This article about camping near Reno, Nevada is brought to you by Travellers Autobarn. Their camper van rentals are the perfect way to explore the region.
Camping near Reno, Nevada – aka “The Biggest Little City in the World” – offers a unique blend of history, stunning pine forests, and lake views. Some campgrounds are close to civilization so you can jaunt to a casino for an evening. Others offer year-round activities and tons of amenities. There’s a lot more to Nevada than Las Vegas.
1. Tahoe Valley Campground
This campground, located on the southern shores of Lake Tahoe, has something for everyone. You can hike through towering pines or swim in the crystal lake waters. Cabins, tent sites, and RV sites await you at this family-friendly, lakeside campground. At Tahoe Valley Campground, you’re surrounded by nature, but only 20 miles away from modern amenities and an hour away from Reno.
“Super busy campground with kids running around and riding bikes. They put on a ton of events like karaoke nights, live music, and s’mores nights. Hot showers and well lit clean bathrooms.” –Dani P.
Campground Details:
- Price: $59-$204
- Number of Sites: 439
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Fallen Leaf Campground
On the shores of beautiful and majestic Fallen Leaf Lake is this stunning campground. Only a short half-mile from the southern shores of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Campground is a great base camp to explore the surrounding areas. RV sites, tent sites, and even some yurts are nestled within stands of tall pines or next to flowering meadows.
“The lake itself is stunning. Seriously. Dusk was perfectly still and calm, but early morning was also beautiful. Would absolutely stay or visit here again.” – Mo F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $36-$87
- Number of Sites: 206
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Donner Memorial State Park
Image from the Dyrt camper Heidi T.
A short jaunt off Route 80 sits this campground, nestled within gorgeous pine forests and with views of Donner Lake and the mountains behind. There’s fishing, boating, and hiking in the summer, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. If you’re interested in the immigration history of California and the west, visit the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center or the Pioneer Monument.
“The lake is an iconic alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada’s. There are giant pine cones scattered everywhere and woodpeckers can be heard throughout the morning.” – Kat S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35
- Number of Sites: 154
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Zephyr Cove Resort & Campground
Camping near Reno does not get any more classic than on the shore of Lake Tahoe. Steps from the southeastern shores of Lake Tahoe and an hour’s drive is Zemphyr Cove, with 47 walk-in tent sites, 10 drive-in tent sites, and 93 RV sites. Zephyr Cove Resort & Campground offers a blend of the serene setting of pine forests and lake views, and the modern conveniences of restaurants and marinas.
“Try it after Labor Day, if you are ready for chilly weather and the occasional early-season snowfall in exchange for a quieter experience.” – Jon S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-$75
- Number of Sites: 150
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Washoe Lake State Rec Area
Image from The Dyrt camper Debbie C.
A popular destination for windsurfers due to consistently high winds, Washoe Lake is a perfect getaway just 30 minutes from Reno. Spot some bald eagles against the mountain views. With 49 sites, Washoe Lake State Rec Area and Campground offers hunting when the season permits it, boating and water sports, and a volleyball court.
“Set in scrubland leading up to the lake, you will see plenty of birds, squirrels, and rabbits. I had several deer wander through the scrub behind my campsite and we were visited by one of the local bands of mustangs.” – Heather T.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-$25
- Number of Sites: 49
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Davis Creek
Twenty miles south of Reno lies this campground, nestled in a pine forest with views of the Washoe Valley and the towering Sierra Nevada mountains. Two paved campground loops offer 62 sites with basic amenities such as bear boxes and fire rings. Don’t miss a climb up Slide Mountain when you’re staying at Davis Creek Campground.
“This is one of those campgrounds that attracts both adventurous hikers eager to clamber up Slide Mountain, as well as local families and community leaders.” – Patrick G.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25
- Number of Sites: 62
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: No
7. Lookout Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Joey P.
Just under an hour from Reno, this hidden gem isn’t overly developed, and many consider it their secret getaway. No potable water, dump stations, or electrical hookups, each of their 17 sites has a tent pad, grill, fire ring, and picnic table. RVs should not be more than 15’ in length, although two spots can accommodate 30’ RVs. Don’t miss the crystal formations at Crystal Peak or the American Heritage Trail near Lookout Campground.
“Lookout is oddly named; it’s tucked deeply enough into the forest that it doesn’t have much in the way of a view (though in fall, the numerous aspen are undoubtedly stunning).” – Kade H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $6-$25
- Number of Sites: 17
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Unknown
- Pets allowed: Yes
If you’re a fan of iconic desert views, lake vistas, and stunning dawns and sunsets, look no further than these campgrounds tucked away close to Reno, Nevada. For tons more, check out The Dyrt’s full list of campgrounds near “The Biggest Little City in the World.”
This article about camping near Reno, Nevada was brought to you by Travellers Autobarn.
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