Dispersed camping in Nevada ranges from high desert terrain to mountain wilderness, with several free options lacking amenities but offering solitude. Valley of Fire Dispersed camping provides accessible tent sites near red rock formations, while East Humboldt Wilderness Dispersed Camping offers more remote backcountry tent locations. Mack's Canyon Dispersed near Las Vegas features designated tent sites with picnic tables and requires permits, making it popular for weekend primitive camping.
Tent campsites throughout Nevada typically lack drinking water, and most dispersed areas have no toilets or trash service. Sites are generally set on hard-packed desert soil or rocky terrain with minimal preparation, requiring campers to bring sufficient water supplies and pack out all waste. At higher elevations like East Humboldt Wilderness, free-range cattle may be present near tent sites. Most dispersed camping allows fires in existing rings when no fire restrictions are in place, though firewood is rarely provided. Sites typically permit tent camping year-round, though summer temperatures in lower elevations can exceed 100°F.
The dispersed tent camping experience varies significantly by location and elevation. Valley of Fire sites offer expansive desert views with rocky backdrop formations providing natural windbreaks for tents. Higher elevation wilderness areas like East Humboldt provide cooler temperatures even during summer months. Many primitive tent locations remain uncrowded even during peak season. Cell service varies dramatically—some areas like Eight Mile near Lake Mead have strong signals while more remote backcountry sites lack coverage. A camper noted of East Humboldt Wilderness, "It's a nice, quiet spot for camping, pretty easy to find even after dark, with just a short dirt road to get there."
"Found a flat spot next to a fire ring after traveling down a bumpy road"
"Some rough road getting in and to some of the spots, but popular area with lots of fairly flat spots and fire rings."
"However some upper roads are only for dirt bikes with no way to turn around. Did one in the rain in my truck earlier and was scared as hell. The water is warm and lovely it’s very relaxing."
"There are places to park just off the country road with a 2 mile walk to the hot springs, or space along the creek with a .5 mile walk or less to the springs."
$50 / night
"Most of the campsites are accessible with a 2 wheel drive vehicle you can only get so far. The views are amazing and it’s just far enough away to see the Milky Way at night."
"As we SUV camp (and not 4x4) we didn't head a long way in, but discovered numerous locations that were easy to get to, but still secluded. Very few cars, and a nice getaway."
"Did a day trip here, looking for other areas to be able to set up my mobile office. Awesome views, and half to full cell service/wifi all the way to the water!"
"The road is primitive and i had issues with fishtailing in the sand so take it slow. The campsite i found was simple and spacious. You could see the lake and it was gorgeous."
"This HS is located in Nevada’s Northwest corner of the state. A large open area just in front of the HS for day use and camping."
"Don’t tent camp at the first road at the entrance, it may be private from the river but at night all the way to 1am visitors are walking and talking up and down that road it kinda pissed me off but I probably"
"Cooowwwsss were roaming up the road, but no sign of much else “wildlife”. Quiet and the stargazing was phenomenal!"
"Easy enough to get to and there's enough space for a few cars. No one was there besides me when I went on a summer Saturday night."
$20 - $30 / night
"While Grey Cliffs campground didn't impress me as much as the other campgrounds as it was more open with far less trees than the others, you won't have the RV crowd here, this is a tent only campground"
"We drove around for a while and finally found this spot. The group sites were closed due to the pandemic but they did have individual first come first serve sites - you had to drive in to see it."
"At an elevation of 6200 ft this is a great place to get away from it all. But there are some things that those coming here should know. There is NO RUNNING WATER."
"Just a short drive away, you’re instantly transported into cooler mountain air surrounded by beautiful pine and juniper trees."
"Wind out of the west (quite strong) kept any highway noise from reaching us."
"This was definitely a step above an off-ramp. We weren’t able to get behind the bluff, but there’s not a lot of night traffic on the Hwy anyway. Plenty of space even with a late arrival."
"Campground sits between the road and Snake Creek and sits among small and medium sized trees which provide some shade."
"FREE Site: Squirrel Springs Campsites (First past bathroom)
Vehicle: GMC Terrain
Equipment: Tent
AT&T and T-Mobile: Slow but useable
The Squirrel Springs Campsites are about 9 miles from Highway"
GuideThis place is cool and really secluded. When you put in the coordinates provided it takes you to a fence with an opening. If you keep following the road it will eventually lead you to a dead end with about 4 campsites with fire pits and tables. Doesn’t look like there’s a lot of people coming through here.
TravelerGreat site for FREE camping. If your using a tent you will want a foot print and a soft blanket maybe between the ground and your tent. Lots of large embedded rocks (ancient sea bed) in the dirt. Stakes well. Weekends are a little rowdy.
GuideNice river by some sites and great for star watching
TravelerNice campsites in a little valley along a stream. Plenty of parking and tent sites. Pit toilets and trash pickup.
LegendHad a lovely time here over the last 2 days. 1 other person the entire stay. It is getting cold at night now as expected. Nice showers available down at the lower level. I will say, bathrooms hadnt been cleaned during our stay and there was no TP. So be prepared to bring your own. Also there is a place to buy firewood but they are only open 1 hour in the morning. So be prepared and bring your own!
RangerEasy access from highway all sizes of rigs. Pit toilet clean and stocked. Picnic sheds, tables, fire rings with grills, tent pads, and handicap site, pond, and trails. BEAUTIFUL VIEWS!!! The stars were AMAZING!!
RangerEasy access from highwaySeveral spots to pull out on side of road to gravel pit. Great views. Road noise but tolerable consider distance to GBNP and other destinations
RangerBeautiful!! Pit toilet clean and stocked. Picnic tables and fie rings. Road a bit rough but manageable.
ScoutUp a short dirt road and then a choice of campsites. There are a few areas where the water has made some more bumpy parts but easy to manage at the moment. Can imagine it’s more tricky after rain. Nice to have a fire pit and table.
Tent camping in Nevada offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.
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