7 Troughs Ghost Town Boondocking In Nevada – Camping Guide

by John Rodgers / Thursday, July 10, 2025 / Published in Nevada Free, Free Camping

7 Troughs Ghost Town Boondocking
In Nevada
Camping Guide

ADDRESS
Nevada GPS: 40.446914, -118.79478
MANAGEMENT
Public – Bureau of Land Management (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking site: Old ghost town (beware mine shafts). Rough 4×4 road an hour from Hwy 399. No facilities. The road in is a rough 4×4 road an hour from Hwy 399. and an hour to Hwy 399 miles from a paved road. 7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking site is open year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days.

In 1905, Lovelock blacksmith Joe Therien discovered gold and silver ore in Seven Troughs Canyon (named after troughs put on the creek in 1894 by Frank M. Ward to water his sheep). The Humboldt County Commissioners accepted the townsite plat on June 27, 1907, and a post office was established on July 18, the same year. One notable difference between communities in the Seven Troughs district and other towns in Nevada was the absence of alcoholism; saloons were vacant during the day and utilized as places to catch up rather than drink in the evening.

About This Location

If you’re searching for a quiet spot to camp that’s tangled up in Nevada’s mining past, 7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking site just might be the place. It’s tucked northwest of Lovelock, and you’ll find yourself camping right by old miner cabins, a stamp mill, and some scattered ruins from a gold rush that’s long fizzled out.

The 7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking site stays open around the clock, and you get there by dirt roads—so if you’re after remote camping with a dash of history, this is a solid option. You’ll need a high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle for the bumpy roads, and honestly, coming prepared with water and extra tires is just smart out here.

Camping is usually fine on the surrounding BLM land, but it’s worth double-checking rules and road conditions before you head out. Wandering through the old town is like stepping into a slice of early 1900s mining life, though I wouldn’t get too close to those sketchy mine shafts—safety first, right?

The desert out here is just so still. At night, the stars really show off, and the quiet is almost its own kind of luxury.

If you’re drawn to rustic history and off-grid camping, this 7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking site manages to blend both without much fuss.

7 Troughs Ghost Town Boondocking In Nevada

The 7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking site sits up in northwestern Nevada, right near the foothills of—no surprise—the Seven Troughs Range. Gold was found in Seven Troughs Canyon back in 1905, and that discovery kicked off a wild rush.

By 1908, over 100 mine claims were staked, and two big stamp mills were already up and running. The town didn’t waste time—schools, shops, saloons, even a hotel popped up.

Mining brought in a decent chunk of wealth, but a brutal flood in 1912 just wrecked much of the place and slowed everything down. By the time World War I rolled around, most folks had cleared out, and by the mid-1930s, mining was history here.

These days, you’ll still see old miner cabins, a battered stamp mill, and some rusty old cars if you poke around. The site’s open 24/7, but sometimes the road washes out or gets muddy, so it’s not always a sure thing.

Lovelock is the closest spot for gas or snacks, and that’s about an hour away. If you’re planning a visit, just know you’re hitting dirt roads and should bring plenty of water and a spare tire.

Old mines are nothing to mess with—don’t go poking into shafts or tunnels. Take it slow, look around, and try to leave things the way you found them.

Key Points:

Roughly 2.5 hours northwest of Reno
Gold discovered in 1905
The 1912 flood was a turning point
Mining activities ended by the mid-1930s
Ruins and historic structures are still visible
Access is by dirt road; 4×4 is a good idea

If you’re worried about the roads, you can always call the Lovelock Visitors Center for an update before you roll out.

Directions

Getting to 7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking site starts with heading toward Lovelock, Nevada. Lovelock’s got the basics if you need to stock up or refuel.

From Lovelock, you’ll take State Route 398 east for about 10 miles. That’ll get you pointed toward the Seven Troughs Range, where the ghost town waits.

If you’re coming from Fallon, head north on US 95. After roughly 40 miles, swing west onto State Route 839, then connect with State Route 398 and follow it in.

Folks driving Interstate 80 should exit at Lovelock or Fernley, but Lovelock’s the more direct shot. From Fernley, you’d get to Fallon first, then head north on US 95.

Most of the roads leading out to 7 Troughs are either paved or pretty well-maintained dirt. Still, weather can turn things rough, so make sure your vehicle can handle a little off-road action.

Key route summary:

From	Route	Notes
Lovelock	SR 398 east	Main access to Seven Troughs
Fallon	US 95 north + SR 839 west	Connects to SR 398
Interstate 80	Exit Lovelock or Fernley	Lovelock is closer

It’s a good idea to have a GPS or an offline map app running, since cell service fades fast out here. Keep an eye out for signs pointing to boondocking areas, though they can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

Vehicle Access And Pricing

You’ll need a vehicle with solid ground clearance if you’re heading out to the 7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking spot. Honestly, the road out there isn’t exactly smooth—there are rough patches, and a 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle just makes life easier.

Some sections of the trail get pretty steep or even a bit rocky, so it’s smart to plan for that. If you’re not used to these kinds of roads, you might want to take it slow and keep your wits about you.

The main access route, Seven Troughs Road, is usually doable for most vehicles, but don’t expect a freshly paved highway. A map or GPS is a lifesaver out here, since there are more than a few winding trails around the mountains and old mining spots.

Camping at 7 Troughs Ghost Town boondocking site doesn’t cost a dime, thanks to its spot on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. No permits, no fees—just the 14-day stay rule, which means you can camp for two weeks before you need to move at least 25 miles away.

Here’s a quick summary:

Aspect	Details
Road condition	Rough in places; best with 4×4 or high clearance
Vehicle type	Recommended: 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle
Camping fees	None (free on BLM land)
Stay limit	14 days per area, then move 25 miles

Definitely pack everything you’ll need, because there aren’t any facilities or services once you’re out there. If you end up needing supplies or a break from the quiet, Lovelock is the nearest town with amenities, and that’s about an hour’s drive away.