South Ruby Campground

4.42

86 reviews

140 PACIFIC AVENUE, WELLS, NV, 89835, USA

Featured in:Spring Camping Nevada Mountain Camping Nevada Desert Camping Nevada +6 more

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$17 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open from May 13 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$17 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open from May 13 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Ruby Campground

$17.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The main camping fee ranges from $17 to $34 depending on the site type. Off-season rates are reduced, with $15 for a single site and $30 for a double...

Standard Site Fee$17.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

775-752-3357

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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 86 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"User reviews of South Ruby Campground are generally positive, with highlights on cleanliness, the friendly camp hosts, and the excellent location for birding and fishing. Many reviewers appreciate the peace and quiet of the campground, though concerns include limited cell service, the remoteness of the location, and occasional issues with site reservations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

140 PACIFIC AVENUE, WELLS, NV, 89835, USA

South Ruby Campground

140 PACIFIC AVENUE, WELLS, NV, 89835, USA

Driving directionsTake Interstate 80 to Highway 93. Exit at Wells and follow Highway 93 south for 30 miles to State Route 229. Follow State Route 229 for 15 miles, then head south on State Route 767 and County Road 788 for 30 miles, to the campground.

Road access is good overall, but the last approach involves some dirt and gravel roads, which may prove challenging during severe weather. It is advisable to travel cautiously, especially after rain or snow.

Nearby places

Wells: 75 miles

Elko: approximately 110 miles

Ely: approximately 100 miles.

Nearby supplies

Limited supplies are available 11 miles north of the campground. Visitors are advised to carry essentials, including extra gas, due to the remote nature of the area.

Best Time to Camp at South Ruby Campground

Mother Nature keeps campers on their toes in this dynamic high-desert environment, where afternoon thunderheads can build into dramatic storms that rumble across the valley, occasionally delivering hail even during summer months. The desert sun brings warmth to summer days, creating perfect conditions for lake activities and wildlife watching, though evenings cool quickly at this elevation. For the hardy souls who venture here in winter, the lower loop remains open, transforming into a crystalline wonderland where snow blankets the landscape and temperatures plunge, offering a completely different but equally magical camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season but reviews mention abundant mosquitoes and afternoon storms affecting comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late spring and early fall noted for comfortable weather and good wildlife viewing.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring praised for comfortable weather and good birding; marsh dynamics improve paddling.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Off‑season with reduced services; winter offers solitude but access and services are limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 13, 2025 - September 25, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 13 to September 25 for the peak season, with reduced services available during the off-season.

About South Ruby Campground

Perched at 6,000 feet above the shimmering waters of Ruby Lake, South Ruby Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic high-desert escape. This mountain sanctuary offers 35 thoughtfully designed sites—including 33 single spots, one spacious double site, and a fully accessible option—each positioned to capture the breathtaking interplay of water, mountain, and sky. Whether you arrive with an RV or pitch a tent beneath the star-filled Nevada nights, you'll find modern conveniences like vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, campfire rings for evening gatherings, and fresh drinking water during peak season. The campground serves as your gateway to the spectacular Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where ancient migration routes converge and nature's grand theater unfolds daily.

South Ruby Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. The campground also offers a double site and one accessible site.

Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American frontier history at South Ruby, where the ghosts of pioneers, express riders, and soldiers still whisper through the valley. The infamous Hastings Cutoff—that fateful shortcut that spelled doom for the Donner Party—passed through these lands, while hoofbeats from the legendary Pony Express once echoed across the valley floor. Just a short drive away, Fort Ruby stands as a testament to the region's military past, its interpretive trail weaving together stories of Native peoples, emigrants, and cavalry troops who all played roles in shaping the American West.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps campers on their toes in this dynamic high-desert environment, where afternoon thunderheads can build into dramatic storms that rumble across the valley, occasionally delivering hail even during summer months. The desert sun brings warmth to summer days, creating perfect conditions for lake activities and wildlife watching, though evenings cool quickly at this elevation. For the hardy souls who venture here in winter, the lower loop remains open, transforming into a crystalline wonderland where snow blankets the landscape and temperatures plunge, offering a completely different but equally magical camping experience.

ElevationAt 6,000 feet, South Ruby Campground inhabits that sweet spot where the desert meets the mountains, creating a unique microclimate that surprises and delights. Evening temperatures can drop dramatically as the sun dips behind the Ruby Mountains, transforming hot afternoons into crisp nights perfect for campfire stories. This elevation brings clearer skies for stargazing, cooler sleeping conditions, and that slight breathlessness that reminds you you're camping in genuine mountain country—pack layers and prepare for the thin air to add an extra dimension to your outdoor adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle rustle of pinyon pines and Utah junipers, their aromatic branches creating natural privacy screens between campsites while framing postcard-perfect views of Ruby Lake below. This unexpected oasis in the high desert unfolds like a hidden masterpiece, where emerald marshes stretch toward the base of the majestic Ruby Mountains, creating one of the West's most important wetland ecosystems. The interplay of water, desert, and mountain creates a photographer's paradise, especially during golden hour when the light transforms the landscape into a canvas of amber and rose, and countless birds paint the sky with their evening flights.

Geological RegionSouth Ruby Campground sits within one of Nevada's most remarkable geological treasures—the Ruby Valley, a verdant anomaly in the Great Basin's sea of sagebrush. This natural wonder formed over millennia as mountain streams carved out a basin that now cradles extensive marshlands, winding riparian corridors, and ascending shrub-steppe uplands. The valley serves as a critical stopover on the Pacific Flyway, where over 200 bird species pause in their epic journeys, making it a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. Towering above it all, the Ruby Mountains—Nevada's 'Alps'—provide a dramatic backdrop that shifts from purple shadows at dawn to fiery alpenglow at sunset.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, including an upper loop with more shade and a lower loop that remains open in winter.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability exists during the off-season with reduced facilities and rates.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made in advance. A $10 fee applies for changes, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Refunds are subject to specific conditions as detailed on the Recreation.gov platform.

AccessibilityThe campground includes one accessible site, and the facilities are generally well-maintained. Specific accessibility features beyond the accessible site are not detailed in the source.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as being adequately sized, with some specific sites noted for their spaciousness. For example, site #22 is described as 'a nice big spot, had plenty of room for our giant tent.

PrivacyThe sites are somewhat private, with natural tree barriers providing separation between most sites. However, some reviews mention that the sites feel close together or have limited privacy.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesThe upper loop is recommended for more shade, while the lower loop provides easier winter access. Campsite #22 is highlighted for its size and proximity to amenities.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

South Ruby Campground is an excellent destination for outdoor recreation, offering a mix of activities such as birding, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides unique opportunities for bird enthusiasts, with over 220 bird species in the area. Jeeping, off-road vehicles, and mountain biking are also popular, with accessible dirt and gravel roads nearby. Historical exploration is another highlight, with nearby Fort Ruby and the Pony Express Trail offering interpretive trails and insights into local history.

HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, including access to the southern trailhead of the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail at Green Mountain, which is within driving distance. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both beginners and seasoned hikers.

FishingFishing at Ruby Lake is a major attraction, with the lake stocked with largemouth bass and several species of trout. User reviews highlight the quality of fishing in the area, with one stating, 'If you are a fisherman, this is a dream place.'

BikingMountain biking is possible on the dirt and gravel roads near the campground. These roads range from beginner-friendly to more challenging terrain.

BoatingBoating is available, but specific details on the types of boats allowed or docking facilities are not provided. The trolling motor charging station suggests that non-motorized and small electric boats are common.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a standout activity at South Ruby Campground. The area supports diverse wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and over 220 bird species. Notable species include trumpeter swans and greater sandhill cranes.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsFort Ruby offers an interpretive trail that provides historical insights and spectacular views of the Ruby Mountains. This trail highlights the area's significance in the Pony Express Trail and local history.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and various bird species may be encountered. Be mindful of scorpions as noted by some visitors. Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in early summer. Roads in the area can become challenging during severe weather.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated rings, subject to current fire restrictions.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not immediately nearby due to the remote location. The closest major emergency facilities are likely in Wells or Elko.

Trash & RecyclingNo garbage service is available at the campground. Campers must pack out their trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground overlooks Ruby Lake, which offers fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and trout. However, the lake is more accurately described as marshland, limiting activities like swimming.

Camp HostCampground hosts are generally described as friendly and helpful. Hosts Joe and Nancy received specific praise for their welcoming attitude and maintaining clean facilities.

Weather at South Ruby Campground

Reviews

4.4

86 reviews

Recommended

South Ruby Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of South Ruby Campground are generally positive, with highlights on cleanliness, the friendly camp hosts, and the excellent location for birding and fishing. Many reviewers appreciate the peace and quiet of the campground, though concerns include limited cell service, the remoteness of the location, and occasional issues with site reservations.

Review Summaries

Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the beautiful natural setting, and the proximity to activities such as fishing and wildlife viewing. One user stated, 'The vault toilets...

Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the remoteness and lack of nearby services, issues with site reservations not being honored, and the occasional overuse of sites leading to cleanliness issues. A reviewer...

Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies due to the remoteness. Use mosquito repellent, especially in early summer. Campers are advised to check site reservation details carefully due to past issues.

Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the abundance of mosquitoes, while late spring and early fall are noted for their comfortable weather. Winter visitors appreciate the peace and solitude but must...

Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Lance (camp manager) keeps the place pristine. The whole time I saw him there he was picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms, etc.' - DipsterHam - 'We love South Ruby Campground, but these were a...

Based on 86 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #22 is highlighted for its spaciousness, while site #13 is noted for flooding issues during heavy rain. Site #18 had issues with overbooking, as noted by reviewers Alex L. and Jerry N.

Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground features one accessible site. However, further details on accessibility are limited.

Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews about pet-related experiences are provided.

Based on 86 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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