Campground

South Ruby Campground

Facilities

A forest of pinyon pine and juniper covers the area offering partial shade. The campground contains 33 single sites, one double and one accessible site with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided during the main summer season, which usually runs from early May to late September. Garbage service is available through the summer months. The lower loop of the campground typically remains open all winter, but may be closed depending on local conditions.  

Please call the local office for further information.  

Off season camping is first come first serve with a reduced fee without water available; only campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets offered at that time. Both RV and tent campsites are available for those who visit the campground. Please call the local office for more information.

Natural Features

The campground is situated above Ruby Lake, at an elevation of 6,000 feet. A forest of pinyon pine and juniper covers the area. The trees provide good privacy between campsites, but limited shade.

Recreation

Ruby Lake is visible from the campground and offers excellent birding, fishing and hiking. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass and several species of trout. The Ruby Lake NWR headquarters is two miles north of the campground and offers visitor information.


The campground is located on the Hastings Cutoff route, near the Pony Express Trail and historic ruins of Fort Ruby. An interpretive trail was recently constructed at Fort Ruby historic site and provides insight on local history as well as spectacular views of the southern Ruby Mountains, uninterrupted by development. The southern trailhead for the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail at Green Mountain Traihead is located within reasonable driving distance from the campground. Many dirt and gravel roads begin at Harrison Pass (just north of the refuge), and Overland Pass (south of the area), and provide enjoyable routes for jeeps, off-road motorcycles, OHVs, and mountain bikes.

Recreation Sites

  • Rv Nonelectric
  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Management
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hunting
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Boating

Amenities

  • Water (Seasonal)
  • Water Spigot

Getting Here

Latitude
40° 10' 28.9999" N
Longitude
115° 30' 1.0001" W
Take 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.

Need to Know

  • A $6 fee for extra vehicles will be collected at the campground
  • Limited supplies are available 11 miles north of the campground
  • Click here for more information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
  • Reserved site held until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve folks. Your reservation will be a no show and no refund will be given.

  • Contact Information

    P.O. Box 246
    WELLS, NV 89835

    For campground inquiries, please call: 775-752-3357

    Additional Information