Hwy 50, the lonely one, Nevada

[Roy_Lynne]

We are heading south this winter and mostly plan to boondock/dry camp. The last leg of the trip will be going east to west on Hwy 50 through Nevada, eventually hooking up with 395 in California, but not finding a lot along Hwy 50. Its advertised as lonely but that shouldn't mean empty. Anyone have a secret places we could camp for a day or two.

[ppine]

For people that think US 50 is a lonely road, I would not recommend trying the secondary roads in Nevada.

[pnichols]

Roy&Lynne wrote:

pnichols wrote:
Lynne,

I ran across this article some time ago and the route sounds like a very interesting side trip, so you may want to check out this route in addition to Highway 50 (we haven't tried it yet):
https://www.exploringnevada.com/scenic-drives/desatoya-mountains-scenic-drive.php

Thanks. That is a great idea. I've bookmarked it.

If you take the Desatoya Mountains Scenic Drive ... please report back on your impression of it and any camping along it.

Thanks!

[Robbies_grandpa]

There is a free BLM campground at Hickison Petroglyph recreation area between Eureka and Austin

[Roy_Lynne]

SteveAE wrote:
Here's a few to get you started:

Garnet Hill rockhounding area NW of Ely.

Illipah Reservoir about 30 minutes west of Ely.

Spencer Hot Springs east of Austin near the junction of hwy 376

Bob Scott Campground in the mountains just east of Austin.

That's perfect Steve. I really appreciate it.

[Roy_Lynne]

pnichols wrote:
Lynne,

I ran across this article some time ago and the route sounds like a very interesting side trip, so you may want to check out this route in addition to Highway 50 (we haven't tried it yet):
https://www.exploringnevada.com/scenic-drives/desatoya-mountains-scenic-drive.php

Thanks. That is a great idea. I've bookmarked it.

[Ramblin__Ralph]

I love US50! Been on it several times. In addition to Bob Scott CG, mentioned above, I really like USFS Ward Mountain CG, 7 mi S of Ely on US6. Stayed at Illipah (mentioned above) and wouldn't go back. YMMV.

Enjoy the trip! 🙂

[SteveAE]

Here's a few to get you started:

Garnet Hill rockhounding area NW of Ely.

Illipah Reservoir about 30 minutes west of Ely.

Spencer Hot Springs east of Austin near the junction of hwy 376

Bob Scott Campground in the mountains just east of Austin.

[ppine]

All you are going to find at a campsite is a picnic table and a pit toilet and maybe some other people. In place like Nevada, space is the greatest resource. Change your thinking and plan to find your own way. Then everywhere is a place to camp.

[2gypsies1]

Here's a start if you look on its map:

https://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds/Nevada-campground-map.htm

Definitely tour Lehman Cave at Great Basin NP. Just east of the park is a awesome boondocking spot at Sacramento Pass. It's a rest area laid out for the biggest of RVs. Enjoy the night sky!

[pnichols]

Lynne,

I ran across this article some time ago and the route sounds like a very interesting side trip, so you may want to check out this route in addition to Highway 50 (we haven't tried it yet):
https://www.exploringnevada.com/scenic-drives/desatoya-mountains-scenic-drive.php

[obgraham]

I've driven most all this road, and enjoy it a lot. "Scenic" is in the eye of the beholder -- I love the huge vistas of wide open space along 50.

Westbound, that descent into Austin NV comes on you pretty quickly, but is a gorgeous descent.

[ppine]

There are a few small old Forest Service campgrounds in the higher ranges like the Toiyabes. There are 10,000 places on public land where you can get off the highway on dirt roads and camp. Nearly anywhere you want.

US 50 is the Lincoln Highway. It is actually one of the best and most popular roads in the state. We have state highways that are dirt with no facilities at all.

[Roy_Lynne]

No, we will probably be there early spring.

[azrving]

Freecampsites.net

Campendium


Rvparky

[D_E_Bishop]

The last time we were up that way we came from Canyonlands NP and picked up 50 at Ely. S/E of Ely is a sort of out of the way place Called Great Basin NP. Campgrounds as I remember were basic, a space but no facilities for the sites, just for the campground. Pretty basic NP campgrounds. A very, very interesting place. Other than that I don't remember much about the area. I'd go again when we can stay longer.

As stated, the weather can be drop dead gorgeous, but cold or stormy as heck. After mid October you can have snow or need sunscreen and bathing shorts.

Late fall or early winter is too late for the wild horses e/o Mono Lake on 395. I don't know what this bumpy is on 395. We sold our home up there a couple of years ago and at that time it was one of the best highways in CA.