Lower Bluster Campground

5.00

8 reviews

Located approximately 3.5 miles south of the town of Jarbidge, Nevada

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Featured in:Mountain Camping Nevada Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada Summer Camping Nevada +5 more

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

June - October, as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

June - October, as w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Bluster Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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USFS

Provider

775-738-5171

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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"User reviews generally praise the campground for its natural beauty and proximity to the town of Jarbidge, which is 3.5 miles away. The overall tone of the reviews is positive."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Located approximately 3.5 miles south of the town of Jarbidge, Nevada

Lower Bluster Campground

Located approximately 3.5 miles south of the town of Jarbidge, Nevada

Driving directionsLocated approximately 3.5 miles south of the town of Jarbidge, Nevada

Campground is accessible via an unpaved road. Road conditions may vary based on weather and seasonal changes; no specific accessibility challenges are mentioned.

Nearby places

Jarbidge: 3.5 miles

Nearby supplies

Supplies likely available in Jarbidge, NV, located 3.5 miles away. No specific grocery or camping supply stores mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Lower Bluster Campground

From June through October, Lower Bluster transforms into a high-country haven where warm summer days give way to crisp, star-filled nights. The camping season brings reliably pleasant weather with azure skies and minimal rainfall, creating perfect conditions for hiking, horseback riding, and evening campfires. Summer temperatures at this elevation remain comfortably mild, offering a refreshing escape from the desert heat below while autumn arrives with golden aspen displays and cooler nights that hint at the approaching winter.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–October; summer offers warm days, crisp nights and full activity access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into October with crisp nights; fewer specifics on fall colors or conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Opening season begins in June; spring use not described or supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside June–October; winter not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Based on open season, peak season likely June-October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: June - October, as weather and conditions allow

About Lower Bluster Campground

Tucked away in the remote wilderness near Jarbidge, Nevada, Lower Bluster Campground offers adventurous souls a chance to disconnect and embrace the rugged beauty of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This intimate, back-to-basics campground welcomes visitors from June through October, providing a genuine wilderness experience with dispersed camping sites, each equipped with picnic tables and access to basic restroom facilities. True to its minimalist spirit, campers should come prepared with their own water supply, as none is available on-site. The campground's remote location and allowance for horse and pack animals make it an ideal basecamp for those seeking authentic backcountry adventures far from the crowds.

Lower Bluster Campground supports dispersed camping and accommodates horse/pack animals. It is designated as a fee-free site and operates seasonally between June and October.

Historical SignificanceWhile Lower Bluster's recorded history may be brief, this remote corner of Nevada whispers tales of the Old West, where prospectors, ranchers, and adventurers once traversed these same mountain passes in search of fortune and freedom. The surrounding wilderness remains largely unchanged, offering modern visitors a glimpse into the untamed Nevada that existed long before highways and cell towers.

Weather and SeasonsFrom June through October, Lower Bluster transforms into a high-country haven where warm summer days give way to crisp, star-filled nights. The camping season brings reliably pleasant weather with azure skies and minimal rainfall, creating perfect conditions for hiking, horseback riding, and evening campfires. Summer temperatures at this elevation remain comfortably mild, offering a refreshing escape from the desert heat below while autumn arrives with golden aspen displays and cooler nights that hint at the approaching winter.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,500 feet above sea level, Lower Bluster Campground sits in Nevada's high country where the air is crisp and thin. This lofty elevation creates a dramatically different environment from the valleys below, with cooler temperatures year-round and the kind of pure mountain air that makes every breath feel refreshing. Visitors coming from lower elevations should take time to acclimate and stay well-hydrated, as the altitude can be challenging for some, but the reward is access to stunning vistas and a true mountain camping experience.

Natural Features and SceneryRising from the rugged Nevada landscape at 6,500 feet, Lower Bluster Campground is embraced by dramatic mountain peaks and vast wilderness expanses that stretch to the horizon. The surrounding Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest showcases nature's resilience in this high desert environment, where hardy pines, mountain mahogany, and seasonal wildflowers paint the landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot mule deer browsing at dawn, golden eagles soaring on mountain thermals, and if lucky, catch glimpses of elusive mountain lions or black bears that call these remote ranges home. The night sky here is nothing short of spectacular, with minimal light pollution revealing the Milky Way in all its glory.

Geological RegionSet within the ancient and weathered peaks of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Lower Bluster Campground rests on terrain shaped by millions of years of geological drama. At 6,500 feet elevation, the campground occupies a landscape where volcanic activity, tectonic forces, and erosion have sculpted dramatic ridgelines, hidden valleys, and rugged canyons. This mountainous terrain tells the story of Nevada's tumultuous geological past, from ancient seas to volcanic eruptions, creating the diverse and stunning high-country environment that today provides sanctuary for both wildlife and wilderness seekers.

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Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day

Stay Limit

No stay limit mentioned

Guests Allowed Per Site

No guest limit mentioned.

Groups

No group camping facilities are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo specific layout information; appears to be a single dispersed campground.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platform; this is a first-come-first-serve site.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; no reservation system present.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system in place; cancellation policies not applicable.

AccessibilityAccessibility options for visitors with disabilities are not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeSite sizes are not specified in the authoritative content or user reviews.

PrivacyInformation about campsite privacy (secluded or clustered) is not available.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, road cycling, OHV road riding, fishing in rivers or streams, swimming, and hiking (both backpacking and day hikes).

HikingHiking opportunities include both backpacking and day hikes. Specific details about trail lengths and difficulty levels are not provided.

FishingFishing is available in nearby rivers or streams. No information about the types of fish or fishing quality is provided.

SwimmingSwimming opportunities are mentioned but lack specific details about designated areas or safety measures.

BikingMountain biking and road cycling are supported activities. Details about terrain or recommended skill levels are not provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include lack of potable water and possibly wildlife typical of northern Nevada.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned in available materials.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not specified.

Emergency ServicesMountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District's Elko Office, Address: 660 South 12th Street, Ste. 108, Elko, NV 89801, Phone: 775-738-5171

Trash & RecyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesNo specific water features mentioned within the campground itself.

Weather at Lower Bluster Campground

Reviews

5.0

8 reviews

Top-Rated

Lower Bluster Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground for its natural beauty and proximity to the town of Jarbidge, which is 3.5 miles away. The overall tone of the reviews is positive.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers highlight the campground's scenic surroundings and its location near Jarbidge as key attractions.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints were mentioned in the user reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations were provided by reviewers.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews did not provide detailed insights into how experiences vary by season, though the campground is only open from June to October.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We had the best time! Camping in Jarbidge is amazing!' - Lori Miner 2. 'It was beautiful country campground with all right fireplace picnic bench and only 3 miles from Jarbidge.' - Paul Willis

Based on 8 reviews