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The high desert landscape surrounding Ely, Nevada features a diverse range of camping options spanning from developed RV parks to remote dispersed sites. Cave Lake State Park, located about 15 miles southeast of town, offers two distinct campgrounds: Lake View with waterfront access and Elk Flat nestled among juniper trees, both providing flush toilets and free showers. Ward Mountain Campground, situated 6 miles from Ely, provides a forested setting with dense juniper and pine that creates natural privacy between sites. For travelers seeking full amenities, the Ely KOA operates year-round with hookups, cabins, and a pool, while those preferring minimal development can explore dispersed camping at Garnet Hill or on nearby BLM lands north of town.
Camping conditions vary significantly with elevation and season in this high-altitude region. Most campgrounds sit between 6,500-7,500 feet, resulting in cool nights even during summer months. As one camper noted, "Gets chilly at night, high altitude (close to 7,000 ft in elevation)." Many dirt access roads become challenging after rain or snow, particularly at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park where visitors report "10 mile washboard dirt road off Highway 6." Cell service is generally reliable near town but diminishes quickly in outlying areas. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds during summer weekends and holiday periods, while dispersed camping typically operates on a first-come basis with standard 14-day stay limits on public lands.
Campers consistently praise the area's quiet atmosphere and dark night skies. Ward Mountain receives high marks for its privacy, with one visitor noting, "It has a bit of a view and you have to focus to hear any road sounds." Cave Lake State Park campgrounds earn positive reviews for their cleanliness and amenities, with one camper describing "nice, mostly flat sites with quite a bit of juniper and some scrub pine in between so pretty private." Fishing opportunities at Cave Lake attract many visitors, though swimming can be challenging due to muddy shorelines. The region serves as a convenient base for exploring Great Basin National Park, approximately an hour's drive away, where visitors can experience ancient bristlecone pine forests, Lehman Caves, and Wheeler Peak.
"KOA Ely is a great RV camp. Really tidy and everyone very friendly. It’s quite close to highway is only thing but all in all great place to stay in the area."
"If you gotta go KOA, the Ely NV is as good as they go. Clean rest rooms and helpful owners."
"Quiet area, easy drive up, about 3 miles off road. I have full service at the very top. Not much in the area on our drive to Zion so it was a great stopping point."
"Snow on the mountains in the distance. Great cell phone reception but this is definitely pack it in and pack it out."
"Lovely state park near Ely. Two campgrounds, but lake is emptied for maintenance so we didn't even check the other one out."
"table and fire pit (for when there aren’t fire restrictions). it was so quiet and the view of the valley was so calming. i needed an escape from city life and these grounds offered that. there is a lake"
from $10 / night
Check Availability"The Ward Mountain Campground is nicely situated less than a mile off of Route 6, just 6 miles from Ely, NV. It is surrounded by dense juniper and pine. We are in campsite 26 in loop B."
"Horse trails, bike trails, bike trails… Nice spot for a few days and close to a small town (Ely)."
from $12 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Lakeview Campground has about 30 sites and is part of Nevada’s State Campground system."
"He said a guy he knows told him about Cave Lake north of Vegas. I looked it up saw it had both styles and said sure we'll go. The park is near Ely NV."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"THE STAFF IS AMAZING AND YOU HAVE THE POLICE CONSTANTLY AROUND PROTECTING THIS AREA. IT'S A SMALL RV SPOT AND THEY TAKE CASH ONLY. "
"Parked on the edge of the lot, near sagebrush. Running of diesel engines and smell of exhaust was the big bummer. Otherwise quiet and away from traffic."
"Two other campsites taken when I arrived, no one else there when I left. 10 mile washboard dirt road off 6 near Ely, 7 mile smooth dirt road further south on 6 from Ely"
"Got here Saturday around 4. Still pretty empty. Solitude, clean, long ish ride in but you are only like 25 mins to ely"
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"This is an over all a good rv park off of the Main Street in ely. Full hook ups Gravel roads throughout They do have pads that are not cement but gravel but they do have tables in them."
"Downfall is it’s right next to a major road and there’s a lot of road traffic noise."
from $28 - $36 / night
Check Availability"About 10mi north of Ely. Map will take you to BLM off the highway. However, there are 4 forest service designated campgrounds on the road across the highway."
"The pin in the app has you turn west off the highway. There is a gate with a sign from the department of transportation saying to keep it closed."
TravelerThe sites are mostly big rig friendly. The booking window of 4 days was interesting. best sites 9,5,7,16,4,11,3. We picked 4 because of the creek, and it was good, but just a wide side of the road rather than a private site.
TravelerGot here Saturday around 4. Still pretty empty. Solitude, clean, long ish ride in but you are only like 25 mins to ely
GuideAbsolutely 0 light pollution at this site I highly recommend bringing a telescope and a hammock the stars are amazing. Sites are spread out well with several clean bathrooms to choose from. There are trash cans in the bathroom as well as a large dumpster on your way out of camp for trash very rare.
GuideThe drive up to the campsite was nice and wide. There are two small tent sites. We’re in a van and the parking required 4 leveling blocks. We can’t see our neighbors which is nice. We’re in a valley surrounded by mountains. It’s cool and breezy.
ScoutI stopped here on my way from Tahoe to Salt Lake City. It's a big area with lots of sites. There were only 2-3 other occupied sites so no pesky neighbors.
GuideWould definitely Not recommend anything over 20ft. Some spots have more level parking for vehicle camping. Separate areas for tents and picnic tables. 1 bar on Verizon. Site 9 was tight for my campervan and right next to the bathroom.
TravelerStayed in spot 11 in our 24 Ford Ranger with Lone Peak pop up tent camper. Temps were mid low 50s to 80s in August. Perfect little hideaway with pinion and other pine trees for privacy. Very clean and well kept campground. Spots are well spaced out. Hiking/mountain bike trails everywhere which become cross-country ski trails in winter. Ely is about 10 miles north. Not many people live here (5000 maybe) so services are limited and expensive. Only 2 grocery stores and 3 gas stations available. The well pump went out during our stay. Luckily we always bring our own water. Restrooms are Vault type and very clean, considering! It's on our list of will visit again!
GuideThis is the second time we have been here. Great sites 4-8 on a creek. Lovely to listen to. Last year there were a few campers but it was never full. This year the cows have been through - rounding them up today But we had to check all sites to find a minimum of sh*t.
GuideVery remote and wild, but the sites are very developed. Firm level pads, grills, picnic tables, horse pen, clean toilets, trash can. We passed the first group of sites, went up to the top and so glad we did. Trails everywhere. Views amazing! It snowed in May- be ready!
The high desert around Ely, Nevada sits between 6,500-8,000 feet elevation, creating distinct camping conditions compared to lower-elevation Nevada destinations. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer evenings remain cool even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most camping spots near Ely, Nevada offer juniper and pine shade coverage, with established sites typically featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets.
Explore historic sites: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park offers fascinating historical structures alongside camping options. "The ovens are fascinating. The campsite is a little way back down the road then left up the other side of the tiny valley. Nice spot, but water is not available right now. Lots of nice hiking if you do it early to beat the heat," notes Sarah M.
Go fishing: Anglers can enjoy multiple fishing opportunities at Lake View Campground, where rainbow and brown trout are frequently caught. "Fishing was awesome. Lake is native and stocked with rainbow and brown trout," reports Laura F. The lake has restrictions on swimming due to muddy conditions.
Mountain biking: The area offers extensive trail networks for riders of all skill levels. Connie C. from Elk Flat Campground shares: "Nearby there are several great hikes/mountain bike trails. Cave Lake is also close. It is a small lake perfect for swimming, canoeing or kayaking. There are also several OHV roads."
Rockhounding: Garnet Hill allows visitors to search for garnets among volcanic formations. "It is about 3 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. As you are approaching the trailhead, there are spur roads with some good turnouts to park," advises Mike G. The area permits collection of loose garnets from the surface.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural spacing that creates a sense of seclusion. James L. from Ward Mountain Campground notes: "It has a bit of a view and you have to focus to hear any road sounds. It's rather quiet here and sparsely populated in mid-October. The site tables and fire pit appears to be new."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the maintenance level of facilities. "This campground included a bathroom, showers and a small shop with camping supplies. The campsite was padded with grass, which is much more comfortable than sleeping on dirt," writes Maggie S. about Ely KOA.
Free hot showers: Unlike many campgrounds that charge for showers, Diamond Victoria G. reports about Elk Flat Campground: "There were also clean toilets, sinks, and showers. The spots each had a picnic table and fire pit (for when there aren't fire restrictions). It was so quiet and the view of the valley was so calming."
Accessibility features: Some sites accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Leah L. describes Willow Creek Campground: "Two sites are on concrete slabs that are flat and relatively level. One is double wide. Both have concrete paths to the pit toilets. Plenty of area to maneuver inside sturdy toilet situated in the corner with grab bars is well stocked."
Gets extremely cold at night: The high elevation means significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer. Pack warm sleeping bags and extra layers. "This is a high desert campground, it was in the 80s during the day in late September and cooled off quickly at night," notes Connie C.
Limited water availability: Many campgrounds have seasonal or unreliable water sources. "At this time, the area lacks culinary water, hence the one-star deduction. RV dumps located in Ely at gas stations," reports James J. from Ward Mountain Campground (Murray Summit).
Dirt road access: Several camping areas require travel on unpaved roads. "About 6 miles off the main highway on a good road. Lake is not much, but the area is beautiful. Lots of hiking in area. No hookups but there are flush toilets and showers," explains Rich J. about Lake View Campground.
Limited cell coverage: Cell service varies widely across camping areas. Mike G. notes about Garnet Hill Camp: "ATT cell coverage was decent," while Marty K. adds: "The area just after turning right off of the Pole Line Road has many camping spots but weak cell service."
Playground access: Families with children should consider the Ely KOA for its recreational facilities. "This place is great it has a pool, playground, so many family activities, a big grass area for the tent campers which is super cool," writes Brittney C. The playground provides entertainment during downtime between other activities.
Educational opportunities: Ward Charcoal Ovens offers historical learning alongside camping. "Interesting history of the campground. Kilns are well preserved and accessible. The camping is close by," notes Rick P. A well-marked trail connects the campground to the historic structures.
Kid-friendly fishing: Young anglers can practice at Cave Lake with relatively easy access. "Easy assess to lake. Clean flush toilets with sink and showers," reports Lee's Freelance M. about Lake View Campground. The stocked lake increases chances of success for beginning fishers.
Temperature planning: Pack additional warm clothing for children even during summer months. Kelly P. explains about Ward Mountain Campground (Murray Summit): "With Las Vegas temps reaching 115, This is a beautiful respite with highs in the mid 80s. Well kept camp sites are also a welcome bonus."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "Very nice NPS campground. My 30' TT and 20' truck found ample back-in FF spaces. Mostly flat. Table, grill and prep counter in good shape. Space is composed of small rock," reports James J.
Dump station locations: Plan waste disposal in advance as many campgrounds lack on-site facilities. "They do have a charge but it's easy to get to and only costs 15$ if you want to dump and fill up fresh water as well," notes Brittney C. about Silver Sage Travel Center.
Size limitations: Several campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. Rich J. from Willow Creek explains: "Well maintained campground located near the Ward Oven historic site. Campsites are all level with shade canopies. Some pull thrus that can accommodate larger trailers. Road in is 6 miles of good gravel."
Dust concerns: Unpaved areas can create dust issues for RVs. Robert R. reports about Ely KOA: "Nice quiet park just outside Ely. As usual with KOA, it was bit on the pricey side. They could have used some dust control on the gravel roads as well."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ely, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ely, NV offers a wide range of camping options, with 52 campgrounds and RV parks near Ely, NV and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ely, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ely, NV is Ely KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ely, NV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Ely, NV.
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