Cottonwood trees line the Carson River at Scout Camp, a free, drive-in site within Fort Churchill State Historic Park that draws a mix of tent campers, ATV riders, and travelers with large rigs. The layout includes a few flat, hard-pack parking areas plus a network of dirt roads branching off to smaller, more secluded spots. Some of those side roads require four-wheel drive and high clearance, while the main areas are accessible to most vehicles. Reservations are available, though the free camping designation brings in self-contained setups of all sizes.
Shade from the cottonwoods is a real asset in warmer months, though one note of caution: the trees can shed branches, especially in wind, so open sites are a reasonable alternative when conditions are gusty. A trail runs along the river, and the adobe ruins of the 1860s army fort are within walking distance. Samuel Buckland Campground and Fort Churchill State Park provide additional options on the western side of the park for campers who want hookups or a more developed setting.
Amenities are basic: pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. No water is available on-site. As Warren W. puts it, "Bring water and a generator." The access road has been subject to washout damage in the past, so checking conditions before arrival is worth the effort, particularly for longer rigs. Equestrian facilities, including corrals and pens, are also present. Campers with an interest in Western military history or river access will find Scout Camp a functional and low-cost base.
Description
Scout Camp is located on the Carson River Ranch section of Fort Churchill, adjacent to the Carson River. It is a large, dispersed camping or day-use area that includes picnic tables, fire rings with grill tops, one vault toilet, and multiple horse corrals. Scout Camp is a carry in, carry out trash area. Horse manure needs to be picked up and carried out, or disposed of in the designated manure dump. There is no electricity or water available here. Sites cannot be reserved. An integral part of the history of Nevada and the American West, Fort Churchill was built in 1860 to provide protection for early settlers and westbound emigrants and guard the Pony Express and telegraph lines. Today the ruins are preserved in a state of arrested decay within Fort Churchill State Historic Park, and visitors can walk designated trails to observe the ruins. The park also includes the renovated Buckland Station, an important way station in the 1800s for pioneer travelers on the Overland Route. Situated along the Carson River, the park is an idyllic place for camping, hiking, bird watching and canoeing.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsScout Camp is located in Nevada near Silver Springs
Address
10000 Hwy 95 A
Silver Springs, NV 89429
Coordinates
39.28548 N
119.230652 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 43 min from Carson City, NV
- 50 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 46 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 52 min from Yuba City, CA
