Dispersed camping near Washoe Valley, Nevada ranges from high desert terrain at 4,900 feet to nearby mountain settings reaching over 8,000 feet elevation. Temperature swings between day and night can exceed 30°F, particularly in summer months when daytime highs average 90°F while dropping to the 50s overnight. Most sites require visitors to pack in all supplies and manage waste properly, as facilities are minimal or non-existent.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: Scout Camp at Fort Churchill provides access to the Carson River with cottonwood tree shade. A camper noted, "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."
Historical exploration: Fort Churchill area combines camping with historical sites along the Pony Express route. "Site on the Pony Express. There's a few spots here to choose from, although if you're looking for privacy they are somewhat close together," one visitor reported.
Mountain biking trails: Several access roads near rustic camping sites in Washoe Valley double as mountain biking routes. The Water Tank Road area has regular trail users, with one camper observing, "There are many joggers and bikers that go up this road pretty much as soon as the sun goes over the hill (about 6 in July)."
What campers like
Natural settings: BLM next to Truckee River offers convenient riverside camping. A reviewer mentioned, "Adjacent to the river," making it suitable for those seeking natural water features during their stay.
City views: Elevated camping locations provide unique nighttime perspectives. From certain spots, campers can see Reno's city lights from a distance. One visitor to the Reno View area shared, "Views are unreal but would not suggest walking barefoot, tent camping or bringing dogs up here."
Quick access: Many rustic camping areas near Washoe Valley provide convenient overnight options. A camper at Big Dog Valley described it as a "Really great spots for quick close camp trip," making it ideal for weekend getaways.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed camping sites requires careful vehicle selection. One visitor to Reno View Dispersed warned, "I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you'll regret it."
Environmental hazards: Some areas present specific challenges beyond rough roads. A camper at Reno View cautioned, "Views are unreal but would not suggest walking barefoot, tent camping or bringing dogs up here. The bottoms of our shoes looked like a warzone and when we laid down in our tents we were pricked by goatheads."
Construction impacts: Development is affecting some camping areas. Recent reports from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed indicate, "The housing development is right off the campsite and I think they're starting to push it into where you would camp. Construction vehicles everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Scout camp amenities: For families seeking minimal facilities, Scout Camp offers basic services. A camper noted, "Garbage collection and pit toilets. Nice trail along the River," making it suitable for families wanting simple amenities.
Safety considerations: Some dispersed camping areas near Washoe Valley have safety concerns. A reviewer at Dispersed Camping near Fort Churchill warned, "Don't camp here, had a gun pulled on me by a guy who 'owns' BLM land," highlighting the importance of choosing established camping areas.
Wildlife awareness: Overnight camping may involve wildlife encounters. One camper reported, "Had some coyotes track around our van over night so make sure you keep everything inside!" This underscores the importance of securing food and belongings.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large RVs face significant limitations at most rustic camping locations near Washoe Valley. A visitor with a Class A motorhome reported, "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."
Alternative options: When state parks have limited availability, BLM lands provide alternatives. One RVer noted about Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, "We are new to dispersed camping and have a 40 ft 5th wheel as well as a GMC Denali 350 dually. We need a large space to fit into. We arrived on a Monday at noon and found that the large area about 1/4 mile in was not at all crowded."
Timing considerations: RVers report weekday arrivals offer better site selection. "We arrived on a Monday at noon and found that the large area about 1/4 mile in was not at all crowded. We had our choice of several places to set up," noted one camper, highlighting the advantage of mid-week arrival.
