Best Equestrian Camping in Nevada

Leave the glitz and glam of the Las Vegas Strip behind and come camping in Nevada. Explore the petroglyphs and ancient cultures at the Valley of Fire State Park or relax in the high alpine along the eastern shores of Lake Tahoe. With over 80% of the state dedicated as public lands, there’s an adventure for everyone.

For some of the best camping in Nevada, head to Pyramid Lake. Located just 40 miles outside of Reno, the lake offers a variety of camping and recreation options. Keep in mind that the lake is located on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's Reservation. In order to camp here, you’ll need to obtain a permit first. Enjoy dispersed camping along the water’s edge. Don’t forget to bring your boat, SUP or kayak and cool off in the lake, be sure to check out the Pyramid Rock island and see how this awesome spot got its name.

The Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s largest state park, contains over 40,000 acres of stunning red rock formations peppered with ancient ruins and native artifacts left behind by the Ancient Puebloan People. Admire petroglyphs, climb the red rocks and uncover another world in this Mars-like landscape. Due to the sweltering summer temps, the Valley of Fire State Park offers perfect place for winter camping in Nevada.

Looking to climb a mountain? Consider hiking to the top of Mount Rose in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Although this area is quite popular and crowded during the summer months, it’s well-worth a trip to this sapphire, high-alpine oasis. Various camping options are available.

Located just outside of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is one of Nevada’s premier outdoor recreation areas. If you’re tired of the crowds, consider hiking up Black Mountain. This lesser-known trail can be done in a day and there is plenty of camping at nearby Lake Mead.

If you’re a national park lover, you’ve got to check out the quiet scenery at the Great Basin National Park. Dramatic mountain ridges meet sagebrush valleys at this little-visited park. Plenty of wildlife and excellent camp spots await you. With so many lakes, deserts and mountains, there are endless possibilities for Nevada camping. No matter where you choose to go in this great state, The Dyrt is here to help you find the perfect perch to pitch a tent.

Best Equestrian Sites in Nevada (39)

    1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Red Rock Campground

    70 Reviews
    Blue Diamond, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 515-5387

    $12 - $80 / night

    "Summer time might not be the best time to try to camp in southern Nevada but with mild fall and winter this campsite leaves a lot of options for those looking for an outdoor adventure."

    "Great campground really close to Vegas (at night you can see that light beam from the Luxor)."

    2. Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Carson City, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 687-4319

    $15 - $30 / night

    "The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one."

    "We stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City."

    3. Sportsman's Beach

    22 Reviews
    Hawthorne, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 885-6000

    "Despite being adjacent to the highway, it is a quiet campground at night. Love the walk to the beach and seeing those dragonflies."

    "They loved tossing wood sticks in the lake

    Restrooms were locked up, which was unfortunate."

    4. Mill Creek Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Battle Mountain, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 634-4000

    "Perfect place for an overnight rest on the way through Nevada. Only about 4 miles off of NV 305 on a well graded gravel road. Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits all in good condition."

    "There was snow on the ground so we stayed at a site closest to the entrance/exit in case it snowed more and we had trouble getting the Cricket out.(It didn't snow and we were fine.) "

    5. Las Vegas Bay Campground — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Nellis Air Force Base, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8906

    "All sites has prefect views of the surrounding mountains. All sites that are situated on the outer rim of the campground, be weary. Most have a good steep decline not to far away from the pavement."

    "Quiet beautifully maintained campground with a dump station, portable water, spigots near restrooms and flush toilets. Firings and picnic tables at each site. Very few sites for rigs over 26’."

    6. Desert Eagle RV Park - Military Only

    18 Reviews
    Nellis Air Force Base, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 643-3060

    "Near I-15. Lots of room to walk the dogs, short drive to downtown or the strip."

    "Conveniently located in North Las Vegas..the park has had recent upgrades..well maintained.. clean, nice bath houses."

    7. Sacramento Pass Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Great Basin National Park, NV
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1800

    "Although it is not immediately evident at the entrance, there are two camping areas here.  One circle of 8 or 9(?)"

    "Since Basin was closed due to COVID, we stayed at the Sac Pass area right outside and it didn't disappoint."

    8. Eight Mile Dispersed Camping near Government Wash — Lake Mead National Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Henderson, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8906

    "While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in there campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock."

    "You could see the lake and it was gorgeous. This particular spot was free, but you still have to pay the fee to get into Lake Mead."

    9. Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    9 Reviews
    Great Basin National Park, NV

    10. Developed 7 — Lahontan State Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Silver Springs, NV
    Website
    +1 (702) 867-3500

    $15 - $25 / night

    "not close to amenities and no hookups- bring water"

    "We camped 2021 at beach 7 and it wasn’t to bad we were in a tent but the water was low in lake just Carson river running to dam."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews in Nevada

296 Reviews of 39 Nevada Campgrounds


  • graham K.
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Big Creek Campground

    Great, developed but primitive campground in Nevada

    Nice little campground toward the mouth of Big Creek Canyon. The campground is right on the creek. Big Creek Canyon is beautiful about 15 miles from the town of Austin and is full of Aspens. There are probably about 10 sites in the campground with plenty of space between each site. Hunting season gets busy but I have never seen more than one or two groups in the campground at one time if it’s not hunting season. There is not a ton of privacy within the campground but there is plenty of space for each campsite. There are trout in the creek and easily accessible depending on how much snow the mountain range got the winter before. The road that goes through Big Creek Canyon is a decent BLM road that will take you to the summit of the range then down into Kingston which is a fun adventure. If you like camping in Nevada but don’t like dry camping or digging holes to use the bathroom, this place is awesome!

  • amanda E.
    Apr. 19, 2019

    Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    Located in one of the oldest settled Valleys in Nevada

    If you like Bird Watching (or wildlife in general), Boating, Fishing, Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Equestrian Activities, Camping or BBQ's, or even history, then this is a place you might enjoy.

    The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one. Sometimes when it has been extremely dry, the larger of the 2 lakes dries up either partially or entirely, leaving the smaller one as a valuable water source for Wild Mustangs who live in the area. (which is a great opportunity for photographers).

    When the larger lake bed dries up a little, it extends the hang gliding / paragliding landing zone. (take off point is up on the hill on Eastlake Blvd, which is also a good view point of the lakes).

    During the wetter years, the larger lake fills up, allowing water activities such as boating to take place on both lakes, and provides you with the opportunity to bird watch at any of the wildlife viewing areas provided. The smaller lake also provides bird watching opportunities (Osprey and other birds of prey like to fish there) You can also fish at the smaller lake, just don't eat them, the area was once used for the processing mills during the mining boom.

    Also if you are into wildlife, there is the occasional coyote hunting the area, owls, hawks, bald eagles, and if you want to see deer, take a little drive up Eastlake Blvd towards little Washoe Lake, and one of the fields on the right often has huge herds of Mule Deer, and the occasional wild horse. Talking of Wild horses, you are requested not to feed or harass the wild Mustangs anywhere in Nevada (Washoe lake park included). Horses can be defensive, especially when they have young foals. Also feeding them anything other than what they naturally eat in the wild, not only causes a high number of deaths in the herds, it also creates dangerous situations on the roadways when horses come to retrieve the food. (it can also cost you thousands of dollars in fines) There are people who regularly monitor the interaction visitors have with the horses. But if you want to interact with a horse, why not bring your own for a ride around too, people often bring their horses down for a trot around the grounds.

    There are restrooms available throughout the park, and facilities for camping. It is a good place for dogs, though it is requested that you clean up after them. There are doggie clean up stations available, and containers for waste.

    The land the park sits on was once owned by one of Nevada's wealthiest men Theodore Winters, who was a prominent businessman and politician in early Nevada history. He once owned some of the most famous racehorses in the world, and his cheese was world renown. His Ranch is still around, and you can find it located just on the other side of the lake (Old Route 395), not far from the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory (which is great if you get a hankering for something sweet), and Old Washoe City.

    The lake's history goes back even further than that, the area was once inhabited by the local tribes people, and before the early pioneer's came and settled here, they used hunt ducks on the lake, and fished here. There is probably still the odd chance you might come across old Native tools and arrowheads, but the State of Nevada does ask you to leave artifacts where they are found. Check the local and federal laws before attempting to remove anything.

    It has some lovely sunsets here, the view can be spectacular at times and changes according to season and weather, and the wildlife seem to enjoy it. Nice place to go and hang out with family and friends, and if you happen to forget to bring anything, you are only a little drive from Carson City :)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2023

    Whitney Pockets, Nevada

    Hard to get to, but great winter camp sites

    This area is just east of Mesguite Nevada along Gold Butte Road (old mining road that goes many miles into the NE area of Lake Mead.  No water, power or cell phone connection in most areas.  Must have good tires and high clearance.. many pot holes and hard gravel roads in the area.  The area also has several great petroglyph sites.  Great for ATV or side by sides.. lots of equestrian riders in the area as well.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet, clean park

    We stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City. Access to Casinos and Restuarants nearby(10 minute drive or so). The Park has showers and bathrooms as well as water and electricity hook ups. The camp host was nice and provides us with a huge bundle of firewood for only a $5 donation.

  • J
    Oct. 21, 2020

    Sacramento Pass Recreation Area

    Convenient well-kept BLM campground near Great Basin Park

    Although it is not immediately evident at the entrance, there are two camping areas here.  One circle of 8 or 9(?) sites which surround a little pond nearer to the highway, and then second set of    5 or 6 campsites perhaps a half-mile away past an open gate.    I was travelling solo, just had a tent.    I approached Great Basin Park too close to sunset to arrange for tent camping, so this area popped up along my route.  I am so glad i stopped to check it out.  I found a spot before sunset, up in the "equestrian' area.   Other spots were occupied by some RV'ers but they were very nice.  The vault toilets are maintained.   The sites are not large but are well laid out and spaced apart, consisting of a fire ring, a grill, and a crushed-rock level area.   After dark I had excellent view of the starry skies.  Quiet neighbor campers.   Seemed safe.

  • anthony R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2024

    West Summit Road

    BLM site off Death Valley Road, Nevada

    Quiet, remote BLM site. No amenities. 5 miles outside of Beatty, Nevada off of Death Valley Road.

  • Kailey C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2020

    Sacramento Pass Recreation Area

    Free secluded camping

    Since Basin was closed due to COVID, we stayed at the Sac Pass area right outside and it didn't disappoint. When you pull in there are about 6 spots with shade, picnic tables, trash cans, toilets and firepits. If you take an immediate left when you pull in, go up to the equestrian campgrounds. We stayed at the one on the far left and it was secluded with a tent pad and firepit/table. Toilets were clean and well maintained. Hiked the Sac Pass trail and Lucky Boy trail right outside out camping spot. Some cell service in certain spots.

  • allison W.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Timber Creek Campground

    Cute and convenient I-80 stop

    This is a popular stop near the town of Ely (a couple miles north off the highway; the closest town is actually McGill). Because of its proximity to a major thoroughfare, and I guess what northern Nevada would consider a major town, it seems like it fills up quickly. There isn’t a lot of privacy from neighbors because the foliage is limited and the landscaping is minimal, but it’s clean, relatively quiet, well run, and a good pit stop if you’re making a run across this area of the country.

    Recommend that, if you know you’re coming in advance, you go ahead and make reservations at recreation.gov.

    There are two pit toilets in a pretty good state of cleanliness. Potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Out of the eleven sites total, five are considered group sites and six are considered RV sites (you can car/tent camp here no problem, however).


Guide to Nevada

Horse camping in Nevada offers a unique opportunity to explore the state's stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Tips for equestrian camping in Nevada

  • Always check for water availability at campgrounds like Desert Eagle RV Park - Military Only, which offers drinking water and sanitary dump facilities for your convenience.
  • Be prepared for varying terrain at Big Creek Campground, where the narrow roads may pose challenges for larger rigs, but the serene creekside spots are worth it.
  • When visiting Scout Camp at Fort Churchill, keep in mind that the access road may be affected by weather conditions, so plan accordingly for a smooth arrival.