The best camping near Cave Lake State Park

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.

• 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.

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

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.

• 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.