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Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert

3 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

BLM's Black Rock Desert puts Three Mile Playa among the most exposed dispersed camping in Nevada. No shade, no water, no facilities. Cell service is available, though at least one Verizon user found the signal in roaming mode. Reviewers note dried ruts across the playa surface, so sticking to the edges is the safer line for larger rigs. Wind is a consistent factor, and long tent stakes are a practical necessity. Campers should bring two gallons of water per person per day and pack out everything they bring in. Those interested in places to camp near Gerlach will find Black Rock Playa Dispersed roughly six miles to the northeast. Three Mile Playa suits self-sufficient campers who want open space and access to the desert's hot springs without the structure of an organized event.

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Map & DirectionsThree Mile Playa is located in Nevada near Gerlach

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

40.6969 N
119.3509 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • 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.

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Three Mile Playa

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Multiple campers highlighted the unique desert playa experience with wide open spaces and nearby hot springs. Several guests reported challenging wind conditions and tricky ground that can trap vehicles despite appearing solid.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2024

Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing

My first time to the Back Rock Desert.  I have always avoid going to events on the playa due to not wanting my adventure van full of that nasty white chalk like dust.  But, I was invited to attend the Friends of Black Rock meteor shower viewing party.  It was great.  The Friends of Black Rock put on a wonderful event that included dinner and breakfast the next day, live music, a talk about the importance of dark sky's, black light scorpion search, geyser trip, hot springs trip, and a stewardship clean-up.  In my favor was little to no wind, so almost no dust except for what I kicked-up driving the 6 miles in and out of the viewing location on the playa.  I will definitely go to future events, except for the Burning Man dust festival unless I go in someone else's rig.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert by Ray B., August 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert by Ray B., August 13, 2024
Reviewed May. 1, 2024

Beautiful Desolation

This was my third trip to the Playa, but the first time I went without there being an official event.
My favorite part was the trip to hot springs. They were amazing. 

We camped in the middle of the Playa a good ways away from the other people that were there. 

Suggestions:

  1. Bring 2 gallons of water for every day you are there.
  2. Bring along your own bathroom facilities!
  3. Pack out everything you pack in, more if you find anything laying around. 
  4. Bring LOOOOOONG stakes for anything you are tying down to the playa. The winds can be incredible!
SiteDispersed
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert by Chuck M., May 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert by Chuck M., May 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert by Chuck M., May 1, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 16, 2023

Don't get stuck!

Cool BLM dispersed camping in the Black Rock Desert. We had no trouble getting to this spot in our 26ft class c, but saw some dried out ruts in the ground so we played it safe and stuck to the edges. 

Easy access from the town of Gerlach. 

This area is just wide open, no shade, no greenery, nowhere to hide from the incessant wind. We had cell reception here, though the Verizon phone was in roaming mode in this area. 

Fun place to visit but the vast open flatness and the wind made us move on. Watch for the muddy ground, it can look deceptively dry and then you’ll find yourself sunk and stuck!

Siten/a
Month of VisitMay
  • Play button icon
  • exit / entrance road
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  • Review photo of Three Mile Playa - Black Rock Desert by Laura M., May 16, 2023
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free dispersed camping sites near Gerlach?

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.

What are the best times of year to camp in Gerlach?

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.

Where can I find camping options in Gerlach, Nevada?

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.

What amenities are available at Gerlach camping areas?

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.

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