Lund, Nevada sits at the gateway to Nevada's high desert mountains, with elevations ranging from 6,500 to 7,500 feet throughout the surrounding region. The area experiences significant temperature variations between day and night, often dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset even in summer months. Camping options near Lund include rustic Forest Service campgrounds, full-service RV parks, and several glamping facilities offering climate-controlled accommodations.
What to do
Hiking Wheeler Peak: Access trails from Baker Creek Campground in Great Basin National Park with elevations reaching over 10,000 feet. "There are trails running off from the campground so no driving is necessary," notes reviewer Liv L. about the Baker Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at campgrounds around Ely provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. "Very nice campground with ample wild life to keep you entertained, turkeys roaming through camp, roosting in trees, and yellow bellied marmots eating the road for it's salt content," reports Michael J. from his stay at Baker Creek.
Mountain biking: Bird Creek Campground offers direct access to extensive trail systems. "Seems a great place for mountain biking and hiking," notes Anne E. about the Bird Creek Campground, which connects to over 60 miles of trails. "The ranger trail is accessible from the campground and runs in either direction... and spans more than 60 miles," adds Hallie.
Scenic driving: The Success Loop, a gravel scenic byway, provides mountain views and forest access. "We hiked out and back several times and drove the success loop (a beautiful scenic gravel road)," shares a Bird Creek camper, describing the drive that circles through Humboldt National Forest.
What campers like
Creekside camping: Many campers value water access at their sites. "We had a stream running next to us, a picnic table and plenty of room to back a truck in," says Liv L. about Baker Creek Campground. At Bird Creek, site 9 offers unique water access: "Site 9 has a bridge across the creek to the site making it feel like a little private island," according to Hallie.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain good standards. "The bathroom was clean and showers clean and hot. NIce quIet campground and also has a nice country store," reports Deborah B. about her cabin stay at Ely KOA.
Private, spacious sites: Campers appreciate the room to spread out. "Bakers Creek campsite is great. The sights are good sized, and they're spaced pretty well. Definitely won't run into you're neighbors," writes Ted C. Bird Creek offers "9 sites and a group area" with "absolutely no noise" according to Anne E.
Dark night skies: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. "Located outside of Ely, but close enough if you need to run into town. Great view of the night sky after dark," notes a visitor about the area's clear night skies.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Bird Creek has a season from "early jun-mid oct" while Baker Creek operates from "May to October," requiring off-season alternatives like Valley View RV & Mobile Home Park in Ely, which offers "full hookups" year-round.
Temperature fluctuations: High elevation means dramatic temperature swings. "With the high elevation the nights did get chilly even though the days were warm," warns Hallie about Bird Creek Campground. Another camper notes: "It sits above a mile elevation, so the temps were decent at night, with gorgeous night sky views."
Limited services: Come prepared with supplies. "National Park campground is decent... Vault toilets, no water during our stay (June '26)," cautions one Baker Creek reviewer. "Unlike most NPs this one doesn't really have a town to service it. There's a small general store in town that has stuff ($$) and a Sinclair with gas (also $$)."
Road conditions: Expect rough access roads to more remote sites. "Road is a bit rough up, have the trailer secured," advises Shannon R. about Timber Creek Campground, while Bird Creek access includes "a beautiful scenic gravel road."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: KOA properties offer family-focused facilities. "My daughter (8) loved the playground," shares Jennifer T. about the Ely KOA. Another camper elaborates: "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."
Educational opportunities: Plan visits to nearby attractions. "Don't forget to go to Lehman Caves!" reminds Michael J., referring to the guided cave tours available at Great Basin National Park near Baker Creek Campground.
Glamping alternatives: For families wanting comfort with outdoor access, Schellraiser offers "a variety of camping, tent, or tiny house options" according to Skyler M., who appreciated that "being able to take a hot shower was nice."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature extremes. "I'd recommend double checking supplies before coming here," advises a camper at Baker Creek, noting that the elevation affects comfort levels significantly throughout the year.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research specific sites before arrival. At Timber Creek, "Out of the eleven sites total, five are considered group sites and six are considered RV sites," explains Allison W., adding it "seems like it fills up quickly."
Long-term options: Several parks accommodate extended stays. "We stayed 13 weeks in February--May 2018 (spouse is a Travel Nurse)," shares Karen M. about their stay at Valley View RV Park. "They offer long term stays as well as daily travelers stopping for the evening... the monthly rate was $300 + electric."
Dog-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds provide designated pet areas. "The surprises for us: no pool (not that we wanted one), adorable neighbor goats, and two dog parks areas (one with grass). Our dog loved the dirt dog park," notes Elaine V. about her KOA experience.
Dust control: Be prepared for dusty conditions. "As usual with KOA, it was bit on the pricey side. They could have used some dust control on the gravel roads as well," suggests Robert R., adding "If they get the dust under control, I would have left 5 stars."
