The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Paradise Valley, Nevada
Camper submitted image from Lye CreekView 5 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Paradise Valley, Nevada

Lye Creek

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Fishing and hiking draw campers up into the Santa Rosa Range to reach Lye Creek, a Forest Service campground set along a creek in an aspen-covered ravine at 7,300 feet elevation within Humboldt National Forest. Getting here is half the commitment. The access road from either Highway 95 or Paradise Valley runs roughly 18 to 24 miles of narrow, rock-embedded dual track with steep banks, tight switchbacks, and occasional mud ruts after rain. Trailers are not recommended, and the 20-foot RV limit is a hard constraint given the climbing 180-degree turns. Reviewers consistently suggest driving in from one direction and exiting the other, both routes passing weathered volcanic formations with open views from the ridgeline.

The campground itself has well-separated sites, vault toilets, large campfire rings, and solid picnic tables. Expect the local deadfall to be picked over, so bring your own firewood. Reviewers note the sites are well-maintained and the bathrooms have been kept clean. The creek runs directly alongside the campground, and at 7,300 feet, mornings can drop to the low 40s even in late June. Mosquitoes are active, and moths can be numerous enough at night to cover gear left outside.

Water availability warrants attention. Signage has varied between potable and non-potable depending on the season and visit, so Jerry advises: "bring your own water or plan to boil or purify it." Cell service is essentially nonexistent. Campers wanting a less remote base might consider BLM Dispersed near McConnell Creek Trailhead to the southwest as an alternative.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Loneliest Road Road Trip

The Loneliest Road Trip

The Loneliest Road Road Trip Segment: Delta to West Sacramento

Delta to West Sacramento: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsLye Creek is located in Nevada near Paradise Valley

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Winnemucca, NV, take US Rt. 95 north 21 miles to Lye Creek campground sign at intersection of State Rt. 290. Turn right onto State Rt. 290 and go 18.1 miles to Hinkey Summit and stop signs in Paradise. Turn right at signs and go about 100 yards to Lye Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 16.9 miles to Lye Creek Road sign. Turn left at sign and go 1.2 miles to campground.

Coordinates

41.68600043 N
117.5610004 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Nevada Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Lye Creek

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the scenic, well-separated sites and clean facilities, though access requires navigating challenging mountain roads with steep switchbacks. The remote 7,300-foot elevation offers stunning views but comes with cold mornings and leveling challenges on sloped sites.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2024

Very remote and difficult to get to

This is not for the casual camper. The road is long(24 mi from hwy 95, 18 mi from Paradise Valley) and it is first gear 10-15 mpg all the way. It is a dual track, soft center, raised crown with many embedded and loose rocks. Very narrow road with steep banks on either side. There are no washboards or sand but several low spots have mud ruts which means there will be potentially deep muddy tracks for short distances if it gets wet. I rode a fully loaded BMW 1200GS dual sport motorcycle up there and it was quite a challenge. Must air down your tires! If you drive a camper ensure everything is tied down or you will break a lot of dishes! I do not recommend a trailer as a few of the switchbacks are climbing, tight, steep 180s. Pullouts for passing are few and far between. Google Maps has the roads so you can navigate to the site and watch the distance as you progress. There was not even a hint of any cell service, as might be expected. This is very high and remote. But here isolation is kinda what you are looking for! The campsite elevation is 7300 feet so depending on the season expect cold mornings. On June 23 I woke up to 41 degrees. The pit toilets have some tp but better bring your own. There are several water faucets with good pressure but there was a sign that said “non-potable water.” I boiled some water for a few minutes and had no issues. Bring your own water or plan to boil or purify it. Also whether on a motorcycle or camper the site has a slope so getting level will be a challenge. If you are tenting putting tent stakes in will be difficult or impossible in the stony ground. Expect mosquitoes and thousands of moths that get into every nook and cranny. Don’t leave anything out overnight or it will be covered in moths. Campfire rings are large but mostly filled with old ashes. Good solid picnic tables but bring your own wood as the local area seems to be pretty well picked over for deadfall. As another review said there are two ways in- from the east and west sides. Plan to go in one way and out the other. The views from the top are spectacular!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lye Creek by Jerry , June 28, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2024

Beauty and peace...

Both of the routes from Winnemucca are steep and winding single lanes. There are periodic pull-outs for passing. Drive cautiously.

Water: Potable Water

Restroom: Vault (3) - Open and maintained during prime season.

Fees: Per Day $8 Single $10 Double $25 Group

Restrictions: *Dogs must be on a leash. *No stock allowed in campground.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2023

Great Destination Greater Trip

This campground has been upgraded and currently charges $8 per night. It’s well worth it though. Not only are the grounds nice and well kept, but the bathrooms were clean. The creek runs right next to the campground so if it’s not too cold for an open window, the noise from the water is super relaxing.

No matter which direction you come from, pay attention to the length limit shown on the site here. The roads into the site from both directions have some pretty aggressive switchbacks.

That being said, I would also encourage everyone to not go out the way you came in. When you arrive at the turnoff to the campground from FSR087, you will turn right if coming from McDermitt or turn left if coming from Paradise Valley. So whichever way you come in, go out the other way if you have the time. Both sides of the mountain have equally stunning views and are well worth seeing if you have time for the extra travel.

Site12
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Lye Creek by Kevin C., September 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Lye Creek by Kevin C., September 26, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2021

Remote but worth it

Nicely separated sites in an aspen covered ravine. Most sites empty. We drove in fro highway 95, a narrow rough road adventure. Drove out via 290 through Paradise valley. Saw dramatic, weathered volcanic plug formations in and out. Would go back in a heartbeat. Maybe when the quakies are in their full fall color. Woke at sunrise and to 41 degrees F.

SiteThe site between the group camp and the double, (ATV), sites.
Month of VisitAugust
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lye Creek Campground located in Nevada?

Lye Creek Campground is nestled in a scenic aspen-covered ravine in Paradise Valley, Nevada. The campground can be accessed via two routes: a 24-mile drive from Highway 95 or an 18-mile drive from Paradise Valley. Both routes feature steep, winding single-lane roads with periodic pull-outs for passing. The area is known for its dramatic volcanic plug formations and beautiful mountain setting, making the challenging drive worthwhile for those seeking a remote camping experience.

Do I need reservations for Lye Creek Campground?

Reservations are not required for Lye Creek Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground fees are $8 per night for single sites, $10 for double sites, and $25 for group sites. The campground is often not crowded, with many sites reported as empty even during typical camping seasons. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. For the most current information on availability and policies, it's advisable to contact the managing agency before your trip.

What amenities are available at Lye Creek Campground?

Lye Creek Campground offers potable water and three vault toilets that are maintained during the prime camping season. The sites are nicely separated and situated among aspen trees. A creek runs right next to the campground, providing pleasant water sounds for those who camp with open windows. The grounds are well-kept and the bathrooms are clean. The campground has been upgraded and offers single sites, double sites, and group camping areas.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy near Lye Creek Campground?

Visitors to Lye Creek Campground can enjoy numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding area. The adjacent creek offers opportunities for relaxation and possibly fishing. Hiking is available through the aspen-filled ravine and surrounding mountains. Wildlife viewing and photography are popular, especially with the dramatic volcanic formations in the area. Fall visitors can experience the aspens in their golden autumn colors. The remote location offers peace and quiet for those seeking to escape, though the challenging access road means this is not ideal for casual campers but perfect for those seeking a more adventurous experience.

Keep Exploring