How much does camping cost at East Creek Campground?

Camping fees at East Creek Campground range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is East Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

East Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at East Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! East Creek Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit East Creek Campground?

East Creek Campground is open May 01 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at East Creek Campground?

East Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at East Creek Campground?

Fire policies at East Creek Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org .. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does East Creek Campground have?

East Creek Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at East Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at East Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at East Creek Campground?

East Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

East Creek Campground

3.00

8 reviews

Top 11% in NVSpring

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

East Creek Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $5.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(775) 289-3031None

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

East Creek Campground

39.4967, -114.6548

Nearby places

Ely approximately 20 miles

McGill approximately 3 miles (to the Duck Creek Basin turnoff).

Weather at East Creek Campground

Current alerts(2)

Click here for more information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Utility hooksups are not available

Best Time to Camp at East Creek Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of pleasant temperatures, high creek flows from snowmelt, and active wildlife — prime conditions for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (12–18°C) with chilly nights that can drop into the 20s–30s°F (-5–4°C); trails that climb higher may still have snow into early May. Wildflowers, green vegetation along East Creek, and fewer summer holiday crowds make late May–June especially rewarding for a Peak months: June, May, September, October Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in NV

Identified as best season: pleasant temps, high creek flows and active wildlife from snowmelt.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About East Creek Campground

East Creek Campground sits in high-elevation alpine terrain near Ely, Nevada, offering free dispersed camping along a creek that runs through the sites. Operated seasonally during peak months, this small campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a quiet, uncrowded setting. Campers use the area as a base for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing, with nearby trails accessible by vehicle.

The facility contains 12 newly improved campsites. No additional classification (tent, RV, group, cabins, etc.) is provided in the source information. Water is not provided and the site is unstaffed.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of pleasant temperatures, high creek flows from snowmelt, and active wildlife — prime conditions for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (12–18°C) with chilly nights that can drop into the 20s–30s°F (-5–4°C); trails that climb higher may still have snow into early May. Wildflowers, green vegetation along East Creek, and fewer summer holiday crowds make late May–June especially rewarding for a Peak months: June, May, September, October Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryEast Creek runs through the campground, close enough to some sites that reviewers call it a "babbling brook" backdrop. The surrounding forest mixes alder, pinyon pine, and juniper. A transition zone where mountain and desert species overlap. The Schell Creek Range rises around the Duck Creek Basin, creating what visitors describe as a scenic, quiet setting that feels hidden despite the dirt road access.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

Site Size12 newly improved sites

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesWater is not provided—bring your own. The Ranger Trail (designated OHV trail that also accommodates hikers and mountain bikers) can be accessed from the campground.

Amenities available

The campground has 12 newly improved sites with picnic and serving tables, campfire rings and grills. There are 3 vault toilets on site; water is not provided and the site operates as a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.0

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

East Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers describe East Creek Campground as a small, quiet, and scenic spot that feels like a hidden gem, with multiple 5-star reviews praising its beauty and peacefulness. Campers appreciate the new facilities at each site and the creek-side locations, though one reviewer notes concerns about restroom distance and potential flash flooding in some sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the quiet, uncrowded feel and the natural setting, including a “babbling brook” running by some sites. The campground’s small size (about 7 sites), new grills, fire rings, benches, and...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

One reviewer notes that restrooms are far from the campsites and that sites are very separated, which could be inconvenient for some visitors. There is also a concern about a creek running through...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3 is highlighted as being directly across the road from a “babbling brook,” offering a very scenic and peaceful spot. Another reviewer with a 24 ft Lance trailer reports finding multiple...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect a 3-mile drive down a dirt road to reach the campground and plan for no cell service. If you are concerned about flooding, avoid sites where the creek runs directly through, and be prepared...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

“What a find! 3 miles down a dirt road, but so worth it!” “Our site (#3) was right across the road from a babbling brook!” “Looks like a nice and quiete campground the only thing is the restrooms...

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

A reviewer mentions having to pass through two cattle gates and notes there is a loop at the end of the road to turn around, which can help larger vehicles maneuver. However, the comment that...

Based on 8 reviews

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East Creek Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $5.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(775) 289-3031None

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East Creek Campground sits at 7,400 feet on the Schell Creek Range in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Ely, Nevada. The 12-site campground charges $5 per night and offers well-separated sites in a forest of alder, pinyon, and juniper. A perennial stream runs through the area. There's no cell service and no potable water, so plan accordingly.

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Bird Creek Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine country of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Ely, Nevada. This very small, seasonal campground operated by the Forest Service offers creek-side tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing along Bird Creek, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in a quiet, off-grid setting accessed by a rugged dirt road.

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Cleve Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Ely, Utah, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Cottonwood-shaded sites along the creek offer spacious tent and group camping with fire rings and picnic tables. Visitors hike, fish, bike, and watch wildlife in a quiet setting without hookups.

Elk Flat Campground sits at 7,136 feet in the Schell Creek Range, offering 18 juniper-shaded sites with mountain views and flush toilets year-round. Sites run $15 per night, first-come first-served. Hot showers and the dump station operate seasonally. Rangers keep the place clean, and reviewers praise the spacing and privacy.

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Campgrounds

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

East Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about East Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

East Creek Campground is located high on the slopes of the Schell Creek Range in the middle of an alder, pinyon and juniper forest. East Creek, a perennial stream, runs directly through the picnic area and many birds make it their home during the spring and summer seasons. There are seven campsites, including one tent only camping sites and six RV sites. These sites also have picnic tables and campfire rings. At this campground, recreation activities include mountain biking, backpack/day hiking, and off-highway vehicle riding. S are open.

Open Season: End of May – Mid-October