Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge manages Virgin Valley Campground, a free, year-round site set in the high desert of northwestern Nevada, roughly two miles down a maintained dirt road off Highway 140. The road is accessible to standard vehicles, including sedans, as long as drivers take it slow. Campers heading out from places to camp around Denio will find this one of the more developed free sites in the region, with drinking water, pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site.
The campground sits in an open valley with little shade and minimal privacy between sites, something multiple reviewers flag as worth knowing in advance. Wind can be significant, particularly for tent campers, and getting a campfire started in gusting conditions takes patience. The natural hot spring is a central draw: it feeds a soaking pool and two spring-fed showers in a rustic bathhouse. The water runs warm rather than hot, typically in the mid-90s Fahrenheit, and locating the warmer vent spots in the pool makes a difference. Julia V. notes the pit toilet near her site was "the CLEANEST pit toilet I've ever used in my life." Cleanliness of the facilities comes up consistently across reviews.
Beyond the spring, the campground sits near several opal mines, including Rainbow Ridge, making it a practical base for gem hunters. A stocked pond on site allows fishing, though with restrictions limiting access to children, people with disabilities, and those 65 and older. A canyon trail runs north of the campground. Bring water. Wildlife sightings, including ducks and rabbits, are common along the drive in and around the valley floor.
Cell coverage is limited or nonexistent for some carriers. Gas up before arriving: there are no services within roughly 80 miles. Nights get cold even in summer. For campers who want a different setup nearby, Royal Peacock opal mine and Bog Hot Springs Dispersed Camping are both within range for those exploring the broader area around campgrounds near Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsVirgin Valley Campground is located in Nevada near Denio
Directions
Highway 140 provides access into the heart of Sheldon Refuge. From Lakeview, Oregon, travel 68 miles east on 140.From Denio, Nevada, travel 14 miles west on Highway 140.
Coordinates
41.85344401 N
119.00212597 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 3 min from Reno, NV
- 4 hrs 5 min from Bend, OR
- 4 hrs 27 min from Carson City, NV
- 5 hrs 12 min from Boise, ID


































