Desert Creek Campground

4.28

20 reviews

Desert Creek Road, Nevada

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada

Quick Facts

6,286 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from late May t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,286 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from late May t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Desert Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping at Desert Creek Campground. "No Fees are required for this site."

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 20 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

Some mention

signal

"User reviews generally praise Desert Creek Campground for its beauty and remote location. The campground is described as 'gorgeous' and 'amazing,' with users appreciating the natural surroundings. Accessibility challenges due to unpaved roads and creek crossings are frequently mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Desert Creek Road, Nevada

Desert Creek Campground

Desert Creek Road, Nevada

Driving directionsFrom Highway 395 south in Bridgeport, drive 11 miles on highway 182 (Highway 182 will become Highway 338 in Nevada). Continue on 338 for approximately 10 miles. Turn left at Risue Canyon Road (Forest Road # 050). Travel approximately seven miles on the unpaved road to Desert Creek Road. Veer right at Desert Creek Road (Forest Road # 027) and travel another two miles to campground. The campground is on left hand side of road.

Road access includes a mix of paved and unpaved conditions. The final stretch requires navigating unpaved roads, creek crossings, and soft shoulders. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, especially during early and late summer when creek crossings may become more challenging due to high water levels or muddy conditions. "The park is open. It would be best to have a 4WD regardless of what direction you enter." - User Review, Mojohnk.

Nearby places

Bridgeport: 21 miles, approximately 30 minutes driving time.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Bridgeport, which is approximately 21 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Desert Creek Campground

The magic of Desert Creek unfolds from late May through early October, when mountain snows recede and wildflowers begin their colorful parade. Early season visitors should note that snowmelt can transform gentle creek crossings into rushing torrents, making some areas temporarily impassable. As summer progresses, the creek settles into a more predictable rhythm, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through without warning. By late summer, water levels typically drop, revealing new fishing holes and easier stream crossings. Pack layers for cool mountain mornings and warm afternoons, and always be prepared for Nevada's famously unpredictable mountain weather.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season late May–Oct; wildflowers, receded snow, full access and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Accessible in fall but access and creek crossings can be impacted by weather.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Early season snowmelt and creek levels make access and crossing difficult.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Seasonal closure; campground typically closed late fall through spring snow.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May to early October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from late May to early October, depending on weather and conditions.

About Desert Creek Campground

Escape to the untamed wilderness of Desert Creek Campground, where the rushing waters of Desert Creek create a natural soundtrack to your Nevada adventure. Tucked away in the vast expanse of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this hidden gem invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Towering Jeffrey and Lodgepole pines cast dappled shadows across your campsite, while the creek beckons anglers with its promise of rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring rugged backcountry trails on foot, or navigating the challenging terrain on your off-highway vehicle, Desert Creek delivers an authentic wilderness experience that feels worlds away from civilization.

Desert Creek Campground accommodates tent camping and groups. Horse and pack animals are allowed, providing options for equestrian campers.

Historical SignificanceWhile Desert Creek Campground may not boast ancient petroglyphs or historic mining claims, its significance lies in preserving a slice of Nevada's wild heritage. This remote corner of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest remains much as it has for centuries, offering modern adventurers a glimpse into the untouched landscapes that once challenged early explorers and settlers crossing the Great Basin.

Weather and SeasonsThe magic of Desert Creek unfolds from late May through early October, when mountain snows recede and wildflowers begin their colorful parade. Early season visitors should note that snowmelt can transform gentle creek crossings into rushing torrents, making some areas temporarily impassable. As summer progresses, the creek settles into a more predictable rhythm, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through without warning. By late summer, water levels typically drop, revealing new fishing holes and easier stream crossings. Pack layers for cool mountain mornings and warm afternoons, and always be prepared for Nevada's famously unpredictable mountain weather.

ElevationNestled in the mountain highlands of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Desert Creek Campground sits at an elevation where Jeffrey and Lodgepole pines thrive in the thin mountain air. This positioning creates a unique microclimate where desert and mountain ecosystems converge, offering cooler temperatures than the valleys below while maintaining the rugged character of Nevada's high country.

Natural Features and SceneryDesert Creek Campground reveals nature's artistry at every turn. The crystalline waters of Desert Creek wind through granite boulders and fallen logs, creating intimate pools where trout hide in the shadows. Jeffrey pines, with their distinctive vanilla-scented bark, stand sentinel alongside their Lodgepole cousins, their branches creating a natural cathedral overhead. The surrounding landscape shifts from dense forest groves to open meadows dotted with wildflowers, while distant peaks frame the horizon. Morning mist often dances above the creek, burning away as golden sunlight filters through the canopy, illuminating a world where rough granite meets soft pine needles and the only sounds are birdsong and flowing water.

Geological RegionDesert Creek Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads within Nevada's sprawling Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Here, ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion have sculpted a landscape where Desert Creek has carved its own story through the bedrock. The campground's terrain showcases the raw beauty of the Great Basin's mountain ranges, where weathered granite outcroppings alternate with sedimentary deposits, creating the rugged backcountry roads and challenging creek beds that make this area a paradise for off-road enthusiasts. Jeffrey and Lodgepole pines have adapted to thrive in the thin soils and fractured rock, their roots finding purchase in seemingly impossible places, while the persistent flow of Desert Creek continues its patient work of shaping the canyon that cradles this remote camping sanctuary.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No restrictions explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No restrictions explicitly stated.

Groups

No specific group site descriptions or user capacities are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo detailed layout information provided.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe entire campground operates on a walk-up basis, as reservations are not required.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are required, so no cancellation policy exists.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the official sources or user reviews.

Site SizeSites are described as well-spaced by user reviews: 'Sites are well spaced from each other.' Specific measurements or categorizations are not provided.

PrivacyUser reviews note that campsites offer a level of privacy due to their spacing.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are well-spaced for privacy. "Sites are well spaced from each other." - User Review, Em Ess.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Desert Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Fishing in Desert Creek is highlighted as a key activity, with stocked rainbow, brown, and brook trout available. Mountain biking and off-highway vehicle opportunities are also popular. Hunting and shooting are mentioned as permitted activities.

FishingFishing in Desert Creek is a standout activity. The creek is stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, providing ample opportunities for anglers.

BikingMountain biking is highlighted as an activity, though specific trail details, difficulty levels, or terrain descriptions are not provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include unpaved roads with soft shoulders, creek crossings that may become challenging during early and late summer, and limited cell signal in the area. "First creek crossing before campground is not a crossing but the creek itself. 150 feet of the creek flowing down the road." - User Review, Michael Starner.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Bridgeport, which is approximately 21 miles away. Facilities include a hospital and police station.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash service is provided, requiring users to pack out their trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along Desert Creek, offering fishing opportunities for rainbow, brown, and brook trout.

Weather at Desert Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3

20 reviews

Satisfactory

Desert Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise Desert Creek Campground for its beauty and remote location. The campground is described as 'gorgeous' and 'amazing,' with users appreciating the natural surroundings. Accessibility challenges due to unpaved roads and creek crossings are frequently mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's scenic beauty, fishing opportunities, and the remote, peaceful atmosphere. One user states: 'The park is gorgeous.' Another mentions: 'Amazing!! Have been...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include the difficulty of access due to dirt roads and creek crossings. High-clearance or 4WD vehicles are recommended. One user notes: 'Couldn't make it to campground in my van. High...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users emphasize the importance of packing out trash and recommend high-clearance vehicles for access. One user advises: 'Remember, if you take it in take it out!! Keep it clean so we may all continue...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Access challenges are more pronounced in early and late summer due to creek crossings. Weather conditions may make certain parts of the year more suitable for camping.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

Some key quotes include: 'The park is gorgeous.' 'Couldn't make it to campground in my van. High clearance vehicle should be used.' 'Sites are well spaced from each other.' 'Remember, if you take it...

Based on 20 reviews