The best camping near Cave Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cave Lake State Park adventure.

100% (2 reviews)

Cave Lake State Park: A Year-Round Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.

Popular ways to camp

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Top-rated campgrounds near Cave Lake State Park

97%

(127)

Schellraiser

92 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Mc Gill, NV

The Schellraiser music festival offers a variety of seasonal camping options on our 80-acre private campground in the cool high desert of far Eastern Nevada's Steptoe Valley, near the small town of McGill. Our Lotus Belle-brand bell tents are solar powered and fully furnished, with king-, queen- and twin-size beds, Avocado-brand mattresses, rugs, loveseats, floor lamps, charging ports and wi-fi service. Our campground also features two solar-powered shipping container homes; the larger of the two homes also has a small kitchen area and now serves as our clubhouse from Thursday through Sunday nights. Car camping and pitch-your-own-tent sites without power are available, as well, as are furnished yurts without power. We currently have a heated six-unit restroom/shower trailer on site. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, TO ENSURE THAT OUR CAMPGROUND MEETS YOUR EXPECTATIONS: We are a totally off-grid campground, in an extremely remote part of rural Eastern Nevada. To reach our campground, you must travel eight-tenths of a mile off the main highway, on a dirt road that is susceptible to flooding from record snowmelt from April to mid-July during wet years. Drivers with Teslas and other low-clearance vehicles are strongly advised to look elsewhere for lodging; Subaru drivers may actually enjoy the brief trip out. PLEASE READ ALL CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS, OUR FIRE BAN ADVISORY AND CAMPGROUND RULES BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR STAY WITH US. ABOUT THE AREA: Schellraiser is just minutes away from the High Schells and Bristlecone wilderness areas, and within an hour's drive of Nevada's wildest mountain and desert scenery. High peaks, rugged canyons, wild rock formations, natural hot springs and ghost towns are all around us, and the surrounding area is teeming with wildlife, including the state's largest elk herd. ABOUT US: We're the home base of the annual Schellraiser micro-fest, which brings bands like Ladytron, Mercury Rev, Blonde Redhead, Asleep At The Wheel, The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Old 97's, Houndmouth, Death Valley Girls, Titus Andronicus, Nikki Lane, Shannon Shaw and BRONCHO to the nearby McGill Pool Park each June.

100%

(1)

Great Escape Camping

1 site · Tent25 acres · Baker, NV

Escape at starry skies camp sight where you will be nestled in the trees but still have open skies to view the stars. The camp sight is private, has a sand pad for a tent, picnic table, outhouse and garbage. The campsite is conveniently located on Sacramento pass making it a great spot to rest up after exploring Great Basin National Park.

The best camping near Cave Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Cave Lake State Park beckons adventurers with its 32-acre reservoir, offering a plethora of activities from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife viewing. Nestled in the scenic high desert, this park transforms with the seasons, providing a cool retreat in summer and a snowy wonderland in winter. Campgrounds welcome visitors to extend their stay amid the natural beauty, ensuring an immersive experience in this versatile outdoor destination.

Notable campgrounds

Elk Flat Campground is open seasonally from May to October and features large, level sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Full bathrooms, water spigots, and showers are available.
Lake View Campground is open year-round with large campsites, flush toilets, and showers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Cave Lake does not accept advance reservations except for the group area campsites. Each campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Because of its remote location, Cave Lake campsites are typically available even during weekends and high season.

When to go

The best time to go to Cave Lake is during the late summer and fall when roads are open and the trees are turning colors. Because of the high altitude and lake, summers are nice and cool at Cave Lake. Spring can bring some last-minute snowstorms, and in winter, the Elk Flat Campground is closed. Even still, winter sports such as ice fishing and snowmobiling are popular at Cave Lake.

Know before you go

Because both Cave Lake campgrounds are located up in the mountains and accessed via unpaved roads, they may close in inclement weather.
Cave Lake is set about an hour’s drive north of the only national park in Nevada: Great Basin National Park. This renowned International Dark Sky Park is known for its limited light pollution and amazing stargazing, plus its hike to the top of the 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak, which offers views into both the Utah and Nevada wilderness.
The nearest area with services is the historic railroad town of Ely.