Thomas Canyon

THOMAS CANYON

Part of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

Overview

Thomas Canyon Campground is located in the scenic Lamoille Canyon, in northeast Nevada, 30 miles from Elko. Visitors enjoy fishing Lamoille Creek and exploring many local hiking trails.

Facilities

The campground offers single and double campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill. Some sites also have tent pads. Vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection are provided. 

During the first-come, first-served season (typically late-September through late-October-dependent on current conditions), there is no campground host on-site and water facilites (e.g., drinking water) are not available as they are turned off for the fall and winter seasons. Please call the local district office for most up to date information.

Natural Features

The campground sits at the mouth of Thomas Canyon, a part of larger Lamoille Canyon, at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Both canyons are within the beautiful Ruby Mountains, a desert island brimming with wildlife, sparkling lakes and streams, wildflower-filled meadows and jagged peaks.

Groves of aspen and cottonwood trees provide partial shade in the campground and beautiful fall color. Lamoille Creek runs through the site. All campsites afford breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and canyon walls.

Recreation

Lamoille Creek is a popular stream among fly-fishermen. The creek contains brook and wild rainbow trout.

Lamoille Canyon offers numerous hiking and horseback riding trails that lead to alpine lakes and vistas. Thomas Canyon Trail begins at the campground, leading past several waterfalls, through an alpine meadow into a glacial cirque.

The canyon road is popular for scenic driving and road biking. Many rock climbing routes can be found on the canyon walls.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (775) 738-5171.

Important Notices

  • Campgrounds are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day for reservations on rec.gov. However, things can change based on weather and other emergency situations, please contact the Ranger station for the most up-to-date information.

  • Livestock is not allowed in the campground

  • Click here for more information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

  • The single site fee includes one vehicle, the double site fee includes two vehicles, any vehicles over these will be charged an $6 extra vehicle fee at the campground.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
  • Reserved site held until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve folks. Your reservation will be a no show and no refund will be given.

Available Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • CLIMBING - Rock Climbing
  • BIKING - Biking

Directions

Take I-80 to any Elko exit and head south to Idaho Street. Turn south on 12th Street (from the east) or on 5th Street (from the west), to State Route 227. Travel 25 miles on SR 227 to Forest Road 660 (Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway). Travel 8 miles on FR 660 to the campground.

Contact Information

Phone: 435-245-6521

P.O. Box 246
WELLS, NV 89835
140 Pacific Avenue
Wells, NV 89835

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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