Where to Stay
ACCOMMODATIONS NEAR BONANZA OPAL MINES
There is a variety of overnight accommodations in northern Nevada. This is not a complete listing, yet will get you started. Please call ahead where possible to ensure space is available. Distances below are from the mine.
Virgin Valley Campground—6 MILES
The CCC Virgin Valley campground is six miles from Bonanza. Tent, trailer, and RV camping is permitted only in designated camping areas. This no-fee camping is on a 1st come, 1st served basis. You will find nice concrete pit toilets, concrete picnic tables and fire rings. Please haul out your trash. The drinking water is excellent. A warm spring-fed, tree-shaded swimming pool and shower house is the highlight of this campground. There is no dump station or electricity. Most campers in this area are miners or hunters. Virgin Valley is a great wildlife area.
Royal Peacock Opal Mine—2 MILES
Located 8 miles from the CCC Virgin Valley campground and 2 miles past the Bonanza Opal Mine. Royal Peacock operates a RV Park with full hook-up. All guests are welcome, whether you are mining for opals or just plan to relax in Virgin Valley.
Denio Junction Motel—35 MILES
For those who are not campers, there are accommodations at Denio Junction Motel. "The Junction" is 35 miles from our mine, located on Rt. 140, and 100 miles from Interstate 80 at Winnemucca. It's open 7 days a week, and offers six rooms (no TV or phones in the rooms). Check for current rates. They are often full—call ahead. Call 775-941-0171.
As of late May, 2016, the bar, restaurant, RV spaces, and hotel are open. Open 7 to 7 in summer (the grill and bar are open 8 till close). The owners also operate the Diamond Inn in Denio with a bar, juke box, shuffleboard, pool table, small bands on weekend nights beginning in the summer. The Junction does not yet have gasoline.
From the Junction, it is about 20 minutes to Bog Hot hot springs (along Hwy 140 towards Virgin Valley); ask around for information on this relaxing "after digging" spot.
Knott Creek Reservoir—28 MILES
From the Virgin Valley, drive East 14 miles toward Denio Junction. Turn right on Knott Creek Rd., and continue 7 miles to through the junction of Sand Pass Rd., then another 7 miles to the Reservoir. It is uphill; 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles are recommended (read: brutal road). Camping is available around the reservoir, but be aware there are no bathrooms or trash cans. There is great trout fishing in the reservoir during the fishing season.
Bog Hot Springs—35 MILES
Bog Hot is a favorite place for locals and travelers. Camping is very primitive. There are no facilities at all, so bring everything you will need. The springs vary from dangerously hot near the source to hot. To get there, travel about 5 miles west on Hwy 140 from Denio Junction (30 miles east from Virgin Valley Rd.) to Bog Hot Rd. Go another 5 miles north on the gravel road to dirt turn outs that take you to the springs. Camp anywhere. The road is slick when it rains.
Other Local Campgrounds
There are many other campgrounds in the area. Pick up a map of the local area or look on the Internet.
WINNEMUCCA, NEVADA
Check the web for details on where to stay, groceries, hardware stores, RV parkinig and camping. The highway between Winnemucca and the Virgin Valley is good, paved road with highway speed limits; the drive from Winnemucca is just over two hours at 130 miles, so an early start will put you at the mine right around opening time.
Winnemucca Red Lion Inn and Casino
This is a world-class casino offering guests round-the-clock fun, luxurious accommodations, outstanding dining, and unsurpassed service. The hotel is conveniently located right off I-80 and close to local restaurants, theaters, shopping, and more. The hotel and casino is located about 130 miles from the mine.
Winnemucca Winners Hotel and Casino
This is a three-story casino motel in a landscaped setting near the junction of US 95 and I-80, in the heart of Winnemucca, Nevada.
LAKEVIEW, OREGON
Lakeview is 90 miles from Virgin Valley and the opal mining area. Check the web for information on accommodations and other services.