Is Terraces Campground - Picnic Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area before I book?

Yes! Terraces Campground - Picnic Area has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Terraces Campground - Picnic Area?

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area is open Open from June 17 to September 25 annually. Peak season from June 17 to September 25.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area?

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Terraces Campground - Picnic Area have?

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area?

Pets are not allowed at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area?

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area?

Popular activities at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area

4.37

39 reviews

140 Pacific Ave

Top 14% in NVSummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingGreat for Groups

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open from June 17 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open from June 17 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

775-752-3357

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

140 Pacific Ave

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area

140 Pacific Ave

Nearby places

Elko, NV (~35 miles, ~45 min drive)

Wells, NV (~40 miles, ~50 min drive)

Weather at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area

Best Time to Camp at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of accessibility and alpine scenery — Terraces is open June 17–Sept 25 and delivers cool mountain days (typically highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F) and chilly nights (often 35–50°F). Wildflower meadows, prime hiking and biking on Lamoille Canyon trails, and reliable trout fishing in the crystal streams make summer the peak time for activities, while aspen groves provide shade and scenic backdrops. Weekends in July and August can be busy for group reservations, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in NV

Open June 17–Sept 25; summer cited as best season with cool days and peak wildflowers.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from June 17 to September 25 annually. Peak season from June 17 to September 25.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Terraces Campground - Picnic Area

Terraces Campground sits high in the Ruby Mountains near Wells, Nevada, within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and operated by Scenic Canyons. This small alpine site offers access to Lamoille Canyon's trails, trout streams, and wildflower meadows during its summer season. Reviewers consistently praise exceptionally clean vault toilets, mountain spring water, and helpful hosts, though tent placement can be challenging without designated pads.

Terraces Campground offers group tent camping suitable for up to 75 people, with nine individual family picnic sites. It is a primitive camping area without electrical, water, or sewer hookups. The campground is specifically designed for group reservations and day-use picnics.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of accessibility and alpine scenery — Terraces is open June 17–Sept 25 and delivers cool mountain days (typically highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F) and chilly nights (often 35–50°F). Wildflower meadows, prime hiking and biking on Lamoille Canyon trails, and reliable trout fishing in the crystal streams make summer the peak time for activities, while aspen groves provide shade and scenic backdrops. Weekends in July and August can be busy for group reservations, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8000 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Ruby Mountains rise like desert islands from Nevada's basin and range country, their glacially carved peaks softened by aspen groves and clear mountain streams. Terraces sits in this alpine zone where wildflower meadows color the slopes in summer and jagged ridgelines frame the horizon. Quaking aspens provide shade and turn gold in autumn. Mountain spring water flows potable and cold. Reviewers call it delicious. Wildlife sightings are common.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not include hotel-style lodging but offers group tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 nights allowable per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 75 people for group reservations.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 75 people and includes nine family picnic sites. If not reserved, these sites can be used on a first-come, first-serve basis for day-use picnics.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov and Scenic Canyons.

AccessibilityPaved footpaths within the site enhance accessibility, along with a paved parking area. Specific details on ADA-compliant facilities are not provided.

Site SizeThe site can accommodate up to 75 people and includes nine individual family picnic sites.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some sites are described as close but surrounded by trees, providing moderate privacy.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites tucked into aspens for shade and privacy. Groups should plan tent placements due to limited space on picnic pads.

Best CampsitesSite 1 gets positive mentions for clean facilities and views. Finding flat ground for tents can require creativity, as some sites lack dedicated tent pads. The sites are close but trees provide moderate privacy.

Need help booking Terraces Campground - Picnic Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

This is a group overnight tent only facility

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Terraces Campground - Picnic Area

The campground offers a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, climbing, biking, and camping. Lamoille Creek, a popular spot for fly fishing, runs near the picnic area and contains brook and wild rainbow trout. Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails in Lamoille Canyon lead to alpine lakes and scenic vistas, while the canyon road itself is a popular destination for scenic driving and road biking.

Hiking4.5/5Top 3% in Nevada

Access to Lamoille Canyon trails to alpine lakes and vistas; numerous trails mentioned.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Biking3.5/5

Canyon road in Lamoille Canyon is popular for road biking and scenic rides.

Climbing3.0/5

Climbing is listed among activities, but no specific routes or crags detailed.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (8,000 ft) and remote Ruby Mountains suggest excellent dark skies (not explicitly stated).

Photography4.0/5Wildflower meadows, jagged ridgelines and alpine lakes provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

39 reviews

Recommended

Terraces Campground - Picnic Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Terraces Campground are generally positive, highlighting the cleanliness of facilities, the scenic beauty of the Ruby Mountains, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. However, some reviewers noted issues with group reservation management.

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes clean and well-maintained vault toilets, stunning views, and helpful camp hosts. One reviewer called it 'the cleanest bathrooms and toilets you have ever seen on the road,'...

Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include difficulties with group reservation management, as one reviewer described a situation where unrelated groups were allowed to use a reserved group site. Some visitors also found...

Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews highlight the group site as spacious and well-suited for events, although some noted a lack of tent pads. A reviewer mentioned that their group of about 30 tents fit comfortably.

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers advise contacting Scenic Canyons for reservations. Setting up tents may require creativity, as some sites lack dedicated tent pads. The area is described as much cooler than Elko, making it...

Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors report cooler temperatures at the campground compared to Elko, making it a favorable summer destination. Seasonal weather trends or significant variations were not explicitly mentioned in...

Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Call Scenic Canyons for reservations. Groups only and gated campground for your group's complete privacy.' 2. 'The water is DELICIOUS.' 3. 'If you usually camp in the lower campground, give this...

Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility details are limited; however, the paved paths and parking area are generally appreciated. No specific reviews from users with disabilities are provided.

Based on 39 reviews

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Terraces Campground - Picnic Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$100.00