Scout Camp Boondocking
In Silver Springs, Nevada
Full Guide
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Silver Springs, Nevada GPS: 39.282664, -119.232284 Elevation: 4209′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews of Scout Camp Boondocking:
Scout Camp Boondocking: The road in is Gravel. Disperse camping. Tons of space. Not a lot of signs. Just says campground at the Alt 95 road.
About Scout Camp Boondocking
Scout Camp boondocking sits near Silver Springs, Nevada, right along the Carson River. It’s part of Fort Churchill State Historic Park and offers a more natural camping experience with dispersed sites.
People come here for tent camping, horse camping, and day use. The campground has about 20 tent sites and a few spots for trailers or RVs, but don’t expect luxury.
Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and a charcoal grill. There’s some shade from big cottonwood trees, but no water or electric hookups. If you bring horses, you’re responsible for hauling out all the manure and your trash.
The land is mostly flat, dotted with sparse vegetation. Temperatures can swing from 20°F in winter to 90°F in summer, so you’ll want to pack for whatever weather’s coming.
Facilities are pretty basic: one vault toilet, horse corrals, and a couple of picnic areas. You can fish (catch-and-release), hike nearby trails, or go horseback riding if you’re up for it. There’s a group camping area you can reserve, but they don’t allow RVs there.
Camping fees run about $15 per vehicle per night for Nevada residents, or $20 if you’re from out of state. Day-use fees apply if you’re just stopping by. There’s no reservation system for regular sites, and you’ll have to pack in and pack out everything.
Directions to Scout Camp Boondocking
To get to Scout Camp boondocking in Silver Springs, Nevada, head toward Fort Churchill State Historic Park. The camp is by the Carson River, just south of town.
If you’re coming from Silver Springs’ center, take Simpson Road south. The camp sits in the Carson River Ranch section, and you’ll see signs for Scout Camp or the equestrian area.
Scout Camp is car-accessible, with parking near picnic tables and fire rings. Roads are usually flat, but after rain, things can get muddy—something to think about before you go.
For directions, just punch “Scout Camp Fort Churchill State Park” or “Simpson Rd, Silver Springs, NV 89429” into Google Maps or MapQuest. That’ll get you there without too much hassle.
The camping area is dispersed and services are limited. There’s a vault toilet and horse corrals, but no water or power hookups.
The Carson River runs close to the campground, so you can fish or just hang out by the water. Since it’s a remote boondocking spot, bring all your supplies.
Vehicle Access And Pricing
Scout Camp boondocking at Fort Churchill is easy enough to reach for most vehicles—cars, trucks, RVs, whatever you’ve got. Still, it’s smart to check road conditions and any possible fees before you roll in. RV and trailer length limits can matter, so double-check if you’re hauling something big.
Fees
If you’re camping at Scout Camp on government or dispersed camping land nearby, there’s usually no fee. Fort Churchill State Historic Park, which is right there, might charge entry or day-use fees if you’re within park boundaries.
Permits aren’t typically needed for dispersed camping, but it never hurts to check with local authorities or poke around on a few websites before you go. Fees, if there are any, are minimal outside the state park. Parking outside the official camp area is often free, but the state park itself charges a $15 fee.
Road Conditions And Accessibility
You’ll reach Scout Camp boondockig from Highway 95, about 10 miles south of its intersection with Highway 50. After crossing the Carson River, turn left onto Simpson Road—just a dirt track that’s part of the old Pony Express Route.
The camp is about a mile down that road, tucked close to the river. Simpson Road can get rough or muddy after rain, and as of late 2023, some parts have washed out, so I’d suggest checking for updates before you drive in.
The site is drive-in and walk-in accessible. There’s parking right next to the campsites, which is always nice.
RV And Trailer Lengths
Scout Camp supports a pretty wide range of vehicle types, including big rigs. Plenty of sites are listed as big rig friendly, so RVs and trailers can usually park without any major headaches.
That said, the dirt road leading in can get a bit tricky, especially with some of the narrower stretches. If your trailer’s over 35 feet, you might run into a few challenges.
It’s smart to think about your vehicle’s length and turning radius before you make the trip. Most sites offer enough room for trucks, SUVs, and your average medium or large RV.
If you’re hauling a really large trailer, maybe take a drive out first or scout the route on Simpson Road. It could save you from getting stuck in a tight corner or two.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Restrooms Picnic Table Fire Ring Charcoal Grill |
RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Biking Horse Trails Water Sports Stargazing Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links
Bureau of Land Management
Recreation.Gov
National Park Service
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Leave No Trace
State Specific Information Links
Nevada Park Service
Nevada Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources
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