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Free dispersed campsites around Wells, Nevada range from mountainside pull-offs to creek-adjacent spots on public lands, with no fees and stays permitted up to 14 days. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages multiple areas including the 12 Mile Hot Springs dispersed camping area and East Humboldt Wilderness dispersed camping. Angel Lake Forest Service Road offers pull-out camping with mountain views, while Camp Lamoille provides dispersed options along Lamoille Creek. Additional BLM sites are accessible off Highway 93 North and Highway 51.
Roads accessing these areas frequently require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviews noting particularly challenging conditions at 12 Mile Hot Springs. The access road has been described as "horrific," "rough," and "genuinely scary at times especially if wet." Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as restrooms, potable water, or trash facilities. Camping is permitted on public lands for up to 14 days. Some areas allow fires in existing fire rings, though restrictions vary seasonally. Cell service varies by location, with some sites reporting good Verizon coverage.
The region features notable natural attractions alongside primitive camping. The 12 Mile Hot Springs area includes a natural hot spring described as "beautiful" and "worth going as far as you can down a very rough road." Camp Lamoille dispersed sites offer creek access and mountain views. East Humboldt Wilderness camping provides stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing. Free-range cattle are common in several areas. "Great views, directions led me directly to the spot. Saw one car drive by the Main road during my stay. Very windy, recommend car camping." Weather conditions can be unpredictable, with wind being particularly common at the Angel Lake area.
"there are signs about it being private property at the entrance so not sure exactly what’s going on there. We saw three other cars/trucks and decided to camp over night."
"Went in the AM and barely had anyone around. That changed as we progressed into the afternoon (note this was on a Saturday). Know the road in is really bad so you’ll need a high clearance vehicle."
"It’s pretty easy to find, even after dark, with just a short dirt road to get there. The area is clean and feels safe, with a good view of the surrounding landscape."
"Gravel access road in, and it’s further than just a little pull off. Will mark this as a favorite anytime we come through."
"This is just a little side road to the paved Angel Lake Forest Service Road. Take the Wells NV Highway 80 off ramp (351)."
"Saw one car drive by the Main road during my stay. Very windy, recommend car camping."
"As noted by others there are a few dispersed sites off the entrance road to the official site."
"After turning right onto the FS gravel road you can take a left or right to dispersed camping spots. If you continue straight you end up at a private campground, but plenty of space to turn around."
GuideI got here after dark and just found a pull off spot to back into. Zero amenities and no cell service. Cooowwwsss were roaming up the road, but no sign of much else “wildlife”. Quiet and the stargazing was phenomenal!
ScoutMap/direction to the turn off were accurate. South turn off looked sketchy so we went another .6 to the north one. Two track road has numerous runoff gulleys. You will need 4-wheel drive and high clearance. Went in at nearly walking speed about 1.6 miles to to last turn on map. Stopped and continued on foot. More deep ditches and tracks deeper and sandy. After .2 mile walking saw no end or turn around so I returned to truck and trailer and pretty distraught wife, managed to turn around and settle in just before dark.
TravelerEasy enough to get to and there's enough space for a few cars. No one was there besides me when I went on a summer Saturday night.
GuideWe camped near the bridge. There was plenty of room for us to pull our truck and camper trailer onto a level surface. There were more sites on the road to the right as we entered from the highway. We walked the road to the right but it was way too rocky to attempt with our weighed down truck. However, with less weight and more clearance we probably would have went for it! Beautiful site! Gorgeous to see the sun set and the moon shine on the mountains. The water was chilly and refreshing! Our dog loved swimming in the river!
ScoutIt basic but has great fews. I did tent camp, but it was very windy.
GuideApril 2026: road has deteriorated. I wouldn’t try to camp by the springs (or drive more than 1/2 mile past the turnoff). We didn’t see the springs, but the photos are amazing. You can walk in; just not what we were needing.
GuideWe needed a place to stay since the forest service roads near Angel Lake were still closed (mid-April!). Found this spot on 93 north. Road in isn’t bad. We stayed at 41.5528237, -114.8011942. Had signal with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon (latter was the weakest).
TravelerEpic spot. Got all the way to the hot spring with a non-modified 4WD w/ decent clearance and a skilled driver, but it is September so the water crossings were low. The dirt road is in bad shape and definitely needs a vehicle with good clearance to get within 2 miles of the spring. There are a couple of camping spots for vehicles and/or tents at the spring and several along the road before. If you can get out here it is absolutely worth it.
GuideThis is a great spot with fantastic scenery. Thanks to fellow reviewers for the specific details on how to get to this particular location.
Dispersed camping near Wells, Nevada offers primitive camping on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service. The region sits at elevations between 5,600-10,000 feet, creating diverse terrain from sagebrush flats to alpine areas. Free camping opportunities typically permit stays up to 14 days in undeveloped areas with no facilities, though seasonal fire restrictions apply from June through October depending on conditions.
Creek exploration: At Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping, several spots provide easy access to Lamoille Creek. "Easy access to the creek for clean fresh water. Beautiful views!" One camper noted finding "the perfect spot nestled in the trees about 10ft from Lamoille Creek."
Hot spring soaking: The primitive hot springs offer natural bathing options despite difficult access. One visitor at 12 Mile Hot Springs described "a nice, warm creek and the mountains. We camped right next to the warm creek, about a quarter mile before the hot spring and walked to the spring several times a day."
Stargazing: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. At East Humboldt Wilderness Dispersed Camping, campers report "fantastic Milky Way star gazing on a clear night" and minimal light pollution. "The area is clean and feels safe, with a good view of the surrounding landscape."
Remote solitude: Most dispersed sites offer significant privacy with minimal traffic. At Angel Lake FS Road Pull Out, one camper reported, "Saw one car drive by the Main road during my stay." Another noted, "Little traffic overnight no noise and a dark sky."
Mountain vistas: The surrounding ranges provide backdrop for camping. "Great spot, not far off the main road, flat, quiet, and great mtn view!" wrote one visitor about Angel Lake FS Road Pull Out. Another described it as having "a great view of the Rubies."
Wildlife encounters: Free-range cattle are common throughout the area. At BLM off 93 North NV, the setting is "Quiet and scenic with no amenities, simply a place to sleep overnight on a road trip. Highway 93 is in sight, but you can't hear it."
High-clearance vehicle requirements: Many of the best sites require capable vehicles. At Camp Lamoille, "If you turn left off of FS 660, there are about 4 spots easily assessable, but if you keep going the last two spots (high clearance required) are right next to the creek."
Seasonal access limitations: Winter and spring conditions can make roads impassable. "We went to have a look and less than a mile in the road was covered by several feet of snow. We have a 4wd and I couldn't have gotten through without damage," reported one camper at Camp Lamoille.
Varying cellular service: Coverage depends on location. At Camp Lamoille, campers report "1 bar ATT, none with Verizon. WeBoost helps." Most remote areas have minimal service.
Beaver dam observation: Kids may enjoy wildlife spotting in creek areas. One local visiting Camp Lamoille shared, "I really enjoy looking over the beaver dams along the creeks."
Wildflower viewing: Spring and early summer bring colorful displays. "The wildflowers are fabulous and there are just so many of them," noted a visitor to 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping.
Creek wading: Warm creek water offers safe play areas. "The creek water is warm from the hot spring and made for some fun exploring and even cooling off on a hot July day!" wrote one camper who visited 12 Mile Hot Springs.
Limited turnaround space: Scout ahead before driving down narrow forest roads. At East Humboldt Wilderness, "There's a big spot for a U Turn as well" which makes it accessible for smaller rigs.
Wind protection: Position vehicles to minimize exposure to prevailing winds. "Very windy, recommend car camping," advised a visitor to Angel Lake FS Road Pull Out, where wind conditions can be significant.
Road condition awareness: The gravel access roads vary considerably. One RVer noted about Highway 51 Dispersed area: "The Gravel Rd. is well maintained and you can drive till you find a nice off-road spot to pull over at."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wells, Nevada?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Wells, Nevada. 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping offers free camping along a creek with access to natural hot springs, though you'll need a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the rough road. Another option is Angel Lake FS Road Pull Out, located about 4.5 miles up the Angel Lake Forest Service Road from Highway 80 (exit 351). Look for the pull-out on your right. The area provides a convenient spot for overnight stays with mountain views and is easily accessible from Wells.
Are there any seasonal restrictions for dispersed camping in Wells, Nevada?
Seasonal restrictions vary by location around Wells. Camp Lamoille-Dispersed Camping has noted restrictions, with the official campground only open from May through September, though some dispersed sites along the entrance road may be accessible year-round depending on conditions. East Humboldt Wilderness Dispersed Camping is generally accessible most of the year, but winter conditions can make access difficult. Always check current road conditions before heading out, especially during winter months when snow may block forest service roads at higher elevations around Wells.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Wells, NV?
Dispersed camping areas near Wells offer minimal to no amenities. BLM off 93 North NV provides quiet, scenic spots but no facilities - it's simply a place to pull over and camp. Similarly, along the gravel road, you can find nice spots to set up camp with views of the surrounding landscape. At other dispersed sites like Hwy 51 Dispersed, you'll need to be fully self-contained with your own water, toilet facilities, and waste disposal plan. There are no trash services, so pack out everything you bring in. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area.
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