Wellington's location in the high Nevada desert at approximately 4,800 feet elevation creates distinct camping conditions with temperature variations that can reach 40°F between day and night. The area sits in a transition zone between Great Basin Desert and alpine regions, with access to both river valleys and mountain terrain. Campgrounds near Wellington often remain open year-round at lower elevations while higher locations close seasonally.
What to do
Off-road adventures: Wilson Canyon offers extensive trail networks for ATVs and dirt bikes. "Wilson Canyon is so awesome! Room for everyone, while lots of track to cover. In the summer, the swimming hole across the road is so nice!" notes Noel S. from Wilson Canyon.
Fishing opportunities: Several nearby waterways provide fishing access without traveling far. At Sportsman's Beach, campers can enjoy both fishing and lake views. "This is our second stay at this campground by the lake. The sites are pretty level and can accommodate a larger rig. Be sure to go all the way to the end to find the RV sites with covered picnic tables and fire rings," reports Lyf Uninterrupted.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, swimming holes and beach access provide cooling options during summer months. The Walker River area features swimming holes while Lake Tahoe offers more extensive water activities. "In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in the US. A lot of the campsites have a view of the lake," shares Sam M. about Nevada Beach Campground.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Several public campgrounds offer affordable alternatives to resort glamping close to Wellington, Nevada. "The price is right, only 3.00 for this senior pass holder. And what a view! You don't even hear the highway above. Paved spots and covered picnic tables," writes Shawn A. about Sportsman's Beach.
Year-round availability: Many campers appreciate locations that remain accessible during different seasons. Tahoe Valley Campground offers winter camping options. "We ended up camping in a truck camper at Tahoe Valley Campground after being caught in a snow storm. For a last minute find, it turned out to be an awesome choice... And nothing beats making a fire in the snow and waking up to a couple of feet of white fluffiness!" shares Basia M.
Lakeside locations: Proximity to water consistently ranks as a top feature. "The terraced views of the lake are beautiful. You can walk down to the water but know the lake is farther out than it looks. Vault toilets and dumpster on site," notes Lyf Uninterrupted about Sportsman's Beach.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. At Fallen Leaf Campground, one camper notes: "No cell service, but close to a main road where service can be found."
Seasonal weather changes: Weather conditions can shift dramatically. "It didn't stick in the campgrounds, but dusted the mountains nicely," says Tj B. about Nevada Beach Campground's early May snowfall.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in areas around Wellington, particularly at higher elevations. "Bears are everywhere here. Or so we heard. We never saw one, but the camp staff and campers around us all had bear stories," reports Ryan W. about Fallen Leaf Campground.
Reservation reliability: Some campgrounds have booking system challenges. "We made a reservation online as we were on our way to the campground. I don't recommend doing this because their online system did not sync in a timely fashion with their in-person system," cautions Tom and Marianne H.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment for children. "We camp here regularly from spring to mid fall. Famous for its black and forest service atv/utv trails. Pool hot tub bar laundry," says Bob S. about Walker River Resort.
Noise considerations: Some family-friendly campgrounds have more ambient noise. "Super busy campground with kids running around and riding bikes. They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and smores nights," reports Dani P. about Tahoe Valley Campground.
Bathroom facilities: With children, clean restrooms become priority. Campground bathroom quality varies widely. "Bathrooms are nice and there's fresh drinking water. There are some public grills to use. Really nice amenities at this place," notes Sam M. about Nevada Beach Campground.
Pet policies: For families traveling with dogs, specific areas may have restrictions. "FYI dogs are welcome at Walker Lake!" confirms Cheryl D. about Sportsman's Beach, while another camper notes that Nevada Beach Campground has "a smaller dog-friendly area of the beach, so if you're bringing your pup(s), your beach access will be limited to that area only."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds have varying site quality. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers," advises Steve R. about Tahoe Valley Campground.
Hookup availability: Check carefully for specific hookup types. At Topaz Lake RV Park, one camper notes, "Full hookups - water, electric and sewer and Cable tv, plus decent wifi. 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?"
Level site considerations: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Sites are gravel and dirt so you will likely need to level," warns Katie B. about Sportsman's Beach.
Generator policies: Rules vary between locations. Timothy A. mentions about Fallen Leaf Campground: "Great campground. Nice location. Only complaint would be generators running most of the day from all the RV's."
