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.
