Map showing campground location near Denio, Nevada

Onion Valley Reservoir

BLM's Humboldt River Field Office manages this remote reservoir campground in Nevada's Pine Forest Range, where the access road is the defining factor for any trip. High clearance and four-wheel drive are required. After rain, the shelf road becomes dangerously slick, with mud capable of pushing even experienced drivers toward the valley edge. A rattlesnake sighting on the road has been noted. Toilets are on-site. Campers exploring the area can find campgrounds around BLM Land — Humboldt River Field Office and nearby options such as Theodore Basin BLM Dispersed — Pine Forest Range, roughly three miles northeast. The season runs mid-June through mid-October, so plan accordingly.

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Map & DirectionsOnion Valley Reservoir is located in Nevada near Denio

Public Campground

Directions

From Denio Junction head south on State 140 14 miles then head 14 miles west on dirt road

Coordinates

41.69000063 N
118.74500075 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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AT&T
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

4 hrs 11 min from Reno, NV
4 hrs 35 min from Carson City, NV
5 hrs 19 min from Boise, ID
5 hrs 23 min from Redding, CA

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Onion Valley Reservoir

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5 Stars

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1 Star

3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Martin

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2021

A dangerous road when wet

I drive a lifted 4wd and have years of experience driving in all sorts of conditions. I started out on this road to Onion Valley after a moderate rain storm and wished I hadn’t. Less then half way in, there is a shelf road that winds around a mountain next to a valley. The mud was so slick and heavy that the back end of my truck was literally sliding to the valley side of the road. Scary as hell. Moving in the lowest drive gear, creeping along, I steered into the slide and worked my way out. Use caution on this route. Do Not Drive When Wet!!

Sitenever made it out to the camp sites

Month of VisitOctober

Thomas B.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Roughing it off road

Very primitive. Far from the main road. You definitely need a 4-wheel, high clearance vehicle for this. And we saw a rattlesnake in the middle of the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fishing opportunities are available at Onion Valley Reservoir?

Onion Valley Reservoir offers fishing opportunities in a secluded mountain setting. While specific fish species information isn't detailed, the reservoir provides a primitive fishing experience away from crowds. Due to its remote location, anglers should bring all necessary fishing equipment and supplies as there are no services nearby. Weather conditions can affect water levels and accessibility, so checking current conditions before planning a fishing trip is advisable.

Where is Onion Valley Reservoir located in Nevada?

Onion Valley Reservoir is located in a remote area of Nevada that requires significant off-road travel to access. The reservoir sits at the end of a rugged dirt road that branches off from a main highway. It's situated in a mountainous region with valleys nearby, making it quite isolated. The journey to reach this destination involves traversing shelf roads that wind around mountains, so proper planning for the remote location is essential before visiting.

What amenities are available at Onion Valley Campground?

Onion Valley Campground is extremely primitive with virtually no amenities. There are no developed facilities such as restrooms, running water, trash service, or designated campsites with tables or fire rings. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing everything they need including water, waste disposal, and all camping supplies. The campground's remote nature means you should prepare for a true backcountry experience with no services or facilities nearby.

Keep Exploring

- Denio, NV (0.0 miles)