Lookout Campground

Star4.04
42 reviews
1536 South Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada, USA, 89701
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,770 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Lookout Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $6 per night. No drinking water is available, and campfires require a permit (obtained through Cal Fires website).
Standard Site Fee$6.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(775) 882-2766
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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 42 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhiking

"Overall, user reviews describe Lookout Campground as secluded and peaceful, but emphasize its challenging access and lack of amenities like potable water and flush toilets. Some users praise its scenic beauty and tranquility."

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Campground Map

1536 South Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada, USA, 89701

Lookout Campground

1536 South Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada, USA, 89701

Driving directionsFrom Truckee, CA travel east on I-80. Take Exit 2 toward Verdi, NV. Turn right on 3rd St./US 40. Travel 1 mile then turn left on Bridge St. From Reno, NV travel west on I-80. Take Exit 5 toward Verdi, NV/State Route 425. Stay on Route 425 for 2.5 miles. Turn right on Bridge St. NOTE: Bridge Street has 2 one-lane bridges with a maximum allowable height of 13 feet. Travel 0.6 miles on Bridge St, then turn right on Dog Valley Road. This road will turn into a dirt forest road (Road #002). Travel 7.2 miles. This road can be rough and often develops washboards. It can be navigated with 2-wheel drive (although low clearance vehicles are not recommended). Continue to follow signs to campground.
The road to the campground is described as rough and often developing washboards. It is a dirt forest road accessible with 2-wheel drive, but low-clearance vehicles are not recommended. Users report that the road is rocky and requires careful maneuvering.
Nearby places
Reno: ~15 miles, Truckee: ~20 miles
Nearby supplies
Reno, NV (~15 miles): Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be sourced from nearby stores.

Best Time to Camp at Lookout Campground

Crystal-clear skies dominate most of the year at Lookout, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and outdoor exploration. Winter transforms the landscape with a blanket of moderate snow, while the naturally dry climate ensures comfortable camping conditions throughout spring, summer, and fall.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer and early fall are popular seasons with good weather and trail access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall popular; aspens and cooler temps enhance scenery and hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring not highlighted; transitional season likely mixed access and conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter brings moderate snow but rugged roads may limit accessibility and services.

Planning Tips
  • Current Alerts: Campground closure reported as of June 2023. Bugs and biting flies are a concern during warmer months.

About Lookout Campground

Tucked away where California meets Nevada, just beyond the bright lights of Reno, Lookout Campground offers an escape into untouched wilderness. This hidden sanctuary remains refreshingly undeveloped, preserving the authentic camping experience that draws adventurers seeking solitude and genuine connection with nature.
Lookout Campground caters to tent camping, small RVs, and group camping but does not provide cabin or glamping options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Lookout Campground enjoy a range of recreational activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and off-highway vehicle use. Crystal Peak is a key attraction for its crystal formations and accessible trails.
HikingAdjacent hiking trails, including the path to Crystal Peak, provide moderate difficulty and rewarding views. Kayla K commented, 'Lots of great hiking trails, the trail to the crystal mine isn’t long and very rewarding for the view.'
BikingNearby Dog Valley and Peavine Mountain are highlighted as popular mountain biking areas.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are highlighted in the campground description. However, specific details about common species are not provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAccess roads can be challenging, with rocky conditions. Biting insects such as flies may swarm during warmer months.
Active AlertsCampground closure reported as of June 2023. Bugs and biting flies are a concern during warmer months.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lookout Campground

Reviews

4.0
42 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lookout Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews describe Lookout Campground as secluded and peaceful, but emphasize its challenging access and lack of amenities like potable water and flush toilets. Some users praise its scenic beauty and tranquility.
Review Summaries
Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the secluded and peaceful nature of the campground. Alison Burdg noted the clean bathrooms and bear-proof trash bins. Kayla K described it as a 'beautiful and very peaceful' locale...
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Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focused on the rough access roads, requiring vehicles with good ground clearance. Amy Tuttle wrote, 'Great camping options for overlanders, impossible for any type of RV.' V H commented on...
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Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend vehicles with good ground clearance and tires, though careful driving can allow access for low-clearance vehicles. Alison Burdg advised bringing firewood and obtaining a campfire...
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Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather data and user reviews indicate that summer and early fall are popular seasons. Snow and rugged roads may limit winter accessibility.
Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful area, but needs serious road maintenance to make it more accessible.' (Amy Tuttle) 2. 'Secluded, clean bathrooms, good fire rings and tables, bear proof trash bins on site.' (Alison...
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Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Kayla K mentioned arriving on a Friday night and finding plenty of sites to choose from, suggesting the campground is often not fully occupied.
Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns are prevalent due to rugged roads. Vehicles with good ground clearance and tires are recommended, though Kayla K managed to access the site with a low-clearance car by driving...
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Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Specific mentions of pet policies or pet-friendly features are absent in user reviews and authoritative sources.
Based on 42 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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