Camping

Established Campgrounds

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the night, the bright stars, and solitude from your tent or trailer. The refuge offers three primitive campgrounds with vault toilets.  These campgrounds are Camp Hart Mountain, Hot Springs, and Post Meadows.  Camping is free and is on a first come, first serve basis. Check the  "Current Conditions" for seasonal closures and road updates and refuge's "Rules and Regulations" for additional details. Other information to know: 

• Camping is permitted year-round for up to 14 days withing a 30-day period only in designated campgrounds. 
• Camping is not allowed on roads or pull-off areas.  
• Gas pits and stoves are allowed in the campgrounds
• Bring plenty of drinking water for camping in the high desert. Most campgrounds do not have water available for people or animals. Potable water may be available in the Camp Hart Mountain campground unless freezing temperatures prohibit it. 

Camp Hart Mountain Campground

Camp Hart Mountain Campground is road accessible year-round, except for inclement weather-related temporary closures. This campground has 8 larger campsites and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables. This is the only campground with designated fire rings at the refuge and may be further restricted during periods of increased fire danger – check for campfire restrictions posted at the refuge headquarters, kiosks, campgrounds, and the refuge website. Bring your own local firewood because collecting firewood within the refuge is prohibited.

Hot Springs Campground

This campground has two sections, one for trailers and one without, and will be seasonally closed when road access becomes impassable.  Both camping areas have designated campsites.  No fires are allowed.

Hot Springs Campground has a maximum trailer limit of 24-feet.

When staying at Hot Springs Campground, do not alter the hot springs, and no soap allowed.  The associated photo shows trailer side of Hot Springs Campground.

Post Meadows Campground

This campground has both designated campsites and a field for group camping.  This campground will be seasonally closed when road access becomes impassable.  No fires are allowed. Horse corrals are located at Post Meadows Campground, the only road accessible site for overnight stock use on the refuge. If bringing horses, review "Horseback riding" activity for more information.

Backcountry Permits

If you would rather enjoy more remote areas of the refuge, backpacking is also permitted with a backcountry permit. No fires are allowed when backcountry camping.  For more information about this activity and permit, check out "Backpacking" activity on the website.