South Ruby Campground

South Ruby Campground is situated above Ruby Lake at the base of the beautiful Ruby Mountains at 6,000 feet in elevation, near the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ruby Valley, Nevada. Ruby Valley is a surprising wildlife oasis. An expansive marsh is laced with riparian corridors coursing with cool, spring-fed waters. Together with lush meadow and shrub-steppe uplands, these habitats support a diversity of wildlife seldom found in the high desert, and make this one of the most important waterfowl nesting areas in the region. The refuge is either home or a stopover location for over 220 species of birds; of specific interest are canvasback ducks, trumpeter swans, greater sandhill cranes and sage grouse. Mule deer and pronghorn antelope can also be found in the area. Ruby Lake is visible from the campground and offers excellent birding, fishing and hiking, and is stocked with largemouth bass and several species of trout. The refuge headquarters is two miles north of the campground and offers visitor information. The campground is located on the Hastings Cutoff route, near the Pony Express Trail and the historic ruins of Fort Ruby, where an interpretive trail provides insight on local history as well as spectacular views of the southern Ruby Mountains, uninterrupted by development. The southern trailhead for the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail at Green Mountain Trailhead is within reasonable driving distance. Many dirt and gravel roads begin at Harrison Pass, just north of the refuge, and Overland Pass, south of the area, providing enjoyable routes for jeeps, off-road motorcycles, OHVs and mountain bikes. The campground contains 33 single sites, one double and one accessible site, with picnic tables and campfire rings. Both RV and tent campsites are available. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided during the main summer season, which usually runs from early May to late September, and garbage service is available through the summer months. The lower loop typically remains open all winter, but may be closed depending on local conditions; off-season camping is first come, first served without water available, with only campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets offered at that time. A forest of pinyon pine and juniper covers the area. The trees provide good privacy between campsites, but limited shade.