Carson City Boondocking In Carson City, Nevada – Site Guide & Tips

by John Rodgers / Friday, July 25, 2025 / Published in Nevada Free, Free Camping

Carson City Boondocking
In Carson City, Nevada
Site Guide & Tips

ADDRESS
Carson City, Nevada GPS: 39.160122, -119.661332 Elevation: 5197′
MANAGEMENT
Public – Bureau of Land Management (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Carson City Boondocking: The road in is Gravel and 2 miles from a paved road. Open Year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days.

About This Location

If you want to boondock near Carson City, you’ve got several free camping spots on public lands managed by the BLM. These Carson City boondocking sites are no-frills, no-hookup places—just you, the land, and maybe a few other campers.

Boondocking’s generally free on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) near Carson City. There aren’t any fees for overnight stays, but you’re also not getting water, electricity, or waste disposal at Carson City boondocking sites.

One popular area is the Dayton/Virginia City BLM area, just a few minutes from Mound House and not far from Carson City. It’s a good fit for RVs, and it’s quiet, with easy drives to Reno or Virginia City if you get the urge for a day trip.

Carson City boondocking sites are close to Lake Tahoe, so you can dip into fishing, boating, or just hanging out at the beach. If you’re into golf or want to try your luck at a casino, those are nearby too.

Camping at Carson City boondocking sites means you don’t have to pick between nature and a little fun in town. It’s the best of both worlds.

When you set up camp near Carson City, you can stay on BLM land for up to 14 days. Some of the more popular Carson City boondocking sites are north of Sparks or along Peavine Road near Reno.

These spots can have some pretty epic views—think mountains, valleys, and those Nevada sunsets. If you’re after a forest vibe, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has dispersed camping just outside town.

You’ll get shade and a shot at seeing wildlife. Always check the local rules and weather before you go, especially in spring or summer when things can change fast.

Bring your own water and supplies, since you can’t really count on finding much out at Carson City boondocking sites. It’s part of what makes the experience real.

Directions

To get to boondocking areas near Carson City, start by finding the main highways that connect the city with the surrounding public lands. Most of the good Carson City boondocking sites are just outside town on BLM or Forest Service land.

If you’re coming from downtown, take US Highway 50 east toward Dayton. You’ll hit several dispersed camping sites on BLM land along this route, and there’s no need for a reservation.

Another way in is north of Carson City near Spanish Springs. Hit Pyramid Highway or Spanish Springs Road and you’ll find some open, undeveloped camping areas.

Just a heads up—these roads can get pretty rough, with rocks and puddles after rain. For navigation, set your GPS to the BLM or Forest Service site you want, since a lot of these places aren’t marked.

Using GPS is kind of a must. There’s nothing worse than getting lost when you’re just trying to relax.

A reliable map app or offline maps can save your trip if your phone signal drops (and it probably will in some spots). Safety first, always—there’s no shame in turning back if a road looks sketchy.