Goldfield BLM Boondocking In Goldfield, Nevada – Camping Guide

by John Rodgers / Sunday, August 03, 2025 / Published in Nevada Free, Free Camping

Goldfield BLM Boondocking
In Goldfield, Nevada
Camping Guide

ADDRESS
123 Scotty’s Castle Road Goldfield, Nevada GPS: 37.07591, -117.267886 Elevation: 4140′
MANAGEMENT
Public – Bureau of Land Management This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Goldfield BLM Boondocking: Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management N/A District. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted.

About This Location:

Goldfield, Nevada sits in Central Nevada—a mining town with a past that’s hard to ignore. The Goldfield Ghost Town is probably the biggest draw, with its old buildings and mining ruins.

The Goldfield Hotel stands out as a landmark, famous for its architecture and a few ghost stories. If you’re into history or the supernatural, it’s worth a look.

Goldfield BLM boondocking area is about 40 miles north of Tonopah, another Nevada town that’s seen its share of mining booms and busts. Both towns give you a peek into life back in the early 1900s.

The desert around Goldfield is wide open and quiet. Don’t expect many services—bring what you need and be ready for a bit of a rugged time.

The BLM manages most of the land here, so you’ll want to follow their camping guidelines. That way, these old ruins, wild places and the Goldfield BLM boondocking sites stick around for everyone.

Popular Outdoor Activities And Nearby Attractions

Camping at the Goldfield BLM boondocking area puts a bunch of outdoor options at your feet. The Goldfield Bike Trail is a favorite for hiking and biking—a 3-mile loop that’s not too tough and shows off some beautiful desert views.

If you prefer your hikes a little quieter, check out trails like Titus Canyon Narrows and Thimble Peak Trail. You’ll wind through canyons and rocky spots, maybe catch sight of wildlife or some cool rock formations.

Despite the dry landscape, you can actually go kayaking or fishing at Mud Lake, a small reservoir just east of the Goldfield BLM boondocking site. It’s a calm place for paddling or casting a line, especially if you’re after catfish.

Mountain bikers will find plenty of rough terrain to tackle around Goldfield. The open desert lets you roam at your own pace, but don’t underestimate the roads or the weather—they can be unpredictable.

Death Valley National Park isn’t far from the Goldfield BLM boondocking area, either, if you’re up for a bigger adventure. It’s famous for the heat, sure, but there are a ton of trails and climbs if you know what you’re doing.

You can’t skip the Goldfield Ghost Town. It’s partly abandoned, a little spooky, and packed with historic buildings. It’s like stepping straight into Nevada’s mining past.

Directions:

To get to the Goldfield BLM boondocking area, start with Goldfield, Nevada itself. It’s right on Highway 95, about halfway between Reno and Las Vegas.

From town, head north on Highway 95 for around 3 miles. Keep an eye out for Gemfield Road on the west side—that’s your turn for the main camping spots.

Roads here aren’t always friendly; you’ll hit rocks and potholes, so make sure your vehicle can handle some bumps. Some parts of the Goldfield BLM boondocking area are closed for development, but you can still camp at marked spots like Gemfield Road.

Check for local updates before you go. Sometimes access changes because of maintenance or safety issues.

Bring a GPS or a good old-fashioned map, since signage is kind of sparse. The general coordinates for the Goldfield BLM boondocking areas are about 39.58841, -119.66657.

Just remember, this is dispersed camping—no facilities, no hookups. You’ll need to be self-sufficient for your whole stay.

Vehicle Access And Pricing

You can get to the Goldfield BLM boondocking area mostly by dirt and gravel roads. These roads are best tackled with a high-clearance vehicle, though some determined folks in regular cars might make it to a few spots.

Honestly, if you want a smoother ride and a bit of peace of mind, something with off-road chops is the way to go. Comfort and safety take a bit of a hit if you’re pushing a sedan through rocky patches.

For those rolling in with an RV, the Goldfield RV Park nearby is a much easier option. It’s got better access and more creature comforts than the wide-open boondocking stretches.

The RV park has hookups and some handy services you just won’t get out in the wild. Plus, if you run into trouble or realize you forgot something important, there are local RV dealers in Goldfield who can bail you out.

The Goldfield BLM boondocking area is usually free, which is a pretty sweet deal. You’re allowed to hang out for up to 14 days in one spot before you need to move on.

That stay limit? It’s there to help protect the land and make sure everyone gets a fair shot at enjoying the area. Sometimes it feels short, but it keeps things rotating.

Honestly, planning your vehicle and route ahead of time can save you a ton of hassle out here. Goldfield’s a cool spot, but it’s not the place to wing it if you’re not prepared.