Free Camping Near Nevada (7 Spots with GPS)
Finding free camping near Central Nevada is easier than most people think. I've identified 7 dispersed camping locations within this region, all on public land with no fees or reservations required.
These are real locations with actual GPS coordinates—not vague suggestions. Each site below includes access information, what to expect, and practical tips for camping there.
Free Camping Locations Near Central Nevada
1. Goldfield – Cerro Gordo Vicinity
"Free dispersed camping at Goldfield – Cerro Gordo Vicinity in Nevada. Desert ranges and mining roads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Cerro Gordo. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Steep/rocky access Arrive early
Location: 36.54000°N, 117.82000°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
2. Black Rock Desert – Soldier Meadows Road
"Free dispersed camping at Black Rock Desert – Soldier Meadows Road in Nevada. Sage basins and playa margins with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Soldier Meadows. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Very remote; pack water Arrive early
Location: 41.32500°N, 119.22000°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
3. Black Rock Desert Playa Margins
"Free dispersed camping around Black Rock Desert Nevada. Vast playa margins and low benches with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Gerlach. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Pack out everything Arrive early to claim a legal
Location: 40.90000°N, 119.10000°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
4. Ely – Ward Mountain Foothills
"Free dispersed camping at Ely – Ward Mountain Foothills in Nevada. Pinyon–juniper and sage draws with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Ward Mountain. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Windy; exposed Arrive early
Location: 39.11700°N, 114.91400°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
5. Pahrump – Wheeler Pass Road
"Free dispersed camping at Pahrump – Wheeler Pass Road in Nevada. Pinyon ridges and desert views with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Wheeler Pass. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Rough shelf sections Arrive early
Location: 36.31300°N, 115.67700°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
6. Caliente – Clover Mountains Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Caliente – Clover Mountains Roads in Nevada. Pine woodlands and canyons with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Clover Mountains. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow tracks Arrive early
Location: 37.56700°N, 114.39500°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
7. Basin and Range NM – Shooting Gallery Road
"Free dispersed camping at Basin and Range NM – Shooting Gallery Road in Nevada. Limestone hills and desert basins with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Shooting Gallery. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Remote; no water Arrive early
Location: 38.88100°N, 115.36700°W
Access & Difficulty: Moderate difficulty. SUV recommended, especially in wet conditions.
What to Expect: No water—bring all you need. Limited cell service. Completely free, no facilities.
What You Need to Know
Getting There
All coordinates above work in Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or any GPS app. Download offline maps before losing cell service—most of these areas have poor to zero coverage.
Most sites are accessible to standard SUVs and trucks. Check recent conditions before attempting access roads.
Essential Supplies
- Water: Most sites have no water. Bring 5+ gallons per person for a weekend.
- Navigation: Offline maps are mandatory. Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent.
- Fire tools: Check current restrictions. Bring alternative cooking if fires are banned.
- Warm layers: Nights cool down significantly even in summer.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall works for most sites. Summer weekends see moderate crowds. Weekdays or shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer more solitude.
Dispersed Camping Rules for Nevada
These sites are on public land (BLM or National Forest). Standard regulations:
- 14-day maximum stay per location
- Camp 200+ feet from water sources and trails
- Use existing campsites and fire rings—don't create new ones
- Pack out all trash, toilet paper, and waste
- Follow posted fire restrictions (these change frequently)
Check with local ranger districts before your trip for current conditions, closures, and fire restrictions.