Davis Creek Regional Park

Pine-shaded oasis between Reno and Carson City — stunning Washoe Valley views

Location: Washoe Valley, NV, NV

Price: From $30 per night

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (312 reviews)

Elevation: 5043 feet

Season: Reopening TBD — closed since Sept 2024 Davis Fire

A gem of a Washoe County park tucked into tall Jeffrey pines at the base of Slide Mountain, 20 miles south of Reno and 15 miles from Lake Tahoe. 62 sites spread across forested terrain with incredible views of Washoe Lake and the snow-capped Carson Range. Hot showers, flush toilets, hiking trails into the national forest, and the historic Bowers Mansion just down the road. One of the best-value campgrounds in the Reno-Tahoe region.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): strong signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: AT&T. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 100%.

Amenities: Hot Showers (quarters), Flush Toilets, Dump Station ($5), Drinking Water, Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Amphitheater, Hiking Trails to National Forest, Pet Friendly, Firewood for Sale

The sanest camping option between Reno and Lake Tahoe. Davis Creek delivers a genuine pine-forest mountain campground experience at $30/night — less than most fast food meals for a family. Located 20 minutes from Reno, 20 minutes from Carson City, and 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe, it's the most geographically central campground in the entire region. Clean flush toilets, hot showers, trails connecting to national forest — all things bigger campgrounds charge twice as much for.

Bowers Mansion is 2 miles south — a stunning sandstone mansion built by Sandy Bowers, one of the first Nevada silver millionaires, in 1864. It's one of the most photogenic historic buildings in Nevada and most Reno residents have never visited. Combine a Davis Creek camping trip with a Bowers Mansion tour for a genuinely unique Nevada experience. ⇒ Water: Washoe Lake (adjacent to the park) has a warm, shallow east shore swimming area — reaches 75°F in July and August, the warmest public swimming near Reno. Davis Creek itself has seasonal flow in spring for catch-and-release trout fishing.

What is new at Davis Creek Regional Park: Washoe County Parks updated the reservation system in early 2026 — reservations can now be made via email 15–180 days in advance. New campground map posted at the entrance with updated site numbering. Firewood now available for purchase at the ranger station when staff is present.

Wildlife alert: Squirrels and chipmunks are aggressive food thieves — secure all food. Bears are possible given proximity to national forest.

Fire rules: Washoe County park rules apply. Fire rings at all sites. Check with ranger for current fire restrictions before starting a fire.

Things to do near Davis Creek Regional Park: Slide Mountain summit hike — trail starts at the campground, views of the entire Washoe Valley. Bowers Mansion (2 miles south) — stunning 1864 Silver Rush mansion, tours available. Washoe Lake State Park (5 miles east) — kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, windsurfing. Ampitheatre at the campground — evening programs sometimes scheduled by Washoe County.

Insider tips for Davis Creek Regional Park: Site #62 near the top of the campground has great views and is one of the most level Arrive before noon on weekends if going first-come — sites fill by early afternoon in summer The campground sits on an incline — protected from Washoe Valley winds

Skip Davis Creek Regional Park if: You need hookups. You have an RV over 32ft. You need immediate cell/internet access.

Best time to visit Davis Creek Regional Park: Apr–Jun — Wildflowers on Slide Mountain, creek running full, mild weather, empty campground.. Sep–Oct — Fall colors, perfect hiking weather, Washoe Lake at good levels for kayaking..

Common issues at Davis Creek Regional Park: No hookups — limited RV accommodation (32ft max). Sites 21–39 are the RV-designated spots and can accommodate up to 32ft trailers. Call ahead to confirm your rig fits: (775) 849-0684. Honor system fee collection — some campers don't pay. Pay the posted fee. Rangers do patrol and will issue citations. The $30/night fee goes directly to park maintenance. Reservations require emailing reserveparks@washoecounty.gov — not an instant booking system. Email at least 15 days ahead. Walk-up sites are available first-come, first-served on days without reservations — arrive before noon on weekends.

What campers say about Davis Creek Regional Park: "I camp here one week per month while working in Tahoe. Year-round, first-come, well maintained. Easy off the freeway but totally tucked into trees — zero road noise." — Google 2025 "The view from the top of Slide Mountain makes the hike completely worth it. Trails connect right from the campground." — The Dyrt 2021 "$30/night in a real pine forest 20 minutes from Reno. One of the best-value campgrounds in all of Nevada." — Campendium 2016 "On the incline so protected from Washoe Valley winds. Perfect tent camping. Squirrels everywhere — secure your food." — The Dyrt 2016

Nearby campgrounds: Washoe Lake State Park (Washoe Valley, NV), Mount Rose Campground (Reno, NV), Silver City RV Resort (Dayton, NV), Alpine Meadow Campground (TRUCKEE, CA).