Camp Observer1 of 8 photos
South Ruby Campground
Overview
South Ruby Campground is situated above Ruby Lake at the base of the beautiful Ruby Mountains at 6,000 feet in elevation, near the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ruby Valley, Nevada. Ruby Valley is a surprising wildlife oasis. An expansive marsh is laced with riparian corridors coursing with cool, spring-fed waters. Together with lush meadow and shrub-steppe uplands, these habitats support a diversity of wildlife seldom found in the high desert and is one of the most important waterfowl nesting areas in the region. The refuge is either home or a stopover location for over 220 species of birds. Of specific interest are canvasback ducks, trumpeter swans, greater sandhill cranes and sage grouse. Mule deer and pronghorn antelope can also be found in the area.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.
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.
Camp site features
Across 35 camp sites:
- Pets allowed: all 35 sites
- Longest rig: 50 ft
- Largest party: 16 people
- Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer
Directions
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.
Stay Limit
Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (53)
5 stars
34
4 stars
10
3 stars
5
2 stars
1
1 stars
3
Star C
Loop:Uppe
Site:028
Reviewed 7 days ago
Great camp ground. Host was very helpful. Best fish cleaning station in the state.
chance p
Loop:Uppe
Site:033
Reviewed 14 days ago
Camp host was the best we have ever had, bathrooms were clean.
Robert S
Loop:Lowe
Site:010
Reviewed 16 days ago
This campground is nicely laid out, and the new camp host really cares. It is conveniently located just a couple miles north of the main Ruby Marshes boat ramp. We easily got our 31 foot camper into our quite level spot (lower loop) and out. Definitely want to stay here again.
John K
Loop:Uppe
Site:028
Reviewed 21 days ago
The place was kept up very well, no trash, nothing broken or damaged. Restrooms were clean. All in all, a most pleasant stay. (Fishing was super, too!)
Lawrence G
Loop:Uppe
Site:035
Reviewed 24 days ago
South Ruby Campground is situated 79 miles south from Wells, NV or 94 miles north from Ely, NV and is within the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge; surrounded by cattle ranches, hay fields and national forest. It's a dry campground, and as you're so far away from anything, you want to fuel up, have black tanks empty and water/propane and fridge full. The only amenity in the campground was a dumpster at the end of the loop and a vault toilet. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are surrounded with pine trees and semi-level.
The road to the campground follows part of the "Hastings Cutoff" of the Donner Party tragedy. The Ruby Lake Refuge has some roads into the marsh area that's great for fishing, waterfowl hunting and birding. Further down is the remnants of Ft Ruby (not much left) an Army post that was built to protect travelers on the Emigrant Trail to CA and the Pony Express route. There is a ranger station that has some maps outside the office, but we didn't go in. There's also a fish hatchery in the area but didn't appear to be open to the public.
It was peaceful and quiet, and we would stop again if in the area.
Michael C
Loop:Uppe
Site:017
Reviewed a month ago
Close proximity to the marsh and a quiet campground (except for the weekend) made it a great place to stay
John M
Loop:Lowe
Site:010
Reviewed 7 months ago
We love the view and the ease in which we can back our trailer into spaces
Karen S
Loop:Lowe
Site:005
Reviewed 9 months ago
We really enjoyed our stay here. We reserved the double site and was able to secure a nearby site for the rest of our family upon our arrival. The campground was amazing as always.
Thomas S
Loop:Uppe
Site:015
Reviewed a year ago
Unfortunately the FishCleaning station was closed and they had a trashcan right in the middle of the campground that stunk so bad! The Large Dumpster should not be located in the middle of the campground..
It used to be down near the Fish Cleaning station... Should be moved out of the camping spots... and FIX THE FISH STATION!
Craig B
Loop:Lowe
Site:008
Reviewed a year ago
I have been going to this campground for30+ years. The host is usually at least good, sometime great, rarely awful. We had friends there before us and then us that spanned about 3 weeks. Although the log was signed, the rest rooms WERE NEVER CLEANED. Ed had to ask for the trash to be emptied. The host had his young kids checking reservation placards- that was all they did.
The fish cleaning station is out if order which cities lazy people to put carcasses in the dumpster. That is disgusting!
The location of the dumpster also impacts the quality of the upper loop experience. We will be back and hope for a true host willing to do their job.
Alex K
Loop:Uppe
Site:015
Reviewed a year ago
It is a nice campground and area. The only issue with our visit was a dead animal in the dumpster that was rather unpleasant for all campsites downwind.
Campsite 15 is listed as an RV site, but there was plenty of room for two tents.
Adele S
Loop:Uppe
Site:023
Reviewed a year ago
I arrived the afternoon of Monday, Memorial day. By then the campground was nearly empty but it was obviousit had been a big weekend because the dumpster was overflowing with stinking bags of trash. Thankfully I was not camping anywhere near this spot.
The campground gives good access to the National Wildlife refuge. In the dawn hours you can hear the sandhill cranes from camp.
Leslie C
Loop:Uppe
Site:022
Reviewed a year ago
Comfortable camping, clean restrooms. Fishing a 3 minute drive away. The bass did not disappoint and the teens didn't want to pack up for the night - "just one more"! Convenient fish cleaning station across the street. Check out the excellent interpretive signs at Fort Ruby just 15 minutes to the South, Cave Creek just 5 minutes north and the hot springs a 30-minute bumpy 4-wheel drive across the valley. SUP is magical when the marshes open up for paddles on June 15th. Early morning is best - the sun can be punishing as the summer heats up.
Craig B
Loop:Lowe
Site:009
Reviewed 2 years ago
We have been going to S Ruby Campground for 40 years. We love Ruby Valley and we always meet the most wonderful people! Care of the campground and facilities is usually very good to excellent. The Host/Manager usually varies from very social to very quiet, however, they have always stopped by to welcome new campers and check if "all is good". We were there 7/19 - 7/27/2024 and never once had a hello or conversation with the Host/Manager. Not even a wave at the fish cleaning station. We cleaned the trash out our fire pit - had never seen that situation before. The common dumpster has been moved very close to a site and upon our arrival it was already overflowing. Not sure what the schedule is, but with increased visitation, it needs to improve. The bathrooms were "ok", they were cleaned only one time during our stay. TP was stocked, but the floor and then flies got bad. The sheet for accounting of cleaning on the doors was blank??? We had never seen that before. We will always visit this campground, as Ruby Valley is our favorite place however, this year was a bit of a disappointment re campground/restroom maintenance.
Jacqueline I
Loop:Uppe
Site:023
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great campground. Was there midweek late July and it was mostly empty. Nice sites on the upper loop with some shade from the pines. Dragonflies in the camp at sunset & few mosquitoes. Wetlands are full of wildlife with beautiful views of the mountains. Restrooms spotless. Camp host friendly and helpful!
Wayne C
Loop:Lowe
Site:006
Reviewed 2 years ago
Beautiful area, and a very clean and quiet campground. 5th time here, and it is one of my favorites.
Shirley P
Loop:Uppe
Site:033
Reviewed 3 years ago
The campground had space between the campsites and there was shade too. There was water readily accessible and the restrooms were clean.
Michael C
Loop:Uppe
Site:030
Reviewed 3 years ago
It was a little surprising to get there and discover that the water had not been checked and was not drinkable. This was not an issue for us, but might have been for others. It would have been nice to have it indicated on the website. It was tested and verified safe within a few days.
No campground manager was another surprise.
Because it was windy, the reserved site signs that were put on the posts did not stay there, and blew all over the campground. Again, this wasn't an issue for us, but could have led to some ugly confrontations.
We love South Ruby Campground, but these were a couple of issues we encountered this time that we have not seen in our previous stays.
Restrooms and campground were extremely clean.
We will definitely return again!
Jana H
Loop:Uppe
Site:023
Reviewed 3 years ago
Very well maintained campground. The vault toilets were the cleanest toilets I’ve ever seen! Campsites are spread out, great hiking nearby.
Anita H
Loop:Uppe
Site:022
Reviewed 3 years ago
My camping experience was fine and uneventful. Other campers might want to know that due to proximity to huge wetlands the mosquitoes are more numerous than what one might expect for Nevada—I was there in a rainy early June. Also if there is some way on the planning section to indicate that the roads south from the campground, Ruby Valley Rd. then White Pine Canyon Rd #3, are mostly unpaved, dirt/gravel roads for 61.5 miles until UT Highway 50, that would greatly assist trip planning. I was directed to those roads by my map service with no warning that I would have to travel at 20-35 mph for 60 miles. The roads are plenty wide, but often washboarded as they are used by mining trucks and heavy equipment.
Mike B
Loop:Lowe
Site:009
Reviewed 3 years ago
Peaceful camping as always, Emily and Tom were very helpful and a pleasure to visit with
Paul S
Loop:Lowe
Site:009
Reviewed 4 years ago
Great, clean and quiet campground with great hosts, Joe and Nancy. Thanks for making the stay remarkable!
Joan W
Loop:Uppe
Site:013
Reviewed 4 years ago
Beautiful campground. We were in site 13. No Verizon service but my neighbor with AT&T had reception. Hosts Nancy and Joe were very helpful and the the facilities were very clean. A peaceful place and the marshes are a great place to see birds, waterfowl and pronghorn.
Ann W
Loop:Uppe
Site:030
Reviewed 4 years ago
Beautiful valley and wildlife refuge. Very remote. Good idea to carry extra gas. Campground clean and well maintained.
Jeff S
Loop:Uppe
Site:017
Reviewed 5 years ago
The rating was a review of the overall experience. The camp ground was somewhat rustic but expected. If pulling a camper longer than 28 feet, be mindful of the camping spots. More important is to pay attention to the weather; it is possible to have a snow storm in May!
Greg A
Loop:Lowe
Site:005
Reviewed 5 years ago
Really enjoyed learning about the area. However, It is so remote with a 200 mile round trip to get gas, groceries or anything. This campground desperately needs to re-open the dump station at a minimum. Long stays are prohibitive without a dump station, propane fill, etc.
Michael R
Loop:Uppe
Site:022
Reviewed 5 years ago
Nice quiet campground. Ours was an exploratory trip, roads easy to drive over though unsurfaced, best to access by Elko than Wells. Will return earlier in the season for wildlife viewing.
Jerry N
Loop:Uppe
Site:018
Reviewed 5 years ago
I have stayed here many times in the past and will say that the campsites and facilities are kept very clean.
The local camp host Ron was very helpful and accommodating to any needs we had.
Jeanette S
Loop:Lowe
Site:006
Reviewed 5 years ago
We loved this camp ground. Our host was very nice and welcoming and the view was beautiful. If you are a fisherman this is a dream place.
Madeline A
Loop:Uppe
Site:022
Reviewed 5 years ago
Camp host hadnt been there in days. Our spots were taken. Would like refund
Jim W
Loop:Uppe
Site:028
Reviewed 5 years ago
The campground was perfect for this location. We could see the marshes from our camp. The campground, restrooms, and roadways were all well-maintained. The descriptions of the camps on the website were accurate. The camp host was very helpful and friendly. Water and ice was available. If you like birdwatching, this is an excellent place to spend a few days.
Alex L
Loop:Uppe
Site:018
Reviewed 5 years ago
We had made reservations for site #18 at South Ruby Lake on the Recreation.gov reservation site and paid $42 by credit card, and got verification email. However, when we arrived at the campground, site #18 was occupied by a group of Duck Dynasty type dudes with a tent trailer and a loud generator, and NONE of the sites in the campground were marked reserved. The listed fee on the board at the entrance was $8/night, and presumably would be 1/2 off with the geezer pass, so we were charge about 5 times the actual rate for a site someone else was occupying. The campground manager apologized, but he had not been told to reserve ANY sites and there were plenty of vacant ones, possibly due to an inch or two of 1” hailstones arriving in a severe thunderstorm the same time we did. I am going to try to get a refund from recreation.gov, but not hopeful. The campsite itself was pretty nice other than the above, beautiful setting, clean restrooms. Some of the campsites did kind of flood with the severe thunderstorms, lucky #13 seemed pretty bad although when dry looked a nice site. We had some great birdwatching in the wildlife refuge the next couple of days between thunderstorms.
Ryan M
Loop:Uppe
Site:030
Reviewed 6 years ago
Our first family camping trip in Nevada and May I say it was just what the Dr. order!! If you want to get away and off the beaten path then this is the campsite for you.
Kimberly V
Loop:Uppe
Site:022
Reviewed 6 years ago
We stayed in spot #22 and it was WONDERFUL! It's a nice big spot, had plenty of room for our giant tent, and for the family to gather for dinner. The campsite was clean and quiet other than some shenanigans in a camp down the road. The restroom proximity was great, except for the smell. If they had recently pumped the tanks in the restroom I would have given this experience all the stars! The location is beautiful, the trees have grown and give a good amount of shade, and it's not far to some fantastic fishing!
Wesley C
Loop:Lowe
Site:007
Reviewed 6 years ago
We regretted that we moved fro Thomas Canyon to South Ruby campground to try it out. Was a rough drive to get there over Harrison Pass Rd, the "lake" is actually marshes and not quite what we expected (was still cool to see and great fishing). The bugs were very very bad (flies and horse flies that resulted in lots of bites). The campground "manager" was not there at all the first day we arrived. When we arrived, our campsite had the wrong name on it making us confused as to whether our booking was correct or not. It was annoying that there was nobody there to ask questions to about it. The site across the way was full of trash (probably because there were no trash cans provided that we could see). We booked 2 days but only stayed one day and left (back to Thomas Canyon) since we were not enjoying ourselves.
Linda S
Loop:Uppe
Site:013
Reviewed 6 years ago
Great campground to serve as home base for fishing the marshes. Evenings cool off nicely for sleeping. The upper loop has more shade than the lower loop.
Katrina O
Loop:Uppe
Site:017
Reviewed 6 years ago
We love camping here. There isn’t a lot of shade, bathroom is clean and so is the campground.
April C
Loop:Uppe
Site:022
Reviewed 6 years ago
The campground was clean, quiet, remote and very peaceful. The sites are spaced well so you are not in top of your neighbor. Water is available but toilets are vault style toilets. The bathrooms are kept very clean however. The campsite is in very close proximity to fishing access. Adequate shade at each site and a picnic table and fire pit are available for use at each site. The weather is very unpredictable, pack with layers. And don’t forget your mosquito spray!
Michael H
Loop:Uppe
Site:033
Reviewed 6 years ago
Love the campground, this was the second camp trip at the same site. This years managers were awesome.
Popularity
Quiet · 22%
Busiest in July, when about 22% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.