Ruby Valley, California · Elko County · 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, sprin…
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
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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SOUTH RUBY CAMPGROUND
Heading to SOUTH RUBY CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SOUTH RUBY CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for SOUTH RUBY CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232091) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at SOUTH RUBY CAMPGROUND?
SOUTH RUBY CAMPGROUND has 37 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to SOUTH RUBY CAMPGROUND?
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.
