NV · Great Basin
Black Rock Desert BLM
About 200 square miles of flat BLM playa, one of the largest flat surfaces in North America. This is where Burning Man happens, but the other 51 weeks of the year it's yours alone. Ancient hot springs, petroglyphs, and a silence so deep you can hear your own heartbeat. Drive onto the playa when it's dry and camp for free, up to 14 days.
- Most of the playa is open to free dispersed camping, usually up to 14 days. Check BLM for closures, especially around Burning Man
- The most remote and surreal landscape in the lower 48
- Fly Geyser is one of America's weirdest sights. It's on private land, so see it from the road or on a booked Fly Ranch nature walk
- Absolute silence and isolation: you can be the only human for miles
- SFO is 4.5 hours, shockingly accessible from the Bay Area
Free camping near Black Rock Desert BLM
BLM: Black Rock Playa Main Area
BLM Winnemucca District: Black Rock Desert NCA
The main playa itself: free BLM dispersed camping on the flat, up to 14 days. Drive out onto the surface only when it's dry, and set up camp facing the open desert. The sunset turns the mountains pink and the playa gold. No permit or fee, but fires on the playa must be in a raised fire pan so they don't scar the surface, and you pack out everything.
How to get there
From Gerlach NV on NV-447, head north toward the playa. The Black Rock Desert NCA begins just past town. Drive onto the flat surface only when it's dry, and check BLM for closures around Burning Man.
BLM: Black Rock Hot Springs
BLM Winnemucca District
Natural hot spring right at the edge of the playa, free soak, free camping nearby. Hot water pools into a series of natural ponds, and some springs out here are scalding, so test the water before you get in. Camp at least 300 feet from the water. Remote enough that you'll often have it to yourself outside of summer weekends.
How to get there
From Gerlach NV, head north on the dirt road to the playa. Black Rock Hot Springs is on the northwest edge of the playa.
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March
- April: best month
- May: best month
- June
- July
- August
- September: best month
- October: best month
- November: best month
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$5 to $30
per day (food + transit)
Free camping available
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
2 to 5
days · easy difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Safety
The playa turns to deep mud when it's wet, so don't drive on it after rain. Carry extra water and fuel, since Gerlach is the only town. Some hot springs in the area are scalding, so test the water before you get in.
Avoid if
- You visit during Burning Man week (late August), overwhelming crowds
- You need any services, nearest gas/food is Gerlach (tiny town)
- Wet years flood the playa and make driving dangerous