Silver Creek
4.3934 reviewsP.O. BOX 104
Silver Creek
$24.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $24 to $34 depending on season dates and site types. Extra fees apply for additional vehicles and reservation service charges ($8 online, $9 via contact center).
About this campground
Escape to Silver Creek Campground, where towering firs and pines create a natural cathedral in the heart of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This peaceful dry camping retreat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own picnic table for memorable outdoor meals, secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, and a campfire ring where stories and s'mores come to life under the starlit sky.
Silver Creek Campground provides standard nonelectric sites suitable for tent and RV camping. It does not offer cabins or glamping accommodations, and camping is predominantly dry camping due to the lack of water facilities.
Historical SignificanceWhile Silver Creek's recorded history may be modest, this pristine landscape tells its own timeless story through ancient trees and weathered rocks, inviting visitors to create their own memories and traditions in this unspoiled corner of Nevada's wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Silver Creek into an outdoor paradise, where warm days averaging in the low 80s provide perfect conditions for hiking and exploration, while refreshing evenings in the mid-50s call for cozy campfire gatherings. The region's signature clear skies create an astronomical wonderland, offering unobstructed views of constellations and shooting stars that city dwellers rarely experience.
ElevationPerched at 7,100 feet above sea level, Silver Creek offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and clean. This ideal elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer days while delivering those perfectly cool sleeping temperatures that make mountain camping so restorative.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where fragrant fir and pine forests provide natural shade and shelter. From your campsite perched on the mountainside above Noble Creek, panoramic vistas unfold across dramatic mountain ranges, while the creek canyon below creates a scenic backdrop that changes with the light throughout the day. This photographer's paradise offers endless opportunities to capture the raw beauty of Nevada's high country.
Geological RegionSilver Creek Campground claims its spectacular setting within the vast Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, America's largest national forest in the lower 48 states. Positioned strategically on the mountainside above the babbling waters of Noble Creek, the campground is embraced by a mature forest ecosystem of firs and pines that have stood sentinel for generations, creating a microclimate of cool shade and mountain tranquility.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source documentation.
Sites SizeThe sites vary in size; some are spacious and well-shaded, while others are smaller. "Site #4 is spacious with plenty of level ground and good shade," one user noted.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are close to each other and visible, while others provide more seclusion. For example, "Most campsites are visible from at least one other campsite," according to a user review.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Site 13 due to an ant infestation. Sites near restrooms may experience unpleasant odors from vault toilets.
Best CampsitesSites 4 and 5 are popular for their views, while site 19 is noted for proximity to the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time: 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time: 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Groups
No specific information about group sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops straddling Highway 4. Some campsites are visible from others.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 13th to September 1st, reservable season starts June 27th. Operates as FCFS from June 21st to June 27th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability before June 27th and after September 1st.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night’s use fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Silver Creek Campground can enjoy fishing in the nearby East Fork Carson River and other creeks, as well as access the Pacific Crest Trail just 3 miles away for hiking. Wildlife viewing is common, and some campers have mentioned a nearby reservoir lake for activities like swimming and paddling.
Hiking
The Pacific Crest Trail, located 3 miles west of the campground, offers hiking opportunities. Other trails in the area cater to varying skill levels, providing options for exploration.Fishing
Fishing is available in the East Fork Carson River and other creeks. A camper noted that "great fishing" is possible near the creek accessible from the southernmost campsites.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are common, as one reviewer mentioned seeing a deer at their campsite and "many different kinds of birds."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires prohibited during mornings. Firewood is available for purchase from the host.
- Quiet hours are enforced during nighttime with Highway 4 calming after dark.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears frequent the area, making food storage in bear boxes mandatory. Proximity to Highway 4 can pose safety concerns for solo campers.
Active alertsDry camping conditions: No running water available at the campground.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Markleeville (11.7 miles away), which includes a general store and medical response units.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 27th to September 1st.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, though the dumpsters sometimes become full during busy weekends, as noted by a reviewer: "By Saturday morning, it was too full to utilize. When we left on Sunday, we had to take our garbage with us."
Proximity to water featuresLocated above Noble Creek, with access to fishing on East Fork Carson River and nearby creeks.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints from users include lack of running water, proximity to Highway 4 leading to noise and accessibility issues, and unclean vault toilets.
HostHosts are noted for their helpfulness and diligence, maintaining clean facilities and leveled tables; current host Eric 'Gunny' Gunnison received repeated praise.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 104
Driving directionsLocated 11.7 miles south of Markleeville, California on State Highway 4, east of Ebbetts Pass.
Access is via Highway 4, which becomes steep, uphill, narrow, and winding immediately past the campground. RVs over 20 feet are strongly discouraged due to blind hairpin turns and one-lane sections.Nearby places
Markleeville: 11.7 miles (approximately 15 minutes)
Woodfords: 19 miles (approximately 25 minutes)
Ebbetts Pass: 16 miles (approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
The nearest location for supplies, groceries, and essentials is the Markleeville General Store, located approximately 11 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
34 reviews
Silver Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Silver Creek Campground is appreciated for its natural beauty, peaceful environment, and excellent hosts. However, the lack of running water is a recurring complaint.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the peaceful setting, friendly and helpful campground hosts, and clean facilities. "The campground was beautiful and peaceful," one user stated, while another noted, "the camp...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaint is the lack of running water, which some feel is inexcusable for a campground of this quality. "No water? Seems like a readily fixable problem," one user remarked. Other...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water due to the campground being a dry site. Bringing a gas stove is recommended as morning campfires may not be permitted. Some reviewers suggest avoiding...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews generally highlight the campground's appeal in the summer months, when the 7,100-foot elevation provides a comfortable climate. However, the lack of water is noted as a drawback for long...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is one of the best campgrounds in America: spacious, beautiful, lots to do nearby, great camp host." "The lack of fresh water is the only real drawback, but perhaps that keeps the numbers...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #4 is frequently praised for its spaciousness and shade. Site #13 is noted to have an ant infestation. Site #19 is highlighted for its views of the creek and mountains.
Based on 34 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 34 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pet policies or experiences are mentioned.
Based on 34 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025