There’s something timeless about summer camping. The crackle of a fire after sundown, the smell of pine trees, the way a sky full of stars makes everything feel a little more possible. But “summer camp” doesn’t have to mean roughing it on a thin sleeping pad with questionable camp food. These days, campers are finding smarter, more comfortable, and more memorable ways to spend their nights under the open sky — without sacrificing the wildness that makes camping so worthwhile.
Whether you’re a seasoned backcountry traveler or someone just starting to explore what’s beyond the paved road, upgrading your summer camping experience is less about spending more money and more about making intentional choices. Here’s how to do it right.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
The single biggest upgrade you can make to any camping trip is choosing a destination that genuinely excites you. Too many campers default to the nearest spot out of convenience, only to feel underwhelmed once they arrive. Instead, take time to research places that offer something unique — dramatic scenery, accessible trails, stargazing potential, or proximity to interesting towns.
One overlooked gem in the American West is the high desert country around Elko, Nevada. While most travelers blow through on I-80, those who stop discover a region of striking contrasts: sprawling valleys flanked by rugged mountain ranges, wildlife corridors that shelter pronghorn and mule deer, and trail systems that attract serious hikers from across the country.
The Ruby Crest Trail is one of the finest examples of what this region has to offer. Running roughly 40 miles through the Ruby Mountains, this trail traverses alpine lakes, open meadows, and ridgelines with panoramic views that rival anything in the Sierra Nevada or the Rockies. Camping along the Ruby Crest Trail isn’t just a night outside — it’s a genuinely transformative experience, the kind that recalibrates your sense of scale and possibility. If you’re looking for a destination that justifies a trip, this one earns it.
Gear Up for Comfort Without Going Overboard
One of the most common mistakes campers make is either under-packing (suffering unnecessarily) or over-packing (hauling stuff they never use). The sweet spot is a setup that prioritizes sleep quality, weather readiness, and simple pleasures.
- Sleep is where the biggest gains are. A quality sleeping pad — not just a sleeping bag — makes a night-and-day difference in how rested you feel. Foam pads are durable and affordable; inflatable pads are lighter and more comfortable. If you’re car camping rather than backpacking, don’t be shy about bringing a real pillow.
- Shelter matters more than many people think. A three-season tent is sufficient for most summer conditions, but if you’re camping at elevation — say, along the Ruby Crest Trail — afternoon thunderstorms are a genuine possibility. Opt for something with solid rain fly coverage and decent ventilation so you’re not sweating through clear nights.
- Cooking is where you can turn a routine camp meal into something you actually look forward to. A small cast iron pan, some good olive oil, fresh ingredients sourced locally, and a camp stove that doesn’t require twenty minutes of fiddling — these small investments pay off in every single meal.
Plan Activities That Go Beyond Just Being There
Sitting in camp is restorative, but the most memorable camp experiences usually involve doing something. Plan at least one or two activities that push you a little — a longer hike than you’d normally attempt, an early morning fishing session, or a sunset walk to a viewpoint you’ve never seen before.
The area around Elko lends itself to this kind of intentional adventuring. Day hikes into the Ruby Mountains offer immediate access to dramatic scenery without requiring multi-day logistics. Local hot springs provide a surreal contrast to the desert landscape. And for those who want to combine history with hiking, the region has deep ties to the Pony Express, the transcontinental railroad, and Basque sheepherding culture — all of which can be woven into a richer understanding of the land you’re camping on.
Embrace the Social Side of Camp Life
Some of the best camping memories aren’t the dramatic views or the miles logged — they’re the conversations that happen around the fire when there’s nowhere else to be. Upgrading your camp experience sometimes means putting down the phone, resisting the urge to plan every hour, and letting the evening unfold.
Bring games. Bring a deck of cards. Bring something to read that you’ve been putting off. The absence of cell service, rather than being a liability, becomes one of the genuine pleasures of time spent in a place like the Ruby Mountains. There’s a reason people come back to spots like this year after year.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
No camp upgrade is complete without a commitment to the land itself. Pack out everything you bring in. Use established fire rings where they exist, and follow local fire restrictions carefully — high desert environments can be tinder-dry in summer. Stick to established trails when possible to minimize erosion, and camp at designated sites when regulations require it.
The Ruby Crest Trail and the surrounding wilderness are protected areas, and that protection is part of what makes them worth visiting. The upgrade mindset extends to stewardship: the better we care for these places, the better they become for everyone who comes after us.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
If Elko has been on your radar — or if this just put it there — there’s a solid starting point for finding the right place to stay. Contact us to explore Elko campgrounds and compare options in the area, from full-hookup RV parks to more rustic sites close to trailheads. It’s worth a look as you start pulling your trip together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year to camp along the Ruby Crest Trail in Elko, NV?
Mid-July through early September is typically ideal. Snow can linger at higher elevations into June, and early fall can bring unpredictable weather. Summer offers the best combination of accessible trail conditions and manageable temperatures.
Do I need a permit to hike the Ruby Crest Trail?
As of this writing, no permit is required for day hiking or overnight camping on the Ruby Crest Trail. However, regulations can change, so it’s always worth checking with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest before your trip.
How do I find a good campground near Elko, NV?
The Elko area has a range of options, from developed campgrounds with amenities to more primitive dispersed sites for those seeking solitude. Looking at a dedicated resource specific to the region is the most reliable way to find something that fits your style and budget.
What should I pack for camping at elevation in the Ruby Mountains?
Layers are essential — temperatures can swing dramatically between afternoon and overnight. Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) is critical at altitude. A good rain jacket is non-negotiable in summer. Plenty of water, or a reliable filtration system, is a must on any trail in the high desert.
Is camping near Elko suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely. The Elko region has options for every experience level, including campgrounds that are well-suited to families who are just getting started with outdoor adventure. The key is matching the difficulty of your planned activities to the ages and abilities of everyone in your group.
How far in advance should I book a campsite near Elko?
For popular summer weekends, booking several weeks to a couple of months ahead is wise. Some primitive sites are first-come, first-served, but if you have a specific campground in mind, early reservation is always the safer bet.
