Thomas Canyon

4.67

277 reviews

140 Pacific Ave, Wells, NV 89835, USA

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Forest Camping Nevada#1 Fall Camping Nevada#1 Mountain Camping Nevada#1 +9 more

Quick Facts

7,200 ft

Price

$19 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open from May 27 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Quick Facts

7,200 ft

Price

$19 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open from May 27 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Thomas Canyon

$19.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $19 to $38 per night depending on site type. Additional fees include $6 per extra vehicle and $10 for reservation/cancellation...

Standard Site Fee$19.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$38.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

775-738-5171

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 277 reviews

115 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingwell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

140 Pacific Ave, Wells, NV 89835, USA

Thomas Canyon

140 Pacific Ave, Wells, NV 89835, USA

Driving directionsTake I-80 to any Elko exit and head south to Idaho Street. Turn south on 12th Street (from the east) or on 5th Street (from the west), to State Route 227. Travel 25 miles on SR 227 to Forest Road 660 (Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway). Travel 8 miles on FR 660 to the campground.

Road access is paved leading to the campground via Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway (Forest Road 660). The road may close due to mudslides or severe weather conditions during certain seasons, thus checking with the local ranger district is advised.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Elko and Spring Creek offer groceries, fuel, and camping supplies. Notably, Khourly's Market in Spring Creek is recommended for shopping.

Best Time to Camp at Thomas Canyon

Life at 7,200 feet follows nature's dramatic rhythms, where spring snowmelt feeds rushing creeks and autumn's first frost paints the aspens gold. Summer brings perfect camping weather with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 70°F, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with little warning, filling the canyon with the scent of rain-washed pine. As seasons shift, so does the landscape—early spring and late fall visitors might wake to fresh snow dusting their tents, while peak summer unveils every trail and fishing hole. Mountain winds whisper through the canyon year-round, reminding everyone that this is wild country where weather writes its own rules.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in NV

Peak season: lush greenery, flowing waterfalls, full services and best hiking conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Beautiful aspen foliage; water/facilities reduced late season and some sites become FCFS.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring snowmelt brings rushing creeks and great scenery but conditions/availability can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter access reduced; snow present and winter sport mentions exist but campground services limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 27 to September 4. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 27 to September 4 during the reservable season. Late September to October operates as first-come-first-served, with reduced facilities.
Current Alerts: August 2021 mudslides temporarily closed access to Lamoille Scenic Byway.

About Thomas Canyon

Tucked away in the heart of Lamoille Canyon, Thomas Canyon Campground stands as a gateway to the Ruby Mountains' most spectacular alpine landscapes. Here, where crystal-clear mountain streams dance through wildflower meadows and towering peaks frame every view, visitors discover a pristine wilderness retreat that locals cherish for its impeccable maintenance and thoughtful management. Whether you're casting a line into the rushing waters of Lamoille Creek or setting off on trails that lead to hidden alpine lakes, this high-country haven delivers an authentic Nevada mountain experience that feels worlds away from the desert below.

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

Historical Significance

Lamoille Canyon tells a story written in stone and ice, where ancient glaciers carved dramatic valleys that have drawn adventurers for generations. The surrounding peaks guard secrets of the past, from Liberty Pass—where early settlers crossed these formidable mountains—to the weathered church steeple that still stands watch over the tiny town of Lamoille below. This landscape has long served as a summer refuge, first for indigenous peoples following seasonal hunting grounds, then for Basque sheepherders who grazed their flocks in the high meadows, and now for modern explorers seeking the same timeless connection to these sacred mountains.

Weather and SeasonsLife at 7,200 feet follows nature's dramatic rhythms, where spring snowmelt feeds rushing creeks and autumn's first frost paints the aspens gold. Summer brings perfect camping weather with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 70°F, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with little warning, filling the canyon with the scent of rain-washed pine. As seasons shift, so does the landscape—early spring and late fall visitors might wake to fresh snow dusting their tents, while peak summer unveils every trail and fishing hole. Mountain winds whisper through the canyon year-round, reminding everyone that this is wild country where weather writes its own rules.

ElevationPerched at 7,200 feet where the air grows thin and the views stretch forever, Thomas Canyon Campground offers a true high-altitude escape. At this elevation, summer days stay refreshingly cool while nights demand an extra layer in your sleeping bag. The thin mountain air makes every breath feel earned, every sunrise more spectacular, as you wake to temperatures that can dip into the 40s even in July. This alpine perch puts you above the heat of Nevada's valleys but below the harsh extremes of the highest peaks, creating a sweet spot where comfort meets adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryThomas Canyon unfolds like a masterpiece of mountain artistry, where Lamoille Creek tumbles through the campground in a symphony of rushing water and polished stone. Groves of quaking aspens and ancient cottonwoods create natural cathedral spaces, their leaves shimmering gold in autumn's light and providing welcome shade during summer afternoons. Above camp, waterfalls cascade down granite cliffs, feeding the alpine meadows that burst with Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain asters. At 7,200 feet, you're immersed in a world where every turn reveals another postcard view—whether it's morning mist rising from the creek, afternoon light illuminating distant peaks, or stars crowding the night sky in numbers that valley dwellers can only dream about.

Geological RegionRising like an island of stone from Nevada's high desert, the Ruby Mountains cradle Thomas Canyon Campground in a remarkable ecosystem where alpine lakes mirror the sky and ancient glacial cirques tell stories of ice ages past. This 'Nevada Alps' showcases a geological wonderland where desert meets mountain drama—massive granite walls carved by glaciers tower above groves of aspen and cottonwood that seem impossibly lush for the Great Basin. The campground sits at the intersection of these worlds, where you can explore glacially-sculpted valleys in the morning and gaze out at endless desert vistas by afternoon, all while surrounded by the kind of pristine mountain beauty typically found hundreds of miles closer to the coast.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12:00 PM.

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

Site layoutThree loops, with Loop C offering the most privacy and creek access. Sites include tent pads, picnic tables, grills, and fire pits.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityDuring the first-come, first-served season (late September through late October), weather conditions may impact availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled without penalty before the day of arrival. Late cancellations incur forfeiture of the first night’s fees and a $10 fee.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingThe campground is a hub for hiking enthusiasts. Thomas Canyon Trail begins within the campground and leads hikers past waterfalls, through alpine meadows, and into a glacial cirque. Trails vary in difficulty, with some featuring steady inclines and rocky terrain. "The Thomas Canyon trail is excellent," stated one reviewer.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in Lamoille Creek, which runs through the campground. The creek contains brook and wild rainbow trout and is popular among fly fishermen. "The stream running through the campground is absolutely stunning and teeming with trout," noted a camper.

BikingRoad biking is popular along the scenic Lamoille Canyon road. "Great place for awesome hikes and bike riding," one reviewer said.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is surrounded by diverse wildlife and offers an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. Visitors have observed hummingbirds and other fauna. "The hike up the canyon was exquisite," added one guest, emphasizing the scenic environment.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWind gusts, occasional mudslides, cold snaps during fall, and high altitude may pose risks.

Active AlertsAugust 2021 mudslides temporarily closed access to Lamoille Scenic Byway.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in designated fire pits; firewood must be obtained locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced after dark (approximately 10:00 PM).

Emergency ServicesMountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District office in Elko (775-738-5171), along with Elko General Hospital approximately 30 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground provides trash collection, and reviewers noted that the site is consistently clean and well-maintained.

Water FeaturesLamoille Creek runs through the campground. Alpine lakes accessible via nearby trails.

Camp HostThe campground host is noted for maintaining cleanliness and providing area-specific guidance.

Weather at Thomas Canyon

Reviews

4.7

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #31 is highly recommended for its proximity to the creek. "I highly recommend site number 31 for its proximity to the creek," said one reviewer. Site #33 is also praised for its location close...

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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Last updated February 17, 2026

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