Map showing campground location near Ruth, Nevada

Camper submitted image from Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area

Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area

Wind patterns shape the camping experience at Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area, where Bureau of Land Management sites spread across open terrain beside a high-desert reservoir. Campers find large, level sites equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and charcoal grills, with some featuring shade structures and wind barriers that provide partial protection from the area's persistent breezes.

The campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet on dirt surfaces, with grass aprons available for those seeking additional wind protection. Wild horses graze nearby, and the reservoir attracts waterfowl including loons that dive for food in the early morning hours. A dirt road circles the water, providing walking routes and ATV access. Clean pit toilets serve the camping area, though cell coverage remains limited across most carriers.

"Nothing special, just fairly quiet, easy access, a good distance from your neighbors," notes Semi H.. The sites offer substantial space between neighbors, making this a practical overnight stop for travelers crossing Nevada on Highway 50. Cattle may wander through the area occasionally, and some campers run generators late into the evening.

Spring and fall temperatures can drop significantly after dark, with overnight lows reaching single digits. Pack warm sleeping gear and secure loose items against wind gusts that intensify on elevated sites near the water.

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Map & DirectionsIllipah Reservoir Recreation Area is located in Nevada near Ruth

Public Campground

Directions

Located 37 miles west of Ely on Highway 50, turn at the sign for Illipah Reservoir and continue 1 mile to a road junction, turn left and continue 1.3 miles to the campground.

Coordinates

39.33631871 N
115.38942375 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 6/18/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 6/18/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 47 min from St. George, UT
3 hrs 52 min from Salt Lake City, UT
4 hrs 8 min from Las Vegas, NV
4 hrs 13 min from Provo, UT

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned this free campground's spacious sites with reservoir views and solid basic amenities. Most found it quiet and well-maintained, though windy conditions and lack of cell coverage were noted.

Larry H.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 17, 2026

One cold night stopover

We put the Trailer on the grass apron down from the wind break regular camping spots. Less wind but still cold. Temp went below 10F about 3am. But what a morning! Clear and cool. The loons in the lake feeding from the bottom.

Sitewaterfront

Month of VisitApril

Karen P.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 26, 2026

BLM free

Good place to spend the night while traveling to/from UT. huge spots with table, shades and wind block, BBQ, fire pit and toilets. Extremely windy and unfortunately wind blowing opposite of help with wind blocks. We parked 16’ trailer on back side of wind block.

Siteoverlooking lake

Month of VisitMarch

Patricia I.

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2025

Beautiful and Quite

This is a very nice place to spend some time. Great views and wild horses grazing. Bathroom is clean and trash can also. Fire pit, charcoal grill, and covered picnic tables. We even found a level spot. Large site.

SiteFirst site

Month of VisitNovember

(6) View All

Semi H.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 17, 2025

Easy stay

We often stop here on our way to/from Utah. Nothing special, just fairly quiet, easy access, a good distance from your neighbors.

We were able to walk our dogs and have a quiet time.

We were here several different times of the year in a RV.

Month of VisitOctober

Kim S.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2024

Great free campground

Pretty nice campground with the reservoir, adjacent dirt roads, and closeness(yet not too close to the 50)

Stayed their for a night while going across Nevada. Nice views, pit toilets, tables, some sites have shade structures, metal fire pits, easy dirt road in.

There are cows and in my experience RVs left their generators running quite late were the cons if you consider those as such, but I really thought it was a good site.

Month of VisitSeptember

Roger W.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 18, 2022

Spread out and free

Great for a stop over for sure. Folks here for the water (low) and ATV. A quiet night and can’t get better for free!

Month of VisitAugust

Daniel V.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2021

Nice scenery in Nevada

Great free campground. There's a dirt road going around the reservoir and one can go for a long walk. (Driving a subaru impreza hatchback with 5.1 inches ground clearance.)

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Kailey C.

Guide

Reviewed May. 19, 2020

Windy but nice views

Free campsites along the reservoir, windy up on the high spots. Fire pits, picnic tables (some with shade) and wind fences. Great views, better for campervan or RV camping just because of the high wind and no pads, but you could do it. No cell coverage on sprint or Verizon while here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reservations required for camping at Illipah Reservoir?

No, reservations are not required for camping at Illipah Reservoir. This is a free, first-come, first-served campground. Sites are typically available without prior booking, making it an excellent option for spontaneous trips or as a convenient stopover when traveling across Nevada. The campground provides enough space between sites to accommodate multiple visitors while maintaining privacy.

What amenities are available at Illipah Reservoir Campground?

Illipah Reservoir Campground offers several basic amenities for campers. You'll find fire pits, picnic tables (some with shade structures), and wind fences at the sites. Pit toilets are available for visitors. The campground is free to use and provides adequate spacing between sites for privacy. While there are no designated tent pads, the area accommodates both tent and RV camping, though high winds might make RV or campervan camping more comfortable. Note that there is no cell coverage for Sprint or Verizon at this location.

How do I access the Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area?

Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area is easily accessible via a dirt road that's manageable for most vehicles. It's conveniently located off Highway 50 crossing Nevada, making it a good stopover point. Even cars with lower clearance (like a Subaru Impreza with 5.1 inches of ground clearance) can navigate the access road without issues. There's also a dirt road that circles the entire reservoir, suitable for walking or driving. The campground is positioned to provide easy access while being just far enough from the highway to minimize road noise.

What fishing opportunities are available at Illipah Reservoir?

Illipah Reservoir offers fishing opportunities for visitors, though water levels may fluctuate seasonally. The reservoir is accessible from multiple points around its perimeter via a dirt road that circles the water. While specific fish species aren't mentioned, the reservoir is popular enough to draw people specifically for water activities. For the best fishing experience, consider visiting when water levels are higher. The area also accommodates other outdoor activities like ATV riding and walking along the reservoir's edge, making it versatile for recreation beyond just fishing.

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