Lye Creek

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!

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.

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.

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.