Wells sits at the eastern edge of Nevada's Great Basin region at 5,630 feet elevation, where high desert surroundings contrast with the striking East Humboldt Range. The area experiences warm summer days with cool nights, while winter brings significant snowfall at higher elevations. Camping options near Wells range from basic gravel RV parks to remote dispersed sites offering mountain views and access to alpine lakes.
What to do
Hiking to the waterfall: Above Angel Lake, several trailheads lead to scenic vistas and natural features. "The lake is absolutely gorgeous. Good place to fish, swim or kayak... we headed to the small hike up to the waterfall above Angel Lake. There were other trailheads that we didn't get to as well, but hope to explore on future trips," notes a visitor at Humboldt National Forest Angel Lake Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Many campers mention exceptional night sky viewing around Wells. At East Humboldt Wilderness Dispersed Camping, one camper reports "fantastic Milky Way star gazing on a clear night" while another visitor to Angel Creek Campground states "star viewing was outstanding!! Lots of coyotes howling at night, I loved that."
Water recreation: The lakes near Wells provide refreshing activities during warm months. "The lake is absolutely gorgeous. Good place to fish, swim or kayak," reports a camper at Angel Lake Campground. Another mentions that "many were kayaking and paddle boarding, and it was a relaxing environment all around with very friendly people."
What campers like
Accessibility from Interstate 80: For travelers making a quick stopover, proximity to the highway is convenient. "About twenty minutes off of hwy 80 uphill all the way. Completely shocked to see a beautiful small lake stocked with fish," notes one reviewer about Angel Lake Campground. Angel Lake FS Road Pull Out receives praise for being "not far off the main road, flat, quiet, and great mtn view!"
Shaded sites at lower elevations: In the desert heat, tree cover is valued. A camper at Welcome Station RV Park appreciates the "nice big shade trees" and another notes it has "mature trees" with "grass everywhere! In a desert environment." One reviewer calls it a "small RV Park set among mature trees. Grass and gravel pads."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Wells: Pet owners find multiple accommodations throughout the area. "This is a beautiful and restful RV/tent campground. The hosts and staff are friendly," comments a visitor at Welcome Station RV Park, which welcomes pets. Similarly, the hot springs area provides pet-friendly options with one camper reporting they "brought the dogs & let them run to have a blast" at 12 Mile Hot Springs.
What you should know
Road conditions to remote sites: Access to some of the best locations requires suitable vehicles. At 12 Mile Hot Springs Dispersed Camping, reviewers warn "the roads were rough, I got through with my Subaru Outback but it definitely hit the frame a couple of times" and another advises "epic spot... 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."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most free camping spots offer no amenities. "Zero amenities. This is just a great place to stop when passing through," reports a camper at Angel Lake FS Road Pull Out. Another adds that it offers "just a little side road to the paved Angel Lake Forest Service Road... Flat space, 3 bars Verizon, nice view, quiet, windy and no amenities."
Seasonal availability: Higher elevation campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Angel Lake Campground is only open "May 22 to September 27" according to its listing information, while a camper noted that in May "Road out to angel lake closed so was humboldt loop" at East Humboldt Wilderness.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for kids: Several locations offer water recreation suitable for families. "The lake also great for SUP and kayak," notes a visitor to Angel Lake Campground, while another describes how "the lake itself was cool, clear, and refreshing to swim in!" One parent mentioned "we let the run to have a blast" while visiting the hot springs area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers chances to see various animals. A camper at Angel Creek Campground recommends to "watch for deer and wild turkeys wandering through the campground" while another camper enjoyed seeing "horses on neighboring property" at Welcome Station RV Park, which also features "gardens to explore on site."
Pet-friendly camping near Wells, Nevada: Families traveling with dogs have multiple options. A visitor to Angel Creek Campground mentioned they "stayed there 2x, once during week and once on weekend which was noisy after dark" but still found it suitable for their needs, including bringing pets along.
Tips from RVers
RV site considerations: The level and size of sites vary between locations. At Angel Lake Campground, a reviewer noted they "stayed in site 13 which was just enough driveway space and able to level with chocks. Beautiful view to the East. Road in can be quite steep so just a few campers/trailers, no mega RVs."
Hookup availability: Most established RV parks offer full services. Mountain Shadows RV Park provides "gravel sites with full hookups" according to the existing description, while Welcome Station RV Park offers similar amenities with "full hook ups" and a visitor noted it has "beautiful sunset on the mt behind us. The hosts are kind and very welcoming."
Noise factors: Traffic and trains impact some RV parks. A Mountain Shadows visitor reported "there's some traffic noise, but the Interstate noise was faint. There are loud trains that go through occasionally" while a Welcome Station reviewer mentioned "highway noise is ever present so be prepared" but still gave it a positive review, noting the "street facade is not as nice as the reality inside so go for it."
