Picture yourself walking along a sun-soaked sandy beach barefoot with your loved one as waves gently lap the shoreline. A breeze gently ripples the crystal clear azure water as you enjoy the endless surrounding views.
Author’s wife lounging by the water
After your walk, you return to a sandy beachfront RV space to lounge under your awning as you await a dinner prepared over the grill.
As the sun sets, you strike a match to your beach campfire, enjoying the orange and red glows as the last rays of the sun sink over the horizon.
Next is the making of s’mores around the campfire as you await the moon rising over the now tranquil water.
Finish your evening around the campfire enjoying a fireworks show provided by your neighbors, or produced yourself via locally purchased fireworks.
The beautiful blue waters of Pyramid Lake
Many readers would assume I am talking about a $100 per night luxury RV space in a place like the Florida Keys or Southern California, but few would expect I am describing a beachfront setting in what is currently ranked as the driest state in America.
The scene I am describing is located northeast of Reno, Nevada where for just $15 you can obtain a recreation pass from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe allowing you to camp along the west shore of beautiful Pyramid Lake.
Visiting Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is located immediately north of Nixon, Nevada.
Camping is permitted only on the west side of the lake. Non-tribal members must possess a recreation permit available online or from an approved vendor. Click here to learn how to obtain a permit.
Vehicle beach access varies and improves as you head north from Nixon. Know what your vehicle is capable of and proceed accordingly.
A picture perfect view
Fireworks are available for sale year-round. Visit this website for a list of tribal firework vendors. You can also find a list here of designated beaches where fireworks can be legally discharged.
Discounts available include 10% off for seniors (65 and older), military (active, veterans, reserves) and non-PLPT tribal members. Proper IDs are required for discount.
Note: Pallets and glass containers are prohibited. No person may possess pallets and/or glass containers on the beach areas for the safety of the general public. Complete rules can be found here.
$15 per night camping on the beach… just another great adventure in RVing!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
The ads on the right side of this site are really annoying. Moving and distracting.
How big a RV can go into pyramid lake
what Internet browser do you use: Chrome? Edge? IE? Firefox? others? don’t you have an Ad Blocker add-on installed on it?
Use adblock or ghostery extensions.
Are swimming or kayaking allowed? You didn’t mention going in the water at all.
Yes, boating and swimming are permitted on the lake. Here is a link with more information. http://newtoreno.com/pyramid-lake-fishing-recreation-nevada.htm
Thank you.
I tried to subscribe but when you click on subscribe nothing happens!
I have lived in reno since 2003 and have camped here many times. Follow all rules perfectly or get a ticket, particularly dogs on leash all all times, even when swimming. Be aware of the weather. This is a desert lake, and a storm can blow up in the blink of an eye! I had a skylight roof blow off mine before I could get in and close it. The storm hit without warning, the sky was clear and cloudless. If boating, pay close attention to weather forecast. I cannot stress this enough. You will also encounter lots of partiers on the beach, sometimes makes for a sleepless night. I love Pyramid, but had both good and bad times there.