too. And, no, we didn't have to leave. I've never seen such blatant entitlement and disregard for others using the area and enjoying nature in all my life. Pure Trash.
RangerWe stayed here 2 nights while visiting Tahoe. There were several spots to park and roads to explore. It was quiet and the surface was dirt. I found a pull through die that was easy.
LegendGeneral: 76-site campground in two sections. No utility hookups. Some sites are designated for tents only while others allow vans and small trailers or RVs. 27-foot max for RVs; 24-foot max for trailers.
Site Quality: Paved camper pad; not all are level. No designated tent pads. Site amenities include a wood picnic table, fire ring, bear box, and shelves for pots/pans and other supplies.
Bath/Shower: Basic but clean. There is a shelf above the sinks, but be careful when you are brushing your teeth or washing your face, as you can easily bump your head. Like most other California state parks, you need tokens to operate the shower (there is a token machine nearby), but I did not use the shower.
Activities/Amenities: Several hiking trails. We hiked to Hot Springs Creek Waterfall. Depending on where you start your hike, it is around 3-3.5 miles round-trip. It is easy to lose the trail as you get close to the waterfall, but it appeared there were several ways to get back to the trail. Hot springs/pool; summer schedule Wednesday– Monday with 1.5-hour sessions for $10 pp. Unfortunately, I read the pool would be closed when we planned to be here, so we didn’t arrive in time on a Monday to take advantage of it. There are two large utility sinks for laundry, but not for dishwashing.
This is a beautiful area despite damage from the most recent fire. We were there on a Monday the week before Memorial Day, and the campground was only about 10% occupied, but we were told it would be completely full the following week.
TravelerIt's a nice little spot for last minute stop on top of Mount Rose Highway Northeast of Lake Tahoe. Enough space for probably four or five rigs. It's quite busy during the day as it's a parking area for hiking National Forest land Northeast of Lake Tahoe. But after about 6:00 p.m. things calm down. I would call it semi-flat depending on what spot you're parked in. Road noise can be a bit of an issue until about 10:00 at night, and then things quiet down. The night we parked here there were four of us a Class A, Class C, and two vans. And it's very pleasant at night gets down into the 40s during the summer months. I would not attempt to park here during the winter time unless there is no snow.
TravelerFeel like you’re in the woods all while being right in the smack of town! There is even a little coffee trailer that is AMAZING! All the amenities with a rustic feel. We will definitely be back!
GuideOverall a good value. Plenty of trees. good hiking trails.
GuideBoca is a comfortable little USFS campground with nice lake views.
Some of the sites and their trees are oriented a little uncomfortably for me, but I was able to back my trailer in a way that probably wasn't originally intended and open up enough room for my tow vehicle.
They have picnic tables at every site that I've seen and food storage, trash storage, bear lockers at every site.
There's gunfire across the reservoir, but I scarcely even noticed it and I'm very sensitive to it.
The camp hosts seem pretty unobtrusive.
The sites aren't particularly level, but with a few blocks I was able to get mine close enough.
I was in site number four, which is just a stone's throw from the bathrooms and dumpster. I'm self-contained, so I didn't bother looking at the bathrooms.
It's a very quiet campground. In fact, I was feeling guilty about running my generator half the time.
It was completely booked, so I was only able to get a couple of nights here, but I would certainly stay here again. Moderate levels of shade midday in July, but 83F sure beats 108F in the valley! From Site 4 I had a very clear view to the north, so I had great coverage with Starlink, at least 120 megabits; doing work was certainly a reality for me.
Checkout time is noon, and that's coming up quickly. So, thus ends my review for the moment.
[Edit] One more detail worth mentioning: as I was hitching up to leave, a doe and two fawns wandered through the trees right near the site, completely nonchalant. They weren’t begging, approaching, or acting habituated in a bad way, just quietly moving through the forest like I happened to be parked in their campground. It was a lovely little sendoff and exactly the kind of moment that makes a site memorable.
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 305 campgrounds and RV parks near Washoe Valley, NV and 43 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 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washoe Valley, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 43 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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