How much does camping cost at Thomas Canyon?

Camping fees at Thomas Canyon are $19 - $38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Thomas Canyon first-come first-served or reservation?

Thomas Canyon 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 Thomas Canyon before I book?

Yes! Thomas Canyon has 7 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Thomas Canyon?

Thomas Canyon is open May 22 to September 04. 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 Thomas Canyon?

Thomas Canyon does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Thomas Canyon?

Fire policies at Thomas Canyon: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Thomas Canyon have?

Thomas Canyon has 42 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Thomas Canyon?

Yes, pets are allowed at Thomas Canyon. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Thomas Canyon?

Thomas Canyon offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Thomas Canyon?

Popular activities at Thomas Canyon include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Thomas Canyon

4.64

277 reviews

140 Pacific Ave, Wells, NV 89835, USA

Top 2% in NVSummer

B+Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Summer Camping Nevada#1 Mountain Camping Nevada#1 Group Camping Nevada#1 +12 more

Quick Facts

7,200 ft

Price

$19 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

During the first-com...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,200 ft

Price

$19 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

During the first-com...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Thomas Canyon

$19.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double S&P: $38.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $19.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $38.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $19.00; Single S&P: $19.00; TENT ONLY...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-245-6521

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

140 Pacific Ave, Wells, NV 89835, USA

Thomas Canyon

140 Pacific Ave, Wells, NV 89835, USA

Nearby places

Elko (30 miles, approximately 45 minutes drive), Spring Creek (approximately 25 miles, about 30 minutes drive).

Weather at Thomas Canyon

Current alerts(5)

Campgrounds are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day for reservations on rec.gov . However, things can change based on weather and other emergency situations, please contact the Ranger station for the most up-to-date information.
Click here for more information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Livestock is not allowed in the campground
Reserved site held until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve folks.

Best Time to Camp at Thomas Canyon

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Thomas Canyon’s alpine trails, lakes, and fishing — expect comfortable daytime highs around 65–75°F and cool nights in the thirtys to mid‑40s. Trails and high meadows are generally snow‑free by mid‑June through August, making this the peak time for hiking, mountain biking, fishing Lamoille Creek, and wildlife viewing; wildflower displays linger into early summer. Facilities are fully open (reservable May 27–Sept 4), so plan for higher ( Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in NV

Summer cited as best season: reliable weather, flowing waterfalls, full trail and fishing access; strong positive reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: During the first-come, first-served season (typically late-September through late-October-dependent on current conditions), there is no campground host on-site and water facilites (e.g., drinking water) are not available as they are turned off for the fall and winter seasons.

About Thomas Canyon

Thomas Canyon sits in the Ruby Mountains of northeastern Nevada, operated by the Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District within Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This alpine campground offers tent and RV sites near Lamoille Creek, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing in the surrounding high country.

Thomas Canyon Campground offers various camping options, including standard, tent-only, and RV sites. Sites come in single and double configurations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Thomas Canyon’s alpine trails, lakes, and fishing — expect comfortable daytime highs around 65–75°F and cool nights in the thirtys to mid‑40s. Trails and high meadows are generally snow‑free by mid‑June through August, making this the peak time for hiking, mountain biking, fishing Lamoille Creek, and wildlife viewing; wildflower displays linger into early summer. Facilities are fully open (reservable May 27–Sept 4), so plan for higher ( Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLamoille Creek cuts through camp, its sound a constant backdrop against granite cliffs and waterfalls. Aspens and cottonwoods provide shade between sites, their leaves turning gold in fall. At this elevation, wildflowers. Lupine, Indian paintbrush, mountain asters. Blanket the meadows into early summer. The Ruby Mountains' glacial cirques frame every view. One reviewer noted the "spectacular" scenery, and several mention waking to the creek's rush just steps from their tent. The contrast is stark: alpine forest above, endless desert visible in the distance below.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodations available. The campground exclusively offers campsites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity of guests per site is determined by site-specific rules.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov online or app, or by phone via contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited. Some sites are paved and include amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, but one review mentioned that the handicap-accessible site did not have space for a tent.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size and can accommodate both medium-sized RVs and tent camping. Site #31, for example, is highlighted as being close to the creek.

PrivacyThe degree of privacy varies by site. Some sites are well-shaded and spaced apart, offering privacy, while others are closer together. One reviewer noted, "Campsites are close together, but there are plenty of trees and shrubbery in between.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop C sites are more private and closer to the creek. Avoid sites prone to flooding during heavy rains.

Best CampsitesSite #31 sits close to the creek. Site #33 offers immediate trail access. Loop C provides the most privacy and creek proximity, though reviewers note that campsites are generally close together. Trees and shrubs help, but during peak periods, expect neighbors.

Need help booking Thomas Canyon?

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

Thomas Canyon Campground offers basic but well-maintained amenities. The campground includes vault toilets, potable water, and trash collection. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill, with some also featuring tent pads. "The bathrooms were extremely clean," noted one reviewer, and another emphasized, "Cleanest state park I go to every year!" However, drinking water is unavailable during the first-come, first-served season (late September to late October), as facilities are shut off. No showers are provided. The campground is situated within a natural and serene environment, offering partial shade from aspen and cottonwood trees and proximity to Lamoille Creek.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Thomas Canyon

Thomas Canyon Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The nearby Thomas Canyon Trail and other trails provide access to waterfalls, alpine lakes, and glacial cirques. The campground's location allows for road biking and rock climbing opportunities as well.

Hiking5.0/5Top 3% in Nevada

Thomas Canyon Trail begins inside campground and leads past waterfalls and alpine meadows; campground is a hiking hub.

Climbing4.0/5Top 4% in Nevada

Fishing4.0/5

Biking4.0/5Top 7% in Nevada

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Described as surrounded by diverse wildlife and good opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Winter sees reduced access and closures; not promoted as a winter-sports destination.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (7,200 ft) and remote alpine setting imply good night skies though not explicitly noted.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground is equipped with well-maintained vault toilets, which reviewers frequently praise for their cleanliness.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

277 reviews

Top-Rated

Thomas Canyon is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for the Thomas Canyon Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.6. Visitors frequently praise the clean facilities, breathtaking natural surroundings, and friendly camp hosts. The peaceful atmosphere and access to recreational activities like hiking and fishing also receive high marks.

Review Summaries

Based on 277 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 277 reviews.

Site #33Loved
Site #33 is also praised for its location close to a trailhead.
Site #31Mentioned
Site #31 is highly recommended for its proximity to the creek.

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, picturesque views, proximity to hiking trails, and the sound of the nearby creek are frequently highlighted. "One of the most clean campsites I have ever stayed...

Based on 277 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention issues with water availability during certain seasons, overcrowding on weekends, and occasional noise from nearby roads. "No potable water available," pointed out one reviewer....

Based on 277 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, especially during the late season. "Make reservations in advance, as spots fill quickly," advised one user. Shade structures and heavy-duty camp pads are recommended due to some...

Based on 277 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with lush greenery and flowing waterfalls enhancing the scenery. Fall offers beautiful foliage, but water facilities are turned off. Winter can see reduced access...

Based on 277 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place surpassed all my expectations," noted a camper. "The canyon was beautiful day and night," said another. "Bathrooms were very clean, especially compared to others," emphasized a visitor.

Based on 277 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are mixed. While some sites have paved surfaces, there are limitations for campers with disabilities, such as the handicap site lacking tent space. "Unfortunately, the handicap...

Based on 277 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and many reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly trails and environment. "The campground and hiking trails are dog-friendly but require leashes," noted a reviewer.

Based on 277 reviews

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Thomas Canyon

$19.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double S&P: $38.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $19.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $38.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $19.00; Single S&P: $19.00; TENT ONLY...

No campsite fee categories listed.