Hike mountain peaks, relax by glittering high-elevation lakes, or drive through canyons filled with autumn leaves — the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has it all. Covering more than 6.2 million acres in parcels scattered across western Nevada and eastern California, this is the largest national forest in the contiguous United States. It's also one of the most diverse, with lush mountain forests and dry, sun-soaked plains. With sections located near the Nevada towns of Sparks, Reno, Las Vegas, Ely, and Elko, it's a breeze to get your RV off the highway and into a spectacular campsite.
Camping in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Much of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is located in remote, isolated areas far from services and amenities, so an RV is a fantastic way to camp. Pull your mobile home into one of the campgrounds in or near the forest, and you're only a stone's throw from hiking, scenic drives, and more. Cut down on your driving time by renting an RV through RVshare. Whether you're heading to the Ruby Mountains or the eastern Sierra, an RV rental makes your trip more convenient and relaxing.
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Columbine Campground
A popular spot for hikers and mountain bikers, the beautiful Columbine Campground is located in a remote part of Nevada. Here, you can access more than 50 miles of hiking trails through the forest from this access point for the Toiyabe Crest Trail. Open from May to October, this campground offers vault toilets and picnic tables at each site. The road can be bumpy and wet, so it's a good idea to scout it in a passenger vehicle before you arrive in an RV. Sites are first-come, first-served; rates vary, but you can pay on-site.
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Paradise Shores RV Camp
Enjoy full hookups during your visit to the California side of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at Paradise Shores RV Camp. Set next to the beautiful Bridgeport Reservoir, this spot offers boating, stunning water and mountain views, and plenty of space. Enjoy full hookups and Wi-Fi at your site, and guests can use the beach, dog park, hot showers, modern bathrooms, and laundry room. Nightly rates range from $38 to $50, depending on the time of year.
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Thomas Canyon Campground
Located close to Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains, Thomas Canyon Campground is a great jumping-off point for hiking and scenic driving. The Thomas Canyon Trail starts from the campground, taking you to stunning waterfalls, meadows, and glacial landforms. The campground is open when the road is accessible — usually, you can camp from May to November. Sites have access to toilets and drinking water, and every spot comes with a picnic table. Rates start at $18 per night in the summer and $8 per night in the off-season.
Activities in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Whether you're searching for arid high-desert hills or lush, forested peaks, the diverse Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has you covered. If you're interested in the plants and animals of the area, check out the forest's interpretive trails that offer educational signs to help you understand the local flora and fauna. The two most popular options are located in Lamoille Canyon and Tahoe Meadows. For the best birding, check out the area around Galena Falls and Tamarack Lake. Geocaching is allowed in most of the national forest with the exception of designated wilderness areas that include the Mt. Charleston Wilderness, the Jarbidge Wilderness, and the High Schnells Wilderness, among others.
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Fishing
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is packed with year-round fishing opportunities. Check out Angel Lake in the Ruby Mountains, Trumbull Lake, Noble Lake, and Ophir Creek. Near Bridgeport, California, you'll find a variety of small creeks that are open to fishing. In the winter, you can try ice fishing at the Wet Meadows Trailhead in California.
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Stargazing
The remote sections of the forest offer exceptional stargazing. The Ruby Mountains, the areas south of Highway 50 in central Nevada, and the sections near Ely offer the best night-sky viewing opportunities.
How to get to Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Address: 1200 Franklin Way, Sparks, NV 89431
Fee: Entry fee $0
With its dramatically varied landscape, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is a haven for adventurers. Explore canyons, bag a peak, or simply enjoy the wilderness from the comfort of your campsite. An RV is a wonderful way to visit the forest and to have a relaxing vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
What is the closest town to Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest?
Sparks, Nevada is one of the closest big towns to the Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest. It's just east of Reno, and there are plenty of amenities, stores, and restaurants. Fallon, Nevada is also near the forest.
What type of wildlife lives in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest?
Wildlife living in the Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest includes wild horses, bears, mountain lions, deer, bighorn sheep, and bobcats. A variety of birds also live in the forest, along with other small animals and plenty of fish.
Is Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest open all year round?
Yes, the Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest is open year-round. However, certain areas of the forest may be inaccessible in winter, due to deep snow. Amenities like running water may be shut off in winter as well.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest?
Yes, you can canoe, raft, and hike in the Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest. There are lots of mountain lakes, streams, and rivers that are great for leisurely paddling or for whitewater rafting.
Is there a fee to get into Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into the Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest. However, there are permits required for certain activities, and there may be fees or permits required to park at certain day-use areas, to camp in certain campgrounds, and for other recreation.
