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.
Description
Very popular with hunters during the hunting seasons. The mining town site of Gold Creek, within the Island Mountain Mining District, is 5 miles south of Big Bend on county road 745. Very little remains of the town as most of it was moved or torn down in the 1920s. A plaque at the town site contains additional information. In an aspen grove surrounded by wide open country, 15 miles northeast of Wildhorse Reservoir.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBig Bend is located in Nevada
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry 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
- 3 hrs 8 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 32 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 51 min from Pocatello, ID
- 4 hrs 58 min from Ogden, UT










