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Dispersed Camping

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping, near Fallon, Nevada, is a unique spot for those who appreciate nature and wildlife. This area is visually stunning, with expansive views and a rich variety of birds, making it a great place for photography and birdwatching.

The location offers a few designated overnight parking areas, but if you're planning to pitch a tent, be prepared for some challenges. Reviewers have noted that the ground can be loose sand, and there’s not much guidance on where to set up camp. However, the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings, including the sight of giant white pelicans and snow-capped mountains, can make for a memorable experience.

Visitors have enjoyed the clean and quiet atmosphere, with pit toilets and trash bins available for convenience. The dirt roads leading into the area are generally well-maintained, making access easy for most vehicles. As one camper shared, “We felt like immigrants crossing the Nevada desert in a covered wagon,” highlighting the sense of adventure this location can inspire.

For those looking to explore, there are hiking trails and opportunities to paddle on nearby lakes, depending on the season. Just keep in mind that supplies are about a 20-minute drive away in Fallon. If you're seeking a peaceful escape into nature, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is worth considering.

Description

Fish and Wildlife Service

Overnight stays are allowed in two areas within the refuge boundary - on E Division Rd, 3 miles off Hunter Rd., and about 9 miles North on Hunter Rd. The overnight area is just before you cross the canal near the Center Rd intersection. Both sites are near vault toilets, but that's it for development and comfort - these are primitive sites with no other features! There are no fees for overnight stays, but they are limited to four (4) consecutive nights at one location, not to exceed twelve (12) consecutive nights on the refuge.

Fee Info

FREE

Reservation Info

NONE

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Location

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.5227312272232 N
118.55241115731283 W

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Access

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

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Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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 Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping needs a permit.


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2023

Awesome landscape w/ terrible camping

Stillwater is visually spectacular and there are tons of birds, if you’re in to that sort of thing. The road in is very well maintained and any vehicle should be able to make it, unless there’s snow. But if you’re looking to camp (like tent and sleeping bag), then this isn’t the place for you.

There are only two designated “overnight parking” areas, which are both next to the vault toilets. You could park an RV or a van here and be fine. But the only place to pitch a tent that’s not next to a main road is super loose sand. I can understand there being no fire rings being that it’s a wildlife conservation area, but there is zero demarcation of where you should pitch a tent.

Overall, cool place to visit and take pictures but not a great overnight destination.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping by Kevin , October 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping by Kevin , October 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping by Kevin , October 13, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2023

Complete different place

We went to these coordinates and turns out they are 100+ miles off. We weren’t able to see the real place and had to go to a different campground. Type in the name of the place and not the coordinates to get to the actual place.

DO NOT GO TO THESE COORDINATES!!!

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 2, 2023

Wild Nevada

Spent two nights here away from everything.  Snow on the surrounding mountains, giant white pelicans in the marshes.  We felt like immigrants crossing the Nevada desert in a covered wagon (actually our custom built Ram Promaster adventure van).  Great get away.

Reviewed Oct. 30, 2022

Coordinates Wrong

I agree with the previous reviewer, however I think the coordinates are way off.

SiteDivision
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Beautiful, clean, quiet

Stillwater NWR has a number of designated dispersed camping sites with pit toilets and trash bins. Free. All dirt roads but roads are OK. When we were there in April/May 2020, we were the only ones camping in the Refuge. Camped on Division Rd.

All sites were clean and quiet. Level. Some of the lakes are paddleable depending on season and there are lots of hiking trails and interpretive trails.

Tons of birds, waterfowl, deer, coyotes, beavers. Amazing sky with mountains in the background.

About 20 min from Fallon for supplies. Would stay again.

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  • Review photo of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping by Ariel & John  W., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping by Ariel & John  W., November 6, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping?

    Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping is located at 5710 feet.