We hauled my Dad, his 5th-wheel, the kids, and dogs out to Smith Creek Dry lake between Fallon and Austin, NV last week. We had quite the adventure trying to find a way to get my Dad's rig out onto the playa.

We gave up getting it out there, as none of us had 4x4, or a winch. We settled for camping on the smaller playa at the NE end of the main playa just on the other side of the dirt road there.

Pictures with map of locations here.

Austin, NV is a cool little "living ghost town" that is worth a look too. It was once a booming mining town, now home to some 300 people or so.

As for the lake bed, it is very solid, and the least dusty of the hand-full of dry lakes I've been to. The trails through the sage brush need to be done with a high-clearance and preferably 4x4 with proper tires. We made it down onto the playa in the dually, but getting off was a bit sketchy for my taste.

We all had a blast, and can't wait to go back. We had the place to ourselves, which was sooo awesome. The silence was deafening.

Thanks for sharing. Looks like yall had a great time.

Susan