Free Camping in Nevada
Discover 13 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Fall, Winter, Spring
Climate
Desert climate with hot summers and mild winters
Terrain
Desert, Mountains
Free Spots
13 locations
Camping Spots (13)
Alpine – Jarbidge Wilderness Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Alpine – Jarbidge Wilderness Roads in Nevada. High mountains and creeks with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Jarbidge. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Snow into June Arrive early
Austin – Toiyabe Range Foothills
"Free dispersed camping at Austin – Toiyabe Range Foothills in Nevada. Aspen-lined creeks and sage foothills with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Toiyabe Range. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Remote; limited water Arrive early
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
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
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
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
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
Gold Butte National Monument
"Free dispersed camping around BLM Gold Butte Nevada. Desert sandstone and Joshua tree basins with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Whitney Pockets. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Rough roads; no water Arrive early to claim a legal
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
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
Ruby Mountains Foothills
"Free dispersed camping around Humboldt–Toiyabe NF Nevada. Aspen-lined creeks and sage foothills with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Lamoille Canyon. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Wildlife crossings Arrive early to claim a legal
Ruby Mountains – Harrison Pass Road
"Free dispersed camping at Ruby Mountains – Harrison Pass Road in Nevada. Aspen draws and sage benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Harrison Pass. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Snow in shoulder seasons Arrive early
Tonopah – Monitor Valley Backroads
"Free dispersed camping at Tonopah – Monitor Valley Backroads in Nevada. Wide valleys and hot springs nearby with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Monitor Valley. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. No services Arrive early
Popular Camping Areas
- Lake Tahoe BLM Areas
- Ruby Mountains
- Valley of Fire Area
- Black Rock Desert
Important Regulations
- 14-day limit on BLM lands
- Fire restrictions common
- Extreme temperature awareness
Permits: Most BLM camping is free
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Nevada
Nevada is a premier boondocking destination with vast BLM lands, desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and Lake Tahoe area camping.
Best Free Camping Areas in Nevada
Nevada offers diverse free camping opportunities across desert, mountains, lakes, canyons. The most popular areas include Lake Tahoe BLM Areas, Ruby Mountains, Valley of Fire Area, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Nevada for Camping
The best times for free camping in Nevada are during fall, winter, spring. The state's desert climate with hot summers and mild winters means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Nevada Camping Regulations
Before camping in Nevada, it's important to understand local regulations. Most BLM camping is freeMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Nevada typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore desert, mountains, lakes, canyons at your own pace.