How much does camping cost at Bird Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Bird Creek Campground are $10 - $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Bird Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

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

Yes! Bird Creek Campground has 5 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 Bird Creek Campground?

Bird 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 Bird Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Bird Creek Campground have?

Bird Creek Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bird Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bird Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bird Creek Campground?

Bird Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bird Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Bird Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bird Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bird Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Bird 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.

3.80

23 reviews

825 AVENUE E, Ely, NV, 89301, USA

Top 14% in NVFall

Tent Camping

Featured in:RV Camping Nevada

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 22, 2025 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 22, 2025 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters Official Website

Get Directions

Bird Creek Campground

$10.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double: $15.00; GROUP SITE A: $60.00; MULTI-FAMILY: $45.00; S&P: $10.00; Sites 8/9: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

775-289-3031

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

825 AVENUE E, Ely, NV, 89301, USA

Bird Creek Campground

825 AVENUE E, Ely, NV, 89301, USA

Nearby places

Ely (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes driving time)

Weather at Bird Creek Campground

Current alerts(4)

Click here for more information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Group site is available for day-use only
Our facility is experiencing a temporary water outage. Please bring all the water youâll need for your visit, including drinking water.
Utility hookups are not available

Best Time to Camp at Bird Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild daytime temps, dramatic high-country color, and light crowds — ideal for hiking, mountain biking, fishing along Bird Creek, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs roughly 45–65°F with crisp mornings dipping into the 20s–30s, so layers are essential and mornings can produce light frost or the first dustings of snow. Trails are typically less crowded than summer, fish are active as flows stabilize, and aspens and mountain shrubs turn gold from mid- to-l Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in NV

Fall cited as best season: mild temps, dramatic color, flowing creeks and light crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 22, 2025 to September 13, 2025 for reservations; first-come-first-served from September 14 to October 30.

About Bird Creek Campground

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.

Bird Creek Campground provides diverse camping options, including single sites, multi-family sites, double sites, and a day-use group site. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild daytime temps, dramatic high-country color, and light crowds — ideal for hiking, mountain biking, fishing along Bird Creek, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs roughly 45–65°F with crisp mornings dipping into the 20s–30s, so layers are essential and mornings can produce light frost or the first dustings of snow. Trails are typically less crowded than summer, fish are active as flows stabilize, and aspens and mountain shrubs turn gold from mid- to-l Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBird Creek flows through camp, a ribbon of water lined with alder, pinyon pine, and juniper. The basin opens to ridgelines on all sides. Shade is sparse. Most sites sit under open sky with scattered tree cover. Recent reviews mention invasive weeds taking over some campsites, a maintenance issue the Forest Service has yet to address. The setting is quiet and undeveloped, good for visitors who want an off-grid feel.

Lodging & AccommodationsBird Creek Campground does not offer lodging facilities such as cabins or hotel-style accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for Bird Creek Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site type

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible facilities include grills, picnic areas, campsites, and pit toilets.

Site SizeThe campground accommodates a range of site sizes. Site 5 is described as suitable for multi-family use and can host several tents. Sites 8 and 9 require a short walk over Bird Creek, adding a unique feature.

PrivacyPrivacy at Bird Creek Campground is highlighted positively in reviews. One camper stated, 'If you want a private experience, off the grid, where you can't see or hear your neighbors, this is the place!

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 5 is ideal for families and accommodates multiple tents. Sites 8 and 9 require crossing short bridges, offering privacy and creekside views.

Best CampsitesSite 5 is the standout: spacious enough for multiple tents and families, though you'll need to walk gear in from the parking area. Sites 8 and 9 require a short creek crossing on foot, which adds character but limits vehicle access. Reviews consistently praise these walk-to sites for privacy.

Need help booking Bird Creek Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Bird Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities tailored to both tent and RV campers. It features picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills at all sites. Vault toilets and seasonal drinking water are available, although reviews note occasional maintenance issues with water spigots. The facility follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, emphasizing environmental responsibility. Accessible grills, campsites, picnic areas, and pit toilets cater to visitors with accessibility needs. The campground is described as rustic and newly redeveloped, with scenic features such as a flowing creek and tree-lined sites.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bird Creek Campground

Bird Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle riding are popular. The Ranger Trail serves as a designated OHV route and also accommodates hiking and biking. Wildlife viewing and creek-related activities enhance the nature experience.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to the Ranger Trail; high-country ridgelines and alpine terrain for hikes.

Biking4.0/5Top 7% in Nevada

Ranger Trail designed to accommodate mountain bikers and is a featured activity.

Fishing3.5/5

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Wildlife viewing listed; quiet off-grid alpine basin with alder, pinyon and juniper.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (8,200 ft), open sky and off-grid/no connectivity favor dark-sky viewing.

Photography3.5/5Creek, high-country ridgelines and fall colors provide solid photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault toilets are provided instead, which are described as clean and well-maintained in several reviews.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, requiring campers to manage their own waste and recycling.

Cell CoverageUser reviews consistently note the lack of connectivity, with one camper stating, 'No connectivity unless you have satellite.' The campground is ideal for visitors seeking an off-grid experience.

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

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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

3.8

23 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews for Bird Creek Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its serene and rustic atmosphere. Clean facilities, privacy, and the perennial creek are often highlighted as strengths. Some reviews mention maintenance issues, such as invasive weeds and faulty water spigots.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the clean vault toilets, 'beautiful' creek-side setting, and quiet, off-grid experience. One camper remarked, 'Very comfortable, and the forest service came to check...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes weed overgrowth and occasional water spigot issues. Connectivity is also described as non-existent, which may deter those requiring internet access.

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes: - Site 5: 'Great space for a large family.' - Site 8 and 9: 'Require a short walk from the parking area, on one to two bridges over Bird Creek.' - Site 2: 'Private...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing tools for weed maintenance and preparing for an off-grid experience due to lack of connectivity. One user noted, 'Be prepared to walk some stuff into site 5. It’s not far!'

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that autumn offers stunning visuals with flowing creeks and vibrant colors, while summer provides a quiet and private environment. Winter usability is limited due to seasonal...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Two clean vault toilets, large sites that could accommodate fairly large RVs as well as tents.' 2. 'Would definitely camp here again! Came here with the dogs to watch the eclipse.' 3. 'Weeds...

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several reviews highlight accessible features such as grills, picnic areas, campsites, and pit toilets. No specific user experiences from individuals with disabilities were noted.

Based on 23 reviews