The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Virginia City, Montana
Camper submitted image from Ruby Reservoir Recreation AreaView 15 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Virginia City, Montana

Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area

5 ReviewsAdd Review

This Bureau of Land Management dispersed camping area sits on a network of dirt roads beyond Ruby Reservoir's dam, with no highway signage marking the entrance. Campers access the area by turning right at the first paved intersection with a stop sign after passing the dam, where pavement quickly gives way to dirt roads leading to multiple primitive sites. The 16-day stay limit applies to this free camping area.

Sites scatter across uneven terrain with steep inclines in many locations, making leveling challenging for RVs and trailers. Rock fire rings replace standard metal ones throughout the area, and campers must pack out all trash since no collection service operates here. A double vault toilet serves the camping area, positioned centrally for most sites. Off-road travel restrictions keep vehicles on established roads.

The reservoir shoreline offers garnet hunting opportunities, with small stones visible on the surface and larger specimens found by digging deeper into the gravel. Dexter I. notes that "if you use a gold pan shake the gravel around for several minutes then flip the pan is the easiest way to find them as the garnets are heavy and will settle to the bottom of the pan." Dam noise may be audible from some sites.

Campers seeking developed amenities can find Ruby Valley Campground and RV Park six miles north with full hookups and services.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip Segment: Duluth to Glacier National Park

Duluth to Glacier National Park: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Dispersed Camping

Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.22600453 N
112.1187214 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

20%
40%
20%
0%
20%

3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Free dispersed camping with excellent garnet hunting for families, though challenging terrain makes leveling RVs difficult. Basic vault toilets available, but primitive conditions require self-sufficiency.

Kelsie M.
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2021

Snakes and rocks

Hardly any water campsites. Rattlesnakes by the bathrooms. Almost impossible to level a camper. There are absolutely no trees so come with a bucket of sunscreen or a canopy.

Month of VisitJuly
A
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2021

No Complaints for Free

It’s a wonderful spot for a weekend away. We had the place to ourselves except for Saturday afternoon in March. There’s over 10 spots, with places easy for groups. However, there isn’t a level place in sight. Be prepared for steep inclines in some situations. While it was quiet people wise, I’m pretty sure you can hear the dam because we had rumbling noise that woke both of us up. The vault toilets are in a good location for many of the spots, and some are in other driveways if you are self-contained.

  • Play button icon
Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2018

Primitive campground on the Ruby Reservoir

The BLM's Ruby Reservoir is a disperse camping area. The only facilities at this campground is a double vault toilet. There is no signage on the highway to indicated the campground. After passing the dam look for the first paved turn with a stop sign on the right side of the road, this is your turn, the pavement will stop after a couple hundred feet. Lots of campsite can be found by following the web of roads once the pavement ends. Off road travel is not allowed. Their are no metal fire rings, all the fire rings in the area are made of rocks. Being a primitive camping area this is a trash-in-trash-out site, and you will need to bring your own water. This is a nice area, and I have camped here several times during hunting season. The fishing is decent as well. If you want to find garnets just head to the lake shore and start digging. Small ones can be found on the surface, bring a shovel and dig deeper if you want something decent. If you use a gold pan shake the gravel around for several minutes then flip the pan is the easiest way to find them as the garnets are heavy and will settle to the bottom of the pan. Site is free with a 16 day stay limit.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area by Dexter I., October 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area by Dexter I., October 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area by Dexter I., October 22, 2018
  • (11) View All
H
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Reservoir Rockhounds

This campsite has loads to offer ~ there is access to the reservoir, of course, and along with this comes the garnets lining the shores. It is a perfect adventure for beginners, as all you need is a shovel and some screens to begin your search. The garnets are beautiful, and keep the kids (college age or elementary!) entertained for hours. And if you need to cool off, you can hop right in! The campsite itself is a bit primitive, but the activities more than make up for it. Another bonus is that the way in leads you right through Virginia City which is a fun little ghost town. There’s also another little spot off the road about a mile and a half down the road from Virginia City where there’s a possibility of finding corundum!

  • Review photo of Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area by Hannah S., July 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area by Hannah S., July 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area by Hannah S., July 16, 2018
KThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2018

Peaceful and Beautiful

It’s free! You can bring campers, motorhomes, or tent camp like we did! There is a bathroom available as well! Lots of neat agates in the parking lot! I highly recommend this area! This was our view each morning

SiteWe tent camped by the lake away from others
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area by Kayla B., July 5, 2018
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Ruby Reservoir Campground?

To reach Ruby Reservoir Campground, travel past the dam and look for the first paved turn with a stop sign on the right side of the road—this is your turn. Note that there's no highway signage indicating the campground's location, so pay close attention to landmarks. The recreation area is managed by the BLM as a dispersed camping site. The access roads can accommodate various vehicles including RVs, though be prepared for uneven terrain once you arrive at the camping area.

What camping facilities are available at Ruby Reservoir?

Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area is a dispersed camping area with minimal facilities. It offers a double vault toilet but no other developed amenities. The campground is free to use and accommodates various camping styles including tents, campers, and motorhomes. There are over 10 camping spots with some areas suitable for groups. Be aware that the terrain is uneven with steep inclines in many spots, making it challenging to find level ground for setting up camp. There are no trees for shade, so bringing your own canopy is recommended during sunny weather.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Ruby Reservoir?

Ruby Reservoir offers diverse recreational opportunities centered around water and nature. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the reservoir, with easy water access from the campground. A unique activity is garnet hunting along the shoreline—the reservoir is known for garnets that can be found using simple equipment like shovels and screens, making it perfect for beginners and families. The surrounding area provides scenic views for photography and nature appreciation. During quieter seasons, the reservoir offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in Montana's outdoors.

Where is Ruby Reservoir Campground located in Montana?

Ruby Reservoir Recreation Area is located in southwestern Montana, situated at Ruby River Reservoir. This BLM-managed site is positioned near the Ruby Valley. While not prominently marked from main highways, the recreation area provides access to the reservoir waters. The campground sits in an open landscape with views of the surrounding Montana countryside, offering a secluded outdoor experience away from urban areas.

Keep Exploring