Within Humboldt National Forest, Big Bend operates as a self-service campground that draws hunters and campers seeking access to Nevada's high desert backcountry. The US Forest Service manages this established campground, which sits 11 miles down a dirt road from the main highway. Campers pay $8 through the honor system, with no camp host or ranger presence reported by frequent visitors.

The campground provides water hydrants throughout the area, though John H. notes they are "not charged, no water available." Sites offer shade and elevation that keeps temperatures cooler than surrounding desert areas. Two restroom facilities serve the campground, though reviewers mention they need maintenance. Campers must pack out all trash and wastewater.

Remote location means no cell service reaches the campground. The area attracts hunters during season, creating busier periods with more road traffic. Wild Horse Rec Area 2 lies 8 miles southwest for those interested in fishing or boating opportunities. Sites deeper into the campground tend to see fewer people than those near the entrance.

Bring plenty of water and plan for complete self-sufficiency, as the nearest services require the full dirt road journey back to town.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Big Bend is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Mountain City, NV, take State Rt. 225 south 18.5 miles to Big Bend Campground sign. Turn left after sign onto gravel (then dirt) road and go 8.7 miles to an intersection. Continue straight through the intersection, passing Forest Service sign, and go 1.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

Coordinates

41.76600043 N
115.7000004 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/13/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/13/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.0

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4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the scenic, clean sites and peaceful atmosphere as key highlights. Mixed feedback on facilities with bathrooms needing attention but water access available. Remote location offers great base for area exploration.

Reviewed Mar. 31, 2021

BIG BEND WAS AWESOME

I went there with my family and it was great. The only thing was if you do not go as far in you are bound to see more people.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Big Bend by Name , March 31, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2020

Great spot

Campground was pretty clean and easily accessible. Close-ish to Wild Horse for fishing or boating. Nice views on the drive in. Nice and shady spots! Will come back for sure.

  • Review photo of Big Bend by Hayley H., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Bend by Hayley H., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Bend by Hayley H., July 27, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2019

Peaceful

Big bend campground is a nice little oasis in the high desert. It was hunting season and the road was busy, campers all over in the campground (they were very friendly and quiet) and hunters camped in the area but it was still peaceful. Very scenic camp sites and cooler than the surrounding area. No camp host, talked to a few folks that frequent the campground and commented they have never seen a ranger there. 8 bucks self pay, very reasonable price. 2 bathrooms that need attention, had my own in the camper so I didn’t mind. Water hydrants throughout but not charged, no water available. Haul out your own trash and waste water. Remote so not cell service or WiFI. Great base camp to explore the surrounding public land. 11 miles of good dirt road to access it. A nice base camp to go visit Jarbidge, a must visit!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about Big Bend Campground in Nevada?

Big Bend Campground is described as a scenic little oasis in Nevada's high desert with nice shady spots and beautiful views. Campers appreciate that it's clean, easily accessible, and generally peaceful even during busy periods like hunting season. The campground provides cooler temperatures than surrounding areas and is noted for having friendly neighbors. Some visitors mention it can get busier in certain sections, so camping further in offers more privacy. Its proximity to Wild Horse for fishing and boating is considered a plus.

Where is Big Bend Campground located in Nevada?

Big Bend Campground is located in the high desert region of Nevada. It serves as a peaceful oasis surrounded by scenic views. The campground is situated relatively close to Wild Horse for those interested in fishing or boating activities. The area features beautiful desert landscapes with higher elevation providing cooler temperatures than surrounding lower areas. Its accessible location makes it a convenient base for exploring the Nevada high country.

Are there photos of Big Bend Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Big Bend Campground are available online to help you plan your visit. These images typically showcase the campground's shady sites, desert landscape setting, and natural surroundings. Viewing photos before your trip will give you a good sense of the campground's layout, the type of terrain, and available amenities. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the official managing agency website or popular camping platforms like The Dyrt where visitors share their camping experiences.