Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape around West Wendover, Nevada, with over 10 free public land sites within a 30-mile radius. Most are located on Bureau of Land Management property surrounding the Bonneville Salt Flats, typically offering no amenities but providing unrestricted access for self-contained campers. The area sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation and experiences temperature swings from below freezing in winter to over 95°F in summer.
What to do
Explore the Salt Flats: Visit the Bonneville Salt Flats for photography and sightseeing, accessible from BLM by Salt Flats - Dispersed Site. "We had dark skies. Perfect for stargazing. Woke up to beautiful skies," notes a recent camper.
Mountain climbing: Hike the nearby Silver Island Mountains for elevated views. "There is a view of the Bonneville Salt Flats. No hiking trails, but it's easy to wander around in the desert and visit a nearby cave," reports a visitor to the Dispersed Site at the Base of A Hill.
Wildlife viewing: Look for native desert animals during early morning or evening hours. "We even had some prong horned sheep near us on the mountain," mentions one camper at BLM by Salt Flats.
What campers like
Remote solitude: Many dispersed sites offer complete privacy despite proximity to the highway. "I always love my time in the knolls. Great recreation area if you have atv's or bikes. Tons of sand dunes, open space for trailers and tents," writes a reviewer of Knolls Recreation Area.
Dark sky stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for astronomical observation. "Arrived after dark. Stargazed at the Milky Way. Cell service (ATT) was excellent," reports a Knolls visitor.
Sunrise viewing: Early mornings provide dramatic lighting over the salt flats. "The sunrise and stars at night were unreal," notes one camper at Silver Island Mountains by Bonneville Salt Flats. Another adds, "Camped here to go onto the salt flats for sunrise was a beautiful place."
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong winds frequently affect the area, particularly on exposed sites. "The wind on top of the hill was brutal around 8pm so I went back down the road a little ways to set up camp," warns a visitor to Pilot Peak Lookout.
Road quality varies: Some access roads require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. "If you have 4x4 and some ground clearance you can make it to the top. Great secluded spot," notes a Cave Hill camper. At Pilot Peak, another visitor cautions, "Watch the rocks on Volcano West rd as you approach the lookout... be careful you don't bottom it out."
Limited shelter: Most sites lack natural shade. "Not much shade but didn't matter to us since we got there at sunset and left early to continue our trip," mentions a Knolls visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Off-road recreation: Bring bikes or ATVs if traveling with teens or older children. "If you have a rig than its definitely worth the time getting out here and staying for a few days," suggests a Knolls Recreation Area visitor.
Hard ground preparation: Pack appropriate sleeping gear for firm surfaces. "The ground is hard, so make sure to bring something soft to sleep on," advises a camper at Silver Island Mountains by Bonneville Salt Flats.
Pet considerations: Most dispersed sites welcome dogs but require waste management. "If you have dogs with you, this was also a great place to have them off the leash and play fetch since no one was around," shares a BLM by Salt Flats visitor.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites feature sloped terrain requiring blocks or levelers. "Be ready to level your rig as everything slopes towards the salt flats," notes a Silver Island Mountains camper.
Cell service availability: Coverage varies by location and carrier. "Some cell reception, great for Starlink obviously," reports a Pilot Peak visitor. Another notes, "I have three bars of AT&T. I would definitely camp here again passing through."
Salt precautions: Avoid driving RVs directly onto salt flats when moisture might be present. "BEWARE: Although you'll see people driving out on the flats, it MAY be VERY VERY muddy, with slick mud even though it appears to 'look fine'," warns a visitor to Bonneville Salt Flats BLM.
