Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

Yes, Three Mile Playa offers free dispersed camping on BLM land near Gerlach. The Black Rock Desert playa is accessible for dispersed camping without fees. You can camp directly on the playa surface, with the freedom to choose how far from town and other campers you want to be. Many visitors drive out to more remote areas of the playa for increased privacy. The area is suitable for various camping setups, including RVs, with 26-foot class C motorhomes having no trouble accessing the area.

Spring and fall are generally the best times for camping at Three Mile Playa near Gerlach. Summer can be extremely hot with no shade, while winter brings cold temperatures and potential for mud if precipitation occurs. The playa surface condition is a critical factor - after rain, the playa can become impassable mud. Special events like meteor showers offer excellent viewing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Always check weather and playa conditions before heading out, as seasonal variations significantly impact the camping experience in this desert environment.

Three Mile Playa in the Black Rock Desert offers excellent dispersed camping options near Gerlach, Nevada. This BLM-managed area provides wide-open spaces for camping with easy access directly from the town of Gerlach. The playa (dry lake bed) allows for extensive camping opportunities where you can position your site either near others or find solitude further out on the playa. The Friends of Black Rock organization sometimes hosts events here, including meteor shower viewing parties.

Three Mile Playa offers very primitive camping with essentially no amenities. There are no water sources, restrooms, picnic tables, or shade structures on the playa. Campers must bring absolutely everything they need, including all water, food, shelter, and waste disposal solutions. The area features nearby hot springs that some visitors enjoy. When planning a trip, prepare for complete self-sufficiency in an exposed desert environment. The playa is characterized by its distinctive white alkaline dust surface. Gerlach town is the nearest location for any services or supplies.