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Facilities

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Squaw Valley Reservoir

Squaw Valley Reservoir in Nevada offers a landscape of open terrain with sparse vegetation. Temperatures can range from highs in the 90s during summer to lows in the 20s in winter. Visitors can explore the nearby Black Rock Desert or visit the Fly Geyser, both accessible within an hour's drive.

Description

Nevada Division of Wildlife

Settle into primitive camping along the edge of Granite Mountain Reservoir, but be aware that there are no restrooms or trash facilities on site. If you’re going to build a campfire, be sure to check into seasonal fire restrictions and only use preexisting fire rings. Practice Leave No Trace Methods whenever possible, and remember to pack out everything you bring in. That, and before casting into bodies of water in the Silver State, be sure to get yourself legal with a proper Nevada Fishing License. Grab one in advance at NDOW’s website, and if you’re already here, get one at one of the state’s many license agents.

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Location

Squaw Valley Reservoir is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.82923125 N
119.5363194 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Squaw Valley Reservoir needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 3, 2024

Mixed Bag....

Mixed review here. It’s my understanding that this “campground” is the result of an agreement between the State and a landowner- basically the state allowed the landowner to build a reservoir and in exchange the landowner lets the public camp next to the lake.

While I never met the landowner, I got the impression from their signs/warnings/rules at the gate that they don’t really like this arrangement anymore. Really, name me another campground where it’s against the rules to pee on the ground? Whatever….. 

In addition, about 20 minutes after we parked a fellow drove by on an ATV (gave us a wave). I can’t help but think we were being watched - or at least there was a camera aimed at the entrance gate. If either was the case - not cool. 

As for the camping- there were no real sites on the south end of the lake, rather just a few fire rings that you could pull up to. No water. No privy. But it was free - so you get what you pay for. 

The reservoir is a true oasis - lots of birds and plenty of fish jumping. Bugs weren’t bad for us in October. The night sky was incredible.

SiteDrive-up open area at south end of lake
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Squaw Valley Reservoir by Mike , November 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Squaw Valley Reservoir by Mike , November 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Squaw Valley Reservoir by Mike , November 3, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 16, 2023

Surprisingly Crowded

This is privately owned land that allows dispersed camping and fishing. As we were checking out this entire area looking for a place for the night we got so used to being the only people around and assumed this place would be the same, but wow, not at all the case! As we drove up we saw so many giant RVs, all crammed together in a row, generators going. Not the place for us at all. 

We went in and checked it out but definitely were not interested in staying the night. Granted, it’s a Saturday night so maybe it’s quieter during the week. We did see a lone RV along the other side of the water so if we’d been inclined to do so we might have found a quieter spot, but honestly we just wanted to get out of there. The road is really rutted(dried out) but it didn’t seem to have affected the access for all those huge RVs that were camped there. But maybe watch for that in the rainy season. 

No amenities or services here. Pack out your trash. 14 day stay limit. Please keep this area clean so the owners continue to allow people to camp here. No cell service here and close the gate behind you.

Month of VisitMay
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Squaw Valley Reservoir by Laura M., May 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Squaw Valley Reservoir by Laura M., May 16, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Squaw Valley Reservoir?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Squaw Valley Reservoir, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Squaw Valley Reservoir have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Squaw Valley Reservoir does not have wifi.