Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Guide
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Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest spans 6.3 million acres across Nevada and eastern California, featuring alpine lakes, deserts, and attractions like Lamoille Canyon and Mount Charleston. Nearby hubs for RV rentals and lodging include Reno, NV, and Bishop, CA, where visitors can easily rent an RV through RVshare.
Camping in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Camping in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers paid, free and private campgrounds.
Best Paid Campgrounds
Thomas Canyon Campground
$19–$38 per night
Angel Lake Campground
$18–$36 per night.
South Ruby Campground
$17–$34 per night.
Hilltop Campground
$19-$57 per night
Robinson Creek South/North Campground
$32-$50 per night
Hope Valley Campground
$32-$50 per night
Private Camping near Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Paradise Shores Camp
$33–$150 per night
Bridgeport Reservoir Marina & Campground
$40–$70 per night
For more camping options, check out this list of top campgrounds in Nevada.
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
Lower Twin Lake Campground
$34 per night
Green Creek Campground
$22 Single//$6 Extra Vehicle. Group Site (25 and 50 people) $75 and $100 per night.
Bootleg Campground
$28 per night
Best Budget Friendly Free (Dispersed) Campgrounds
Kingston Campground
Columbine Campground
Berry Creek Dispersed Campground
Big Creek Campground
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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.
RV Rentals Near Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Hiking Trails
Discover these hiking trails in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, ideal for exploring from late spring to early fall.
Best Hikes in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail
Length: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Lamoille Canyon Scenic Loop Trail
Length: 12 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Cathedral Rock Trail
Length: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Keystone CanyonTrail
Length: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Tahoe Rim Trail
Length: 165 miles (varied day hikes)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Green Creek Trail
Length: 8 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Charleston Peak South Trail
Length: 26.2 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Fletcher Peak Loop via Cougar Ridge and Mummy Springs
Length: 6.2 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Liberty Lake Trail
Length: 8.7 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Lakeside Trails
Horse Creek Trail
Length: 4.47 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Dry Pond Trail
Length: 6.77 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Church's Pond via the Jones-White Creek Trail
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
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Cathedral Rock Trail
Located in one of the southern sections of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Las Vegas, the Cathedral Rock Trail is a pleasant day hike into the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. Though it's less than 3 miles long, it offers beautiful views of the Echo Cliffs and high-elevation forests. Most of the trail features a gentle grade, but the last section challenges you with switchbacks and steep climbs. At the end, you'll see spectacular views of the mountains and desert.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Keystone Canyon Trail
If you're camping near Reno, the Keystone Canyon Trail is an easily accessible day hike. With an elevation gain of just 603 feet, it offers a gentle challenge and exceptional views. This is a great spot for beginners — it's well-maintained and heavily traveled by hikers, bikers, and runners. Bring plenty of water if you're hiking in the summer; the trail is exposed and offers little to no shade on the way.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail
Bring the whole family to the beautiful Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail. Short and mostly flat, it takes you through meadows and forests. Along the way, you can learn about the local flora and fauna by reading the interpretive signs. The trail features boardwalks and occasional packed-sand sections, making it accessible for strollers and some wheelchairs.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Tahoe Rim Trail
Located at the same trailhead as the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail, the Tahoe Rim Trail offers more flexibility in terms of distance. The full trail extends for 165 miles around Lake Tahoe, but if you're not looking to go the full distance, you can head north or south for an out-and-back hike. Head north, and you'll come across the spectacular Galena Creek Falls. Head south for views of the Chickadoo River and the Diamond Peak ski area.
Length: 165 miles
Intensity: Moderate to Strenuous
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Taft Creek Trail
Venture into the High Schells Wilderness on the Taft Creek Trail. Located in a remote area east of Ely, Nevada, this trail is a lightly trafficked route through the mountains. Enjoy stunning views of surrounding peaks as you climb higher into the foothills.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Green Creek Trail
If you're looking for a challenge and beautiful views, the Green Creek Trail is a great option. It's located in the California section of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest that is close to Yosemite National Park. The trail climbs steadily, gaining about 1,400 feet as it travels to the beautiful Green Lake and East Lake. The lakes reflect the surrounding mountain peaks, which are often covered in snow.
Length: 8 miles round-trip
Intensity: Moderate to Strenuous
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Leavitt Meadows Trail
Hike through meadows and mountains on the Leavitt Meadows Trail, which takes you to four different lakes. Lane Lake is the closest, but you can also continue on to Poore, Roosevelt, and Secret lakes. If you're planning to do the full 12-mile round-trip hike to Secret Lake, leave early in the morning, and take plenty of supplies. Most of the route features gentle climbs and wide, packed-dirt paths.
Length: 6 miles one way
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Explore a variety of activities across the diverse landscapes of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, from desert hills to alpine peaks.
Fishing: Cast your line at popular spots like Angel Lake, Trumbull Lake, and Ophir Creek. In winter, try ice fishing at the Wet Meadows Trailheadin California.
Boating: Enjoy non-motorized boating at scenic spots like Lower Twin Lake, Trumbull Lake, and Virginia Lakes, perfect for kayaking and canoeing.
Hiking: Explore interpretive trails like Lamoille Canyon Trail or the Tahoe Meadows Loop to learn about local flora and fauna.
Mountain Biking: The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers trails for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly paths like Keystone Canyon to challenging routes like Tahoe Meadows.
Birdwatching: Spot diverse bird species near Galena Creek and Tamarack Lake, includingvibrant tanagers, melodious warblers, and woodpeckers.
Stargazing: Head to remote areas like the Ruby Mountains or near Ely for unparalleled night-sky views.
Geocaching: Engage in treasure hunting across the forest. Note that geocaching is prohibited in designated wilderness areas like Mt. Charleston Wilderness, Jarbidge Wilderness, and the High Schells Wilderness.
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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.
