Want to go dispersed camping in Nevada? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from technology. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
A large part of the Spring Mountains is remote and undeveloped. Visitors can venture out and set up camp in these remote areas with just a little planning from the guidelines below The best known areas in the Spring Mountains include Mack's Canyon, Champion Road, and Lovell Canyon but those can get crowded in warm weather. Dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive or hike out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot with a nice view or good shade. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed outside a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream or spring. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines. - Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damage or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 100 feet of any water source, as plants near water are especially fragile. - Do not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting - Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage. Going to the Bathroom in the Woods Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. That means extra care has to be taken in disposing of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six (6) inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. A ziplock bag is helpful for this. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground since it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Treating Your Water We used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of the sparkling creek, a rushing waterfall, or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water source anymore. With an increasing population and visitation to the Spring Mountains, water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting and wild animals to many water sources. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems. The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating.
A network of backcountry roads has been developed within the park to provide access to the lakeshore and other areas of interest that are off the beaten path. Approved roads are signed with a yellow arrow. The black number in the center of the arrow designates the road number. Driving on roads or trails not marked with the yellow arrow is prohibited. With hundreds of miles of backcountry roads, conditions can change without notice. Please travel on backcountry roads with caution. Driving off roads, in washes or cross country damages the fragile desert soil and is prohibited by National Park Service regulations. Please help preserve the park by staying on approved roads, respecting the rights of other visitors and carrying out all trash and litter.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Access to Kirch WMA is free—even for overnight camping. Please make sure that you’ve got an up to date fishing license, if you plan to fish.
From the website Ultimate Hot Springs Guide:
There is dispersed camping along the road to the springs.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of this road is private land. Please be aware and respectful of the signs that indicate what is public and what is private to avoid issues while camping.
General Description: 12 Mile Hot Springs is also know as Bishop Creek Hot Springs. The hot springs is free and named because it is 12 miles north of Wells. Nevada. The hot springs are a primative long man-made concrete pool 40 feet long and 3 feet deep. The source is about 105 degrees. Depending on the season the hot springs average about 100 degrees. Clothing is optional.
Guide
Just off of 80 @ the Mustang exit, east bound side. Industrial area, so trucks going by, mostly during the day, but occasionally throughout the night. Good, clean spot to rest for a night. Adjacent to the river
Guide
So quiet and peaceful. Nobody else was here but me. Barely hear minimal traffic from the road. Sadly an overcast while I stayed one night, but I got to see the last full moon, winter moon, of the year rise from behind the mountain ridge in the north. Looked like the sun rising. I will be returning to star gaze on clear skies. Oh yeah, definitely weird rock formations to check out.
Guide
We stayed for one night, loads of space, fairly level as well. Just a little bit off the road and really quiet.
Traveler
I spent three days here in the middle of a week in August. Perfect place for a hot nude hike in and out, and a nude soak at the destination. I met a few people as I was hiking in and then back out, but they didn't mind the fact that I was nude. One couple on the trail coming out were hiking nude as well, and there were several people soaking who were nude also. A few people were textile, but they didn't mind the rest of us. The area where I camped wasn't crowded during my entire stay and I was nude the entire time. I'll come back again.
Traveler
I spent a couple of days here in August and did some nude hiking around the rock areas. I had the whole place to myself for most of the time. It was hot, but that's perfect for me since I'm nude all the time. I'd return here when I'm headed to the Lake Mead area in the near future (one of my very favorite nude destinations).
Traveler
What a bummer. Govt. wash is closed permanently. It used to be a great place to spend a nude week or two since there always seemed to be a spot that was somewhat secluded from neighbors, and those who were nearby didn't mind, or were nude themselves. Nothing lasts forever I guess.
Traveler
I've spent a few all nude days here while traveling to various other locations in the area. (I'm just now getting around to publishing some reviews of those). I found that this place was ok for a few days' stay. Not too crowded and like other boondocking places in the area, my neighbors were not too close and didn't seem to mind if I was nude all the time. I was happy to see that several of them were nude the entire time as well. That fortunately seems to be quite normal for the entire Lake Mead area (which is why I spend so much time there). I'll be back soon.
Guide
A very short but kind of rough road right off of Valley of Fire Hwy less than two miles from the Parks north entrance. Free boondocking with no amenities. Follow the road and find your spot! You can see the traffic going to and from the park, but it is not a nuisance. The park is technically closed from sunset to sunrise so the only traffic is the occasional camper, arriving at the campground within the park. There are so many trails and points of interest to visit inside and outside the park. I highly recommend paying the price to drive through the park and then through the Lake Mead national recreation area into Henderson, Nevada near Las Vegas. The road along Lake Mead is as beautiful as Valley of Fire is!
Traveler
Great views for sunrise and sunset. Dispersed camping with plenty of space between sites. Rock fire rings but expect no facilities. We only stayed one night but would stay here again! Cell service was excellent.
Guide
There was lots of open space to park where ever. It was quiet!
Guide
We got in late, but had no problem finding it and setting up. We just stayed for one night, but it was great. It’s right by Sawmill Trail head if you are going there.
TravelerI often stop here when I’m near Vegas. It’s mostly quiet except for holiday weekends. Places to hike and wonderful views. No amenities, pack it in and Pack it out.
Traveler
Nice, quiet, flat areas that are perfect for big rigs. 14 day limit. Road coming in a tad bumpy but not horrible if you take your time. Beautiful view of the Lake! Will come back here for sure.
Traveler
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.
Traveler
Spent one full day and night here after spending about a week in the park. Absolutely amazing spots close to town but far enough at the same time. Minimal cover from the wind is the only drawback. 3 bars 5g with ATT and booster, pulling 300mbps with redzone wireless.
Guide
okay. let’s be real. the road is a beast. I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno. can be very windy but if you get between some of the trees it’s not to bad.
RangerThis is my third night of 5. Every night has been very quiet. There are campers around but you barely hear them or see them during the day. At night you could sometimes catch a light. T-Mobile cell service for the phone calls is great for data it's. Almost done existent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
Traveler
This location is right off the highway, which made it convenient for a quick stop. There was mild highway noise, but it wasn’t too bothersome, just a hum in the background. Occasionally, we’d hear burros in the distance, which added some character to the place. We stayed in a tent, and despite being close to the road, it was still a great spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Overall, a solid choice for a brief stay.
Ranger
On the whole, it's avg. as far as campgrounds go
Great Basin was full, so went west on 6 about 8 miles and pulled into dispersed campground where there were some covered picnic tables at sites around a large central pond, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites. Stayed in#7 which was exposed, but the last one available so we took it. Free. Pit toilets are dirty but don't stink and trash has been emptied. Nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across UT
RangerFREE! On the whole, avg., 3 stars. Not many developed BLM sites around.
Great Basin was full, so went west on 6 about 8 miles and pulled into dispersed campground where there were some covered picnic tables at sites around a large central pond, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites. Stayed in#7 which was exposed, but the last one available so we took it. Free. Pit toilets are dirty but don't stink and trash has been emptied. Nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across UT
Ranger
Although Dyrt has this listed as Nevada, it is in Utah (probably the BLM office is NV). Drive to the end of the road and there is a sign. Drive past the sign to drive right out onto the salt. We saw a lot of vehicles out there, including some trucks with campers. But we were worried about the salt being too soft for the weight of our van so we just parked at the side of the parking lot and hunkered down.
If you take the spur of the road to the left that goes up the side of the mountain, there are places to park at the top that are part of BLM but UDOT restricts access to gravel/sand. Great views on top of hill in all directions.
BEWARE: Although you'll see people driving out on the flats, it MAY be VERY VERY muddy, with slick mud even though it appears to 'look fine.' I would suggest walking on it a ways out to see. IF it's dry it MAY be fine.
Overall, nothin' fancy but if you're in the area, might as well check it out.
Scout
For an rv like 3 spots not even spots just turn arounds at start of shitty road other than that do not go unless you have dirt bike..etc stayed maybe 1 hr barely cooler than vegas went
Ranger
The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.
Ranger
It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.
Guide
Didn't have to drive as far aspin. Saw RV and others on left after signs. Few turnouts then none. Big dump trucks coming out. One flashed brights at me idk why. After seeing no more turnouts for half mile I turned around and parked a little north from others. Bit of highway noise and truck traffic on road. Maybe gravel mine. Lake definitely had water so maybe not good hence flashing brights by the truck. Saves time, but would like more quiet far the away from highway. Will explore next time
Scout
East Humboldt Wilderness is a nice, quiet spot for camping. It’s pretty easy to find, even after dark, with just a short dirt road to get there. The area is clean and feels safe, with a good view of the surrounding landscape. There are free-roaming cows in the area, which added a unique touch—they kept to themselves, and we did the same. Overall, it's a peaceful place to camp if you’re looking for something simple and off the beaten path.
Scout
My original review was because I lost my earbuds. But since I found them 🤦♀️.. I am just going to say I loved this site!
Discover the beauty of Nevada's vast landscapes through dispersed camping, where you can enjoy nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique amenities and activities, Nevada is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
