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.

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.

Squaw Valley Reservoir

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Gerlach, NV has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Gerlach campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Gerlach, NV. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Gerlach

The Best Camping Near Gerlach, Nevada

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.

Surprisingly Crowded

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.

Mixed Bag....

We were the only ones here. So much wildlife! The nature sounds were so soothing. We stayed here 4 nights and enjoyed the peace!

Photos of Squaw Valley Reservoir

Real photos from real campers