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Humboldt-Toiyabe/South Ruby Campground
Overview
South Ruby Campground offers a serene escape within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Situated on the southeastern edge of the majestic Ruby Mountains, this destination provides a rustic experience for travelers who appreciate the raw beauty of the Nevada wilderness. Unlike bustling commercial resorts, this National Forest campground emphasizes quiet solitude and direct access to one of the state's most unique ecological transitions, where high desert landscapes meet lush, vibrant marshlands.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 65 miles south of Elko, the campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures than the valley floor. The landscape is defined by its proximity to the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which lies just a short distance from the campsites. Campers are treated to expansive views of rugged limestone peaks to the west and shimmering wetlands to the east. The scenic mountain backdrop creates a dramatic setting for morning coffee or evening relaxation.
Amenities & Park Features
As a primitive camping location, South Ruby Campground features 35 individual sites designed for those who enjoy dry camping. Each site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring with a grill for outdoor cooking. While there are no individual electrical, water, or sewer hookups, the park provides access to potable water via seasonal spigots and well-maintained vault toilets. The sites are paved and spacious enough to accommodate most mid-sized RVs and trailers looking for a self-contained stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for visitors is the adjacent Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a world-class destination for birdwatching and waterfowl photography. Anglers frequent the area for largemouth bass and trout fishing in the refuge’s designated marshes and collection ditches. For those looking to explore on foot, the surrounding forest service land offers numerous opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. The area is a sanctuary for over 200 species of birds, making it a premier spot for nature study.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for nature enthusiasts and birders who prioritize proximity to wildlife over modern luxury amenities. It serves as a perfect base camp for anglers and photographers seeking a peaceful retreat far from highway noise. If you enjoy off-grid style camping in a stunning natural setting and possess a self-contained RV, South Ruby Campground offers a level of quiet and scenery that traditional roadside parks cannot match.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Richard Mayes
Excellent campground. The sites are nicely spaced and well maintained. The front sites have a beautiful view while the rear sites are very secluded. The toilets were clean despite the government shutdown and absence of a camp host. Good fishing in the lake and incredible dark skies at night.
Rick Myers
Stayed here for 3 days. Great large mouth fishing but I won’t stay here again until a new host comes. Bathrooms weren’t as clean compared to other years and host was difficult to say the least
Rick Wagner
Great place. We loved the campground with easy access to the wild life refuge. Great place for the annular eclipse. Restrooms were well stocked, clean and maintained.
Suzanne Miladin
This is a lovely campground with sites that are well spaced out. The sites all have a fire ring with a grill on top and a picnic table. The sites either have shade from the Junipers and Pinyon Pine or a great view of the valley. The vault bathrooms are very clean. The hosts, Joe and Nancy, are particularly outstanding! We were warmly greeted upon arrival with a brochure of the Wildlife Refuge which was very handy since cell service is at least an hours drive away.
Matthew Beier
Needs a name change. This is ruby marsh. Not ruby lake. The campground is good but this is not a lake for swimming. I hate driving all that way for false advertising and then leaving to find a lake to do things with my kids