Best Campgrounds near Wellington, NV

The Wellington, Nevada area encompasses several camping options ranging from established campgrounds to more primitive sites. Topaz Lake Recreation Area, located along the California-Nevada border, provides RV sites with water and electric hookups as well as tent camping areas with picnic tables and fire rings. Walker River Resort offers cabin accommodations in addition to traditional tent and RV sites, with seasonal operation from April through October. Desert Creek Campground provides a more rustic experience with free primitive camping and limited amenities, making it suitable for those seeking a more remote setting.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved roads. Most established campgrounds remain open from spring through fall, though specific opening dates depend on weather conditions and elevation. Topaz Lake Recreation Area maintains year-round access with boat ramps and fishing opportunities, while higher elevation sites may close during winter months. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, particularly in more remote locations like Desert Creek. Visitors should prepare for temperature fluctuations typical of high desert environments, with hot days and cool nights even during summer months. A review mentioned, "Desert Creek Campground is a great secluded place, though directions can be confusing as it's definitely in Nevada despite some maps showing it in California."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the region, with Topaz Lake offering boat-in access and shoreline sites. Several campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing, swimming, and boating activities. The Walker River State Recreation Area includes River Bend Campground, which one visitor described as "remote, quiet; a desert oasis" with "very new facilities" including covered picnic tables at each site. Campers frequently mention the scenic mountain views and desert landscapes surrounding Wellington area campgrounds. Public lands in the region support both developed campgrounds with amenities like showers and flush toilets, as well as more primitive sites with vault toilets or no facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include wild horses, deer, and various bird species, particularly near water sources.

Best Camping Sites Near Wellington, Nevada (213)

    1. Topaz Lake Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Topaz, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 785-9835

    "Excellent location, stunning scenery, limited cell service, sounds perfect because it is. Fishing, exploring and just relaxing."

    "Besides the beautiful scenic lake spot that offers fun on the lake during the day and star gazing at night it’s a well ran campground with amentities."

    2. Desert Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Coleville, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 882-2766

    "Not sure why the directions say California when it’s in Nevada. Someone edited the map to a random place in California. I fixed it, if not google maps desert creek campground fixes it."

    "Located in a nice canyon next to a creek. Stayed here one night.

    There are lots of different spots with fire pits once you get into the canyon. Lots of firewood as well."

    3. Walker River Resort

    3 Reviews
    Wellington, NV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 465-2573

    "Side by sides, quads, dogs, miles and miles of trails and a ghost town we still haven’t found lol"

    "Famous for its black and forest service atv/utv trails. Pool hot tub bar laundry. At&t and Verizon work well. T-mobile does not. Wifi is sketchy no over the air TV."

    4. KOA Coleville/Walker Meadowcliff Lodge

    7 Reviews
    Coleville, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 495-2255

    "Every night they walked through the grounds to see how everyone was while drinking a glass of wine."

    "Being along US 395 it does get truck and traffic noise on the two-lane highway, but with all of the amenities and access to tons of local activities the road noise was more than bearable."

    5. Topaz Lodge RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Topaz, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 266-3337

    "Decent little RV park that worked well for us as we were driving through and needed a place for the night. It’s surprisingly nice and cute considering it’s behind the Chevron and the casino.

     "

    "There are plenty of trash cans around the park. They are emptied almost daily.

    Pets are welcome. Dogs must be on leashes and picked up after."

    7. Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Markleeville, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 694-2248

    $35 / night

    "Camp host was a great help for local recommendations for day trips and directions to a general store about 40min drive away."

    "This is an awesome State Park located in Markleeville, CA. It's in close proximity to Lake Tahoe, CA, and offers many great day hikes for all ability levels in the area."

    8. Topaz Lake RV Park

    1 Review
    Topaz, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 495-2357

    $40 / night

    "No fires are allowed, but you are right on the lake, with two docks and a beach with shade everywhere and amazing views, so who cares?"

    9. River Bend Campground — Walker River State Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Yerington, NV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 463-1609

    "It was a pretty drive through rural western Nevada,  which ended in a four mile graded dirt road.  I was driving an SUV with high clearance,  but the road is suitable for RVs if you take it slow. "

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 213 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Wellington, NV

887 Reviews of 213 Wellington Campgrounds


  • Levi K.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Campground by the Lake

    Not all reservations

    This is a great spot. We were out there the whole weekend and enjoyed the campground and lo9k forward to going back. There are first come first serve spaces available and that worked out great. The campground was not packed or to noisy over the weekend. We look forward to going back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking

    Amazing Open Campground In The Forest

    We loved camping here. There were great campsites with bear lockers along a really nice little creek. Fantastic location for dogs. Lots of space to walk the dogs. Campground is quiet. No cell service but our Starlink worked great.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet but close to everything

    Stayed here overnight. 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.

  • Jolean D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stanislaus National Forest Pine Marten Campground

    Close to the lake but not huge spots

    The location is beautiful. Smaller Alpine lake with spot for tents, and smaller RVs. Good space for outdoor setup and clean bathrooms. If you are looking for boondocking Sierra Nevada mts with a few comforts. This is great.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Perfect

    Arrived pretty late so didn’t want to disturb others to check out all the sites, luckily there is a huge parking lot type area right in the front. Stayed for a night there with some other cars , no problems. Nice area. Easy drive in.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Not worth the fee

    Bathrooms are located in the day use area and a bit of a walk from the camping area. RV dump is closed “until further notice”. Right off Hwy 50 so expect noise. Compared to other state parks along Hwy 50, this one is a dump.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Serene Camping

    There were definitely a few long term campers here. But the place was very clean. No cell service fyi. Easy to get to, road is dirt but has very few bumps.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Buckeye Campground

    Great spot!

    You can get there on 2WD, it’s a bit bumpy though. Don’t go all the way up, there’s fees at the reserved spots. There’s dispersed camping shortly after you pass the hot springs, there’s a small field where people park and if you go to the road on the side of the lot it’ll take you to more spots to camp in the trees.

    The smoke was so bad I had to leave early. Be sure to check for fires nearby.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lower Blue Lake Campground

    Beautiful location!

    My cousins and I stayed in sites one through three. They are extremely close to the lake, near the dam. We were able to leave our chairs and kayaks down by the water, and felt totally secure. we were able to kayak down to the other end of the lake, where there is a small waterfall. our sites had to be reserved, but there are some FCFS sites as well. Pit bathrooms are OK. The portable water spigot was broken, so we had to get some water from Middle blue lake Campground, about a mile away. The water issues is the only reason I am taking a star off, this place is beautiful, and we are definitely coming back. A couple of the sites will accommodate, decent sized rigs.


Guide to Wellington

Dispersed camping spots near Wellington, Nevada offer access to both developed facilities and primitive sites throughout the high desert terrain. The area sits at approximately 4,800 feet elevation, experiencing significant temperature fluctuations between day and night even during summer months. Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited winter access at higher elevations.

What to do

Fishing access at multiple locations: Topaz Lake Recreation Area provides excellent fishing opportunities with a dedicated fish cleaning station. As one camper noted, "Fishing, exploring and just relaxing. Fun dirt roads close for exploring, gas station, restaurant pretty close. Right on the state line of Nevada and California."

OHV trail exploration: Walker River Resort serves as a hub for off-road enthusiasts with direct trail access. "Side by sides, quads, dogs, miles and miles of trails and a ghost town we still haven't found," reports one visitor about the extensive riding opportunities in the area.

Hot springs soaking: Grover Hot Springs State Park Campground offers natural mineral pools a short distance from campsites. A visitor explains, "Going at night has worked well for me to avoid the line," as the hot springs can get crowded during peak times.

What campers like

Lakefront access: Topaz Lake RV Park provides direct water access with docking facilities. "There are two docks and you can dock your boat for a fee. We leave our kayaks on the beach," writes one regular visitor who stays monthly.

Clean facilities: The KOA near Wellington receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This was one of the best stays we have had in a while. It was a perfect break from some of the more rustic sites. The customer service was top-notch, the facility was clean and peaceful," explains a camper.

Solitude in remote areas: Desert Creek Campground offers isolation for those seeking quiet. A visitor reported, "I did an overnight at Desert Creek and the fact that the trail is a little rough means that not a whole lot of people are going to be camping back in here. I saw two vehicles all day on the trail and was by myself at the campground that night."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Desert Creek Campground requires navigating rough terrain. "Road is pretty rough about 4 or 5 miles after you turn off the main road from the north. Didn't need 4 wheel drive but you will need good clearance, a car will bottom out," warns one camper.

Reservation systems differ: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. For the KOA, one visitor noted potential challenges: "There wasn't any envelopes. I've had that happen many times to me at state and national parks. Never had I had it result in harassment and threats."

Weather preparedness essential: The high desert environment means campers should prepare for dramatic temperature swings. At Topaz Lake, a visitor advised, "Warning, warm winds pick up in the afternoon so keep things tied down!"

Tips for camping with families

Accessible recreation for children: River Bend Campground provides newer facilities in a scenic setting. A visitor described it as "Remote, quiet; a desert oasis. The facilities are very new. Each site has a covered picnic table."

Water activities: Topaz Lake offers swimming opportunities during summer months. One camper reported, "Water is very warm, around 73-74 degrees! Many mature Cottonwood trees are lined up amongst the campsites picnic tables and fire pits offering lovely shade."

Designated play areas: The KOA Coleville/Walker features specific recreation zones. A visitor mentioned, "There's a park with play area for kids, grassy area for picnics (no dogs allowed on grass)," making it suitable for families with younger children.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available at select locations. At Topaz Lake RV Park, a long-term visitor reported, "Full hookups - water, electric and sewer and Cable tv, plus decent wifi. No fires are allowed, but you are right on the lake."

Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds have tight layouts while others offer more room. At Topaz Lake Recreation Area, a camper observed, "Visited in April and the place was half empty. I would not enjoy it if it was full. Your neighbors would be really close."

Dump station access: Public dump stations are available but may have restrictions. One RVer at Topaz Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "For what we paid (50 dollars a night) we expected more. No presence on sight no camp host. We reserved online... self check in if you can run the digital kiosk."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wellington, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wellington, NV offers a wide range of camping options, with 213 campgrounds and RV parks near Wellington, NV and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wellington, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wellington, NV is Topaz Lake Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wellington, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Wellington, NV.

What parks are near Wellington, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Wellington, NV that allow camping, notably Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and Eldorado National Forest.