Best Campgrounds near Ely, NV

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Ely, Nevada (52)

    1. Ely KOA

    19 Reviews
    Ely, NV
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-3413

    "If you gotta go KOA, the Ely NV is as good as they go. Clean rest rooms and helpful owners."

    "Eli koa has been great to us each we've been here, the managers went above and beyond for us. Thank you TJ see you all in October"

    2. Lake View Campground — Cave Lake State Park

    12 Reviews
    Ely, NV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 728-8100

    "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."

    "Both Lakeview and Elks Point campgrounds were very clean and offered scenic overlooks of the Nevada hills below."

    3. Elk Flat Campground — Cave Lake State Park

    13 Reviews
    Ely, NV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 728-4460

    "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"

    4. Garnet Hill Camp

    8 Reviews
    Ruth, NV
    4 miles

    "Snow on the mountains in the distance. Great cell phone reception but this is definitely pack it in and pack it out."

    "There is nowhere to turn around but there is a vault toilet and garbage receptacle at the top of the hill. A little dusty and breezy but beautiful and free! Great cell reception."

    5. Ward Mountain Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ruth, NV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-3031

    $8 - $50 / night

    "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)."

    6. Silver Sage Travel Center

    3 Reviews
    Ely, NV
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-3743

    "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."

    7. Willow Creek — Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

    9 Reviews
    Lund, NV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1693

    $15 - $20 / night

    "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"

    "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."

    8. Valley View RV & Mobile Home Park

    2 Reviews
    Ely, NV
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-3303

    $28 - $36 / night

    "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."

    9. Ward Mtn. Campground (murray Summit)

    2 Reviews
    Ruth, NV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-3031

    $12 - $75 / night

    "which is also covered with small rock is adjacent. Pit toilets were clean. At this time, the area lacks culinary water, hence the one-star deduction. RV dumps located in Ely at gas stations."

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Recent Reviews near Ely, NV

248 Reviews of 52 Ely Campgrounds


  • Aaron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Great Basin Desert Camping & RV

    Happy Campers 🏕️

    We recently stayed here in our 39-foot fifth wheel while visiting Great Basin National Park and had a fantastic time. This is the closest full-hookup RV campground to the park, and it's perfect for big rigs. The sites are easy to back into, quiet, and clean. It’s a simple gravel lot, so nothing fancy, but it has everything you need. You're also within walking distance of the only gas station and the general store in Baker. A heads-up: the sewer drain is at the very back of the site, so you'll need extra long hoses. For our rig, we used three connected hoses to reach, so come prepared! The water quality was good, and the stargazing at night was incredible. Everyone we met was so friendly and welcoming. We’d absolutely stay here again. For more RV travel tips and adventures, check out www.hitched4fun.com!

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Garnet Hill Camp

    Challenging road but close to Ely and great views

    When you see the turnaround, if you have a trailer, don't go further up the road! There is nowhere to turn around but there is a vault toilet and garbage receptacle at the top of the hill. A little dusty and breezy but beautiful and free! Great cell reception.

  • Dani P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Monkey Rock Group Campsites — Great Basin National Park

    Beautiful Site

    This was a very nice and well taken care of site. There was a fire ban when we went, so we had to use a camp stove, but there is a fireplace and a grill at the site as well as two picnic tables and a vault toilet. The creek running near by was small but made perfect background noise. Make sure you have enough gas to get there and back to Baker, Garrison does not have a gas station!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Ward Mountain Campground

    Good for a quick night

    Nice place to sleep for a quick rest, otherwise it’s just a normal campsite.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    Great spot for free

    For this to be a free campground, it's really nice! Each site is an established site, with a covered picnic table & firepit. Each site is spaced out also. There's 2 bathrooms & a dumpster. Right above great basin national park. Very clean also. Stayed here on a Tuesday & there were only 2 other people.

  • Matt G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    Sacramento pass

    Beautiful and clean dispersed camping. There are many different sites. Even has restrooms. The best sites are further back in the forest don't stop at the main section just off the road.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Whispering Elms Motel, Campground, & RV Park

    Our site was bad. Some are better

    Our site (24) is crappy. No trees, back by the car charger, motel. Electric doesn't work on 30 amp, had to use an adapter to use 50. Showers have only cold water Won't be staying here again, not for $70.00. On the plus side, some sites have trees and look more like a campsite should.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Garnet Hill Camp

    Garnet Hill

    The area just after turning right off of the Pole Line Road has many camping spots but weak cell service. About one thousand feet before the top of Garnet Hill, at a 90 degrees right hand turn, there are a number of good, level spots with excellent cell service on T-Mobile. I would not take a trailer or large motor home to the top of the hill. There are no good places for trailers (tents are ok) and the parking lot at the top is small. It would be difficult to turn a trailer around.

  • Anne E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Bird Creek Campground

    Very private location

    Nice and quiet small campground. 9 sites and a group area. Seems a great place for mountain biking and hiking. 3 decent vault toilets spread out nicely. Absolutely no noise and I was there on a Saturday and Sunday. Quite cool at night. Nice and breezy during the day. One big pull thru site. The rest are back in or tent.


Guide to Ely

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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."

Tips from RVers

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 13 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 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ely, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Ely, NV.