Soldier Meadow Boondocking
In Gerlach, Nevada
Location, Directions, and Access
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Unnamed Road Gerlach, Nevada GPS: 41.354148, -119.19409 Elevation: 4377′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Bureau of Land Management 775-623-1500 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews of Soldier Meadow Boondocking:
Soldier Meadow Boondocking: This free campsite is located within the Bureau of Land Management N/A District. The hot springs are the star of the show at Soldier Meadow Boondocking. They’re these funky rock-dammed pools that are surprisingly inviting after a dusty day.
About Soldier Meadow Boondocking
Setting up camp at Soldier Meadow Boondocking, you’ll notice the landscape is flat, open, and dotted with hardy desert plants. There’s a sense of endless space, and the silence can be almost startling.
You won’t find hookups or luxuries, but there are some fire rings and the occasional vault toilet if you’re lucky. Most folks either grab a defined campsite near the springs or wander off to claim a bit more solitude.
Don’t forget: you’ll need to haul in your own water and everything else. No services, no exceptions.
The hot springs are the star of the show at Soldier Meadow Boondocking. They’re these funky rock-dammed pools that are surprisingly inviting after a dusty day.
You can camp close enough to the springs that an evening soak is just a short walk away. It’s one of those rare places where you can really unwind.
If you’re up for more than just lounging, there’s plenty to explore. High Rock Canyon Wilderness and stretches of the Black Rock Desert offer up hiking, wildlife, and some serious quiet.
Sometimes, if you need a break from roughing it, Soldier Meadows Ranch nearby has a meal or a soft bed. Not a bad backup plan.
Just a heads-up: the road out here is rough—about 40 miles of dirt from Gerlach. A regular car probably won’t cut it.
Fires are usually okay, but always double-check for restrictions. The rules change with the weather and season.
Directions to Soldier Meadow Boondocking
Getting to Soldier Meadow Boondocking starts with a trip to Reno. Most folks either drive in or fly to Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is the nearest big hub.
From there, hit Interstate 80 eastbound. Take the Wadsworth/Fernley exit and follow the signs for Highway 447—this’ll wind you through Nixon and onward to Gerlach.
When you finally roll into Gerlach, make sure to fill up on gas and grab supplies. Seriously, it’s your last real stop.
Head north from town on Highway 34. After about 12 miles, look for Soldier Meadows Road and hang a right.
Now comes the long haul: roughly 45 miles of dirt road. It’s marked, but keep your eyes peeled for signs and the odd cluster of trees that signal you’re getting close.
This last stretch can be slow going, especially if the road’s been chewed up by weather. Plan for a few hours, not minutes.
Stock up on fuel and everything else before you leave Gerlach behind. Once you’re out there, you’re on your own.
Vehicle Access and Pricing
Getting to Soldier Meadow Boondocking isn’t exactly a Sunday drive. The roads are rough, remote, and can turn nasty in bad weather.
Camping here is free—no fees, no reservations, just you and the desert. But don’t mistake free for easy; you’ll want a rig with high clearance and a plan for self-sufficiency.
Fees
There’s no charge for camping at Soldier Meadow Boondocking. The BLM campsites and any dispersed spots are open for anyone willing to make the trek.
If you’re eyeing the BLM-managed cabin, it’s also free, but it’s first-come, first-served. No reservations, so you’ll need some luck.
Bring everything—water, food, firewood. Campfires are only allowed in the existing rings, so don’t go building new ones.
Road Conditions and Accessibility
Expect about 60 miles north of Gerlach, most of it dirt. After rain, these roads can turn into a mess—sometimes flat-out impassable.
A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle isn’t just a good idea; it’s almost a requirement. The Black Rock Desert playa nearby can look tempting, but check conditions before you go off exploring.
Cell service? Forget about it. Gas stations? Nope. Bring extra fuel, water, and whatever you’d want if you broke down and had to wait a while.
It’s wild, it’s harsh, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s absolutely worth it.
RV or Trailer Length Limitations
There’s no official cap on RV or trailer size at Soldier Meadow Boondocking, but honestly, the remote dirt roads can get pretty gnarly for anything long or super wide. Some of these rough roads are narrow and unpredictable, with uneven ground that’ll keep you on your toes.
If you’re hauling a big rig, you’ll want to be real about your comfort level with off-road driving. Having a spotter for those sketchy sections? Highly recommended, unless you love surprises.
Flat, open spots do exist, so parking isn’t impossible, but you might run into weird obstacles or tighter corners than you’d expect. It’s smart to plan ahead for an easy exit—nobody wants to get boxed in. And, yeah, always check the latest road conditions before you roll up.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Biking 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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