Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

I've stayed here once before and wanted to stay again and found no open spots. The camp host Marian found me a great spot. She is the best 😁

Stopped here short of intended destination due to lateness of the hour and long drive. Great sites along the lake with tables and fire rings and fireplaces. Able to set up in one of the RV sites next to the water. Bike trails available, boating allowed but no swimming. Visitor center is nearby. Reasonable temps. Proximity of water does mean bugs of all kinds(gnats, nozzles, dragonflies etc.) 8 person occupancy. Only downside is proximity to the highway but not as heavily trafficked as it could be.

I have stayed at this campground a couple of times now on my way to/from Las Vegas. The lake is so pretty. Plentiful wildlife. A great 3.1 mile loop around the lake to shake out the legs. Camp hosts are friendly and helpful. Pit toilets are clean. The only drawback is the highway noise. Trucks/traffic noise all night.

There is so much hwy traffic that it makes it hard to sleep. Staff approach you unfriendly and confrontational before they even get a chance to understand what you are doing. We were sitting in the shade of a tree in the next camp spot as there was zero shade in ours and instead of understanding or having any conversation the staff approached us like we were criminals. We were barely encroaching on the next camp and were literally just sitting in the shade getting relief from a blazing hot day, with no shade in our camp spot. And staff came at us aggressively and acusaltional. Two female campers, sitting quietly reading books in their shade. Camp spot #15 requires a HC plaque and we were watching everyone who came by to see if they were HC at which time we would happily move out of the shade of the tree separating the two camps. But the staff made us feel so uncomfortable and so not understanding or people friendly that we couldn't even talk to him nor have a conversation about it.
No campfire pit in #14 as well and #15 had no one all weekend, What a waste.

Beautiful place to stay. Even though it’s right next to the road the mounds help buffer a bit. The lake & wildlife in amazing. We will definitely stay here again.

Fun, but no fishing. Lake had some kind of duck ick. Host said water will irritate your skin.

Stayed: 5/28/2022

Cost: FREE

Site: N/A

Vehicle: GMC Terrain

Equipment: Car

AT&T and T-Mobile: Good Service

CAMPGROUND WAS FULL- DID NOT STAY HERE– BACKUP ACROSS THE STREET

Was a nice campground, would be great to stay here.

We were on our way to Great Basin from Las Vegas and this was essentially the only option. We arrived around 9PM and the Pahranagat National Wildlife campground was full. Another review below mentioned an open space across the street that they used. It took us a minute to find it, but the entrance is DIRECTLY across the street from the Wildlife entrance.

We were the only ones, but you can tell others had been using this place. There were plenty of tracks and fire pits. It felt a little weird being there alone, but this did the trick when there isn’t anything else for miles and miles. See video to get an idea of the layout.

#DareToEverywhere

03/22/2022 Rode in on motorcycles and checked in at check-in station. Looked for open sites and settled on site 11, which was built upon a mound. Had to park the bikes at the bottom and carry gear to the top of the mound, which provided a partial view from the top. One of the tent pads was hidden between some bushes which was good for some partial wind coverage. After setting up camp we went for a 3-4 mile walk around the lake, didn’t see much wildlife besides a few birds. Didn’t get to use the firepit due to high winds so bed time came pretty early after dinner. The vault bathrooms were clean, not smelly at all. Unfortunately there is constant road noise from the main road being about 75 feet away from the camp sites, and numerous cars hit the rumble strips causing even more noise. Right before bed time there were two large explosions that sounded like a bomb went off right across the lake, but I think it was from the aircraft bombing range nearby. There are no trash cans on site so prepare to pack out all trash. A few mice came out shortly after sundown so keep all food away from things you don’t want chewed through, like backpacks and tents. No other animals were seen during our stay. Camp sites were clean, neighbors were quiet, but the stay was quite boring and windy. Verizon service was good, no 5G but had full bars of 4G. Able to stream videos and check email/social media if needed. There is a gas station 5 miles away that is open from 5am-9pm.
This campsite is a good spot to stay if you just need a free place to stay for the night and can sleep through road noise.

Camping spots are way to close to eachother and the hwy is right next to the camp sites. Other then that it's a beautiful area.

There are approx. 14 camping spots between the freeway and the lake. The one's I saw had fire rings and grills with great views overlooking the lake. There is quite a bit of freeway noise though.

After a long, hot, WINDY ride down the ET Highway, I was ready for a stop.  I found this place via The Dyrt.  A bit difficult to find the actual entrance, to the north of the camps.  The Visitor Center, to the south, was closed.  The camps are rather exposed, but right on the water's edge.  Most were filled, as it is 'first-come' camping.  I was able to share spot #3 with a big motorhome in #2.  Pretty cute extremes in camping.  The camp host was kind, and had no problem with me setting up a clothes line for drying my sweaty gear.  Pit toilets are only at the two ends of the camping area, so plan ahead.  It was about a 5-minute walk from #2, for #2.  Quite a few bugs got me during the evening hours, but not too bad.  Fun to watch the Mexican free-tail bats come out in the evening.

1st come. Sites 2 and 3, 4 and 5 are good for a RV ours is a class A with tow 55ft. Also at the end of campground 13, 14, 15 are back in sites for a longer rig with a roundabout to turn and get back out. Picnic table and fire pit and bbq. No services, no fees for 14 days. No Atv, etc. Vaulted toilets. No services, there is a dumpster at the turn in from highway onto Upper Lake Road. 3 miles into Alamo is gas, great little grocery store and Chester's Chicken. Pritchett RV has dump station, propane fill. Camp host actively monitors the goings at this Campground. Fishing for bass, crappie, catfish. We were here May 2021, gnats and mosquitoes but only in late evening, fun to watch the bats hunting for their dinner.

We looked for a last minute camping spot as we went from LA to Colorado and came across this spot. It was free and pet friendly and right next to the lake which made for a beautiful sunset. The only downside is that you do hear quite a bit of traffic driving past since it’s right next to the road but it’s definitely worth it for being free.

There is an upper and lower camp area here in pahranagat.

You're on a major freeway so watch carefully for your turn in.

Fishing, hunting, and bird watching all happen here so there is plenty to do.

Did I mention it's free?? well it is and they have tables, grills, and fire rings.

Cool little spot off of the freeway for sure, it gets loud due to the traffic but what else do you expect next to a freeway.

They allow small non-motorized water vessels in the water so perfect for a kayak.

PLenty of trees surrounding you and its honestly nicely shaded and full of education for the entire family.

Trash cans available as well.

2nd review for this campground. Site 10 and Site 7 are our favorites. Site 10 does not have a fire ring grate, however there is a camp grill at this site as well. Site 7 has a fire ring with grate. Worked out perfect either way.

We stopped here for lunch to check it out as a potential spot for the future. So we didn't actually camp here but we looked around, took pictures, and made a plan for our return. First thing is that since this place is free and beautiful it fills up quickly. We arrived around 11:30 am and there were spots available but they were all taken by the time we left after our lunch. However, there is another free boondocking spot across the highway near the refuge entrance, so if you arrive too late to get a spot you could camp at the boondocking spot for one night and then try to get a campsite at the refuge the next day. It was October when we were there and the weather was cool and the leaves turning. Just gorgeous scenery and the campsites are literally right next to the lake. Lots and lots of water fowl. There are nice trails around the area too but be careful at the lower parts of the refuge because hunting is allowed there. The refuge consists of two lakes and a marsh. Parts of the lakes are muddy, which is probably how the place gets it's name. There are sites big enough for RVs and sites where only tents are allowed. None have hookups but they do have picnic tables. The road noise might bother some people. And the entire park is dirt roads, not paved. Parts of the road are narrow, so caution must be taken when passing other vehicles.

We got in on a Thursday night right around 6:30 pm. We knew we were going to be cutting it close and in our 26 foot rig out of the 10ish spaces that could fit us (some spots are only for vans or tents) only 2 were left so we suggest getting here earlier. We found a space that was available next to another camping couple who were very kind. They were pulling a Bighorn maybe a 28 ft with slides and we both fit in spots 2 and 3 with ease. The road heading in is incredibly washboarded. Stick to the left side of the road if you want a slightly less bumpy ride. Scenery was gorgeous. Lots of shade for Nevada. Amazing view of the stars too! You are close to the highway but at night the road settles down and it was not a problem for us. Being so close to the lake be prepared to be inundated with bugs at night time if you have any lights on at all. Also, people do not seem to pick up after their pets (maybe even themselves?) as the closer you get to vegetation the more poop you’ll see alongside the grass/bushes. Overall, we enjoyed our stay here. It is a donation only park and it is first come first serve! We arrived Sept 17th around 6:30 pm with only two spots left and right after we pulled in another van and camper pulled in so I’m pretty sure it was full by 7 pm. Temps were low 60s at night and 85 when we arrived up until about 8:30 pm! Each site is spaced far enough apart where you aren’t necessarily on top of each other (except for our site which was meant for two rv’s)! There are also picnic tables, grills and fire pits at each site.

We stopped in to review the campground for a future trip, pulling a 34 ft travel trailer with no problems. It’s located on a gravel road with a small portion washboard surface. Good for kayaking until October 1st. Then, closed to boating for the season. No swimming, no hookups. Fire rings available to use, but must bring your own firewood. There’s a trail at the south end of the lake. There are a few spaces for small vehicles only, but we found open choices today to fit our trailer. The highway runs along the campground, so there is road noise. We’d like to come back in a different season.

Huge spots with great views of the water. We arrived super late and snagged a spot no problem. Clean facilities and very quiet. Only downer was the crazy amount of bugs and the skunk nearby

Amazing site! Had a wonderful time!!

Call ahead, this location was closed for COVID when we visited on May 24th

Campground Review: This lake is incredible! It is on the road to Cathedral Gorge State Park and filled with wildlife! We were there for the bird count and it took all day just to count the birds on the lake. 

There are fifteen lakeside campsites are available along Upper Pahranagat Lake. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are free, but there is a donation box at the registration kiosk if you want to leave some support for the Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge reserved sites for our group participating in the bird count service project. So be aware that you might want to have a back up plan if the sites are full since there is no reservation channel.  Several of the sites can accommodate multiple tents, camping trailers, or RVs. No electrical, water or sewage facilities are available. There are vault toilets. 

Visitors may stay for a maximum of fourteen days within a 31 day period. Quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. Generators are allowed, but if the generator is noisy it should be shut down overnight to respect other campers. Fires are allowed only in provided grills and fire pits. 

Non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors are permitted on Middle Marsh Unit and Lower Lake throughout the year, and on Upper Lake from February 1 through September 30. Upper Lake is closed to boating October 1-January 30. Due to fragile habitats, the use of boats, rubber rafts, or other flotation devices is not permitted on the North Marsh at any time. Watercraft must be in compliance with all applicable state and federal rules. Trailer launching is not permitted. To prevent the spread of invasive species, only car-top watercraft are permitted.

The campsite can be a little noisy during the day, but it slows down drastically at night. It’s a wildlife refuge, so you will see and hear wildlife all day, and all night. We loved it! Especially the kids... they woke me up super excited at 2 in the morning telling me they could hear coyotes. 

The kids caught their first fish at this site as well, for that I will always appreciate this hidden gem. They caught catfish, perch and a huge carp. We released all of their catches, because it was the right thing to do.

Ranger Review: GCI Pod Rocker at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, near Alamo, NV.

CAMPGROUND REVIEW 

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, 9 miles south of near Alamo, NV. This campground is absolutely gorgeous and FREE!! However, nothing is ever really"free," so the price you pay is tolerating the noise from the very close US 93 highway. Noise diminishes at night, as there's very little truck traffic. At the time of this writing, Interstate 15 is detoured to this highway en route to Utah(until Spring 2020). All sites are first come first serve.  Each site has a picnic table, grill, fire pit, and a view of Upper Pahranagat Lake. Sites were clean& tidy in spite of no camp hosts. There are very few amenities: No water and a few scattered vault toilets. There is a handicap accessible site at the end of the long campground road with a paved stretch of sidewalk that goes to the south end of the lake. At the south end, there is a telescope for viewing wildlife and a park bench. We fished in the kayak a bit, but there were no bites. The landscaping is beautiful, with song birds always chirping. There's also a loop trail around the lake and another trail to the visitor's center. 

Campground highlights:  https://youtu.be/Gch2ndb3t4Y

PRODUCT REVIEW 

As a ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. While camping at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, we tested the GCI Pod Rocker. 

https://www.gcioutdoor.com/rockers/pod-rocker/ 

GCI Pod Rocker looks very sharp and is well constructed. However, it seems to be more suited for a heavier person. For a lighter person, the rocking motion takes some work, unless the chair is positioned on a downward sloping hill. Sets up quick and easy, has a little drink holder pouch, and it has nice storage case with shoulder strap. 

Pod Rocker in action:  https://youtu.be/MnZ4hCHwrXY

In summary, we loved camping at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, but with no water the stay was brief. However, adding this fun chair to our camping gear made our stay extra comfy!

Established campground with limited spaces. We got the last space when we there and it was full the entire time but for good reason.

loved it here!