U.S. Forest Service · Pearl Peak Roadless Area · NV

South Ruby Campground

South Ruby Campground Site 3Photo · Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.
OpenSeason 05-01 – 11-30
ReservableAccess
37Sites
50 ftMax rig

The place

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. Keep reading

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.

The sites · 37

LoopSiteTypeMax rigElectricADA
LOWE001standard nonelectric45 ft
LOWE002standard nonelectric50 ft
LOWE003rv nonelectric45 ft
LOWE004rv nonelectric50 ft
LOWE005rv nonelectric50 ft
LOWE006standard nonelectric45 ft
LOWE007rv nonelectric50 ft
LOWE008rv nonelectric50 ft
LOWE009rv nonelectric50 ft
LOWE010rv nonelectric50 ft
LOWE011rv nonelectric40 ft
LOWE012rv nonelectric30 ft
S&PDouble S&Pmanagement50 ft
S&PStandard, S&Pmanagement50 ft
UPPE013rv nonelectric50 ft
UPPE014rv nonelectric50 ft
UPPE015rv nonelectric40 ft
UPPE016rv nonelectric25 ft
UPPE017standard nonelectric35 ft
UPPE018standard nonelectric35 ft
UPPE019standard nonelectric25 ft
UPPE020rv nonelectric25 ft
UPPE021standard nonelectric35 ft
UPPE022standard nonelectric25 ft
UPPE023standard nonelectric25 ft
UPPE024standard nonelectric30 ft
UPPE025rv nonelectric40 ft
UPPE026standard nonelectric30 ft
UPPE027standard nonelectric30 ft
UPPE028rv nonelectric35 ft
UPPE029standard nonelectric35 ft
UPPE030rv nonelectric35 ft
UPPE031rv nonelectric35 ft
UPPE032rv nonelectric25 ft
UPPE033standard nonelectric50 ft
UPPE034standard nonelectric30 ft
UPPE035standard nonelectric50 ft

Booking

183 daysBooking window before arrival

Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.

Book on recreation.gov

Who runs it

Operated by Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, a private concessionaire, under permit from the agency.

SRC · Operator link · 2026-08-24

Your representative

This campground sits in NV-02. This member’s public-lands record →

SRC · U.S. Census TIGER · MTJP Scorecard