Big Bend Campground
03 reviews660 South 12th Street, Ste. 108, Elko, NV 89801
Quick Facts
7,000 ftPrice
$8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Open Memorial Day we...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
7,000 ftPrice
$8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Open Memorial Day we...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Big Bend Campground
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fee is $8/night per single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites occupied by the...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$8.00
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USFS
Provider775-738-5171
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
8 Google reviews
Most mentioned
privacycleanwell-maintainedsites
"Overall, Big Bend Campground is highly appreciated for its natural setting and privacy. User reviews praise its cleanliness and suitability for tent or trailer camping."
Fees & Passes at Big Bend Campground
$8/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 consecutive days.
Cancellation: Not explicitly mentioned.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Big Bend Campground
Big Bend transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering a different adventure each time you visit. From May through November, Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show – early season visitors might wake to a dusting of snow and crisp, freezing mornings that give way to brilliant sunshine. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for exploration, while autumn steals the show with a breathtaking display of golden aspens that seem to glow against the clear mountain sky. The shoulder seasons remind visitors of the high country's wild spirit, where weather can shift from sunshine to snow flurries in a heartbeat.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Hunting seasons, likely in fall months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through October 31, weather dependent.
- Current Alerts: None reported.
About Big Bend Campground
Nestled within a sprawling aspen grove, Big Bend Campground offers an intimate escape with just 15 thoughtfully spaced sites that promise the privacy many campers crave. This hidden gem draws outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hunters and OHV adventurers, who appreciate the dense canopy of aspens that creates natural barriers between sites. As a pristine wilderness destination, Big Bend operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' philosophy, encouraging visitors to leave no trace in this untouched landscape. While you won't find running water here, you'll discover something far more valuable: a genuine connection with nature in its purest form.
Big Bend Campground provides tent camping and combined RV/tent sites. It is popular for its natural setting and privacy features.
Historical SignificanceJust five miles south lies a fascinating window into the American West's golden past – the ghostly remnants of Gold Creek, once a bustling hub of the Island Mountain Mining District. This historic mining town thrived with the dreams of fortune seekers until the 1920s, when the gold played out and residents packed up their hopes for greener pastures. Today, an interpretive plaque tells the tales of pickaxes and gold pans, of fortunes made and lost, inviting modern explorers to imagine the clamor of mining life that once echoed through these now-peaceful hills.
Weather and SeasonsBig Bend transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering a different adventure each time you visit. From May through November, Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show – early season visitors might wake to a dusting of snow and crisp, freezing mornings that give way to brilliant sunshine. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for exploration, while autumn steals the show with a breathtaking display of golden aspens that seem to glow against the clear mountain sky. The shoulder seasons remind visitors of the high country's wild spirit, where weather can shift from sunshine to snow flurries in a heartbeat.
ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet above sea level, Big Bend Campground offers that quintessential high-country experience where the air feels crisp and clean in your lungs. At this elevation, you'll notice the stars seem closer, the sunsets more vivid, and yes, you might find yourself catching your breath a bit more often as your body adjusts to the thinner mountain air. The altitude brings cooler temperatures that provide welcome relief from summer heat, though it's wise to pack an extra layer even in July.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Bend's aspen grove creates a natural cathedral where sunlight filters through quaking leaves, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. Beyond this verdant sanctuary, the landscape opens into sweeping vistas of wide-open country that stretch to the horizon, offering that big-sky feeling that makes the West so captivating. Come autumn, this modest campground transforms into one of nature's most spectacular galleries, with aspens painting the hillsides in brilliant shades of gold and amber that photographers and nature lovers travel miles to witness.
Geological RegionPositioned strategically 15 miles northeast of the scenic Wildhorse Reservoir, Big Bend Campground serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the diverse geological wonders of the Island Mountain Mining District. This unique location places you at the intersection of aspen-covered hillsides and expansive high desert country, where ancient geological forces have created a landscape rich in both mineral wealth and natural beauty. The surrounding terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, from volcanic upheavals to the patient work of wind and water that carved today's dramatic vistas.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not offer wheelchair-friendly toilets, and there is no explicit mention of other accessibility features.
Sites SizeCampsites include parking aprons made of dirt and gravel. RV pull-throughs are available at one site.
Sites PrivacyMost campsites are widely spaced and surrounded by dense aspen growth, providing good privacy.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites in the inner loop offer more privacy due to dense vegetation.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Not explicitly mentioned
- likely follows standard site occupancy rules.
Groups
Group camping site details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutComposed of two loops within dense aspen growth.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through October 31, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come-first-served; no reservations are accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Bend Campground offers a range of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, biking, OHV riding, and snowmobiling.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include day hikes and backpacking routes in the surrounding areas.Biking
Both mountain biking and road cycling are possible in the area.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing/snowshoeing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings, but restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wild animals, remote location factors, and absence of potable water.
Active alertsNone reported.
Weather at Big Bend Campground
24
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Elko, NV, including hospitals and police stations (approximately 67 miles south).
Good to know
Peak season datesHunting seasons, likely in fall months.
Trash and recyclingA pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy is in place; trash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is 15 miles northeast of Wildhorse Reservoir, which provides opportunities for water-related activities.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues like parking, large rocks at individual site entrances, and lack of hookups. Despite this, reviews generally praise cleanliness and privacy.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
660 South 12th Street, Ste. 108, Elko, NV 89801
Driving directionsTravel approximately 67 miles north of Elko on State Route 225. Turn right onto County Road 745 (Meadow Creek Road). Follow County Road 745 (Meadow Creek Road) approximately 16 miles. Turn right into campground.
The access includes a gravel and dirt road, mostly wide single-lane, which may pose challenges for vehicles without high clearance.Nearby places
Mountain City: 18.5 miles southwest (approximately 25 minutes driving time).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping necessities, can be found in Elko, NV (67 miles south) or Mountain City, NV (18.5 miles southwest).
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Big Bend Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Big Bend Campground is highly appreciated for its natural setting and privacy. User reviews praise its cleanliness and suitability for tent or trailer camping.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlight the campground's privacy, clean vault toilets, and well-maintained fire rings. "Nice campground. No hook ups but great for a tent or trailer. Campsites far enough away from each...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Parking arrangements received mixed feedback due to large rocks at campsite entrances. One user noted: "The large rocks at the entrance to the individual camp sites definitely need to be removed....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing cash or checks for payment and emphasize the importance of the pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is popular during hunting season and fall, when the dense aspen growth provides excellent colors.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice campground. No hook ups but great for a tent or trailer." "Primitive bathroom which worked just fine. It was clean." "Fire pits and metal grills were decent."
Based on 3 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Individual campsite reviews are not available; however, privacy across widely spaced campsites is praised.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews explicitly addressing accessibility features, such as wheelchair access.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. There are no specific reviews addressing pet-related experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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