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. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

East 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 East Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! East Creek Campground has 8 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 Not specified.. 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: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.. 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. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at East Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at East 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 East Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at East Creek Campground?

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

East Creek Campground

3.00

8 reviews

Duck Creek Basin road 564, near McGill, Nevada

Featured in:RV Camping Nevada

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

End of May to mid-Oc...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

End of May to mid-Oc...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

East Creek Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fee for single sites is $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites only....

Standard Site Fee$5.00

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USFS

Provider

775-289-3031

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Duck Creek Basin road 564, near McGill, Nevada

East Creek Campground

Duck Creek Basin road 564, near McGill, Nevada

Nearby places

Ely, NV (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials can be found in Ely, NV, approximately 20 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Ely, Nevada, take Highway 93 north to the town of McGill. From McGill, keep going north on Highway 93 for 5 miles to the Duck Creek Basin turnoff. Proceed east on Duck Creek Basin road and turn left at the sign for East Creek Recreation Area Road 564.

Access from major roads is generally good but involves a 3-mile dirt road. According to user reviews, '3 miles down a dirt road, but so worth it!' and 'There are two cattle gates inside but no issues turning around.'

Weather at East Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at East Creek Campground

Summer brings daytime highs between 60 and 75°F and cool nights in the 30s and 40s. The elevation keeps things comfortable when the valleys below are baking. Trails clear of snow completely, making summer the best window for hiking and mountain biking. Winter drops to freezing with dry conditions. Access becomes difficult. Weekends fill up in summer, so weekday trips are easier.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open late May–mid Oct; summer temps 60–75°F and trails clear, reviews favor summer visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: End of May to mid-October, weather permitting.

About East Creek Campground

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.

The campground provides sites for both tent camping and RVs. "There are seven campsites, including one tent-only camping site and six RV sites," noted the official description.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs between 60 and 75°F and cool nights in the 30s and 40s. The elevation keeps things comfortable when the valleys below are baking. Trails clear of snow completely, making summer the best window for hiking and mountain biking. Winter drops to freezing with dry conditions. Access becomes difficult. Weekends fill up in summer, so weekday trips are easier.

ElevationAt 7,400 feet above sea level, East Creek Campground sits in the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the desert heat, yet accessible for most visitors. This elevation brings cooler temperatures, clearer air, and stunning vistas, though visitors should prepare for thinner air and potential weather changes that come with mountain environments.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies Duck Creek Basin, where mountain and desert ecosystems meet. Alder, pinyon, and juniper provide shade and cover. The perennial stream cuts through the sites and attracts birds during spring and summer migrations. From nearby viewpoints, the high desert opens up below the mountains in long vistas across Nevada's Basin and Range country.

Geological RegionEast Creek Campground claims its spectacular perch high on the Schell Creek Range, where the unique geology of Duck Creek Basin has created an oasis of biodiversity. This remarkable setting showcases the intersection of mountain and desert ecosystems, with the campground nestled in a protective embrace of alder, pinyon, and juniper forest. The life-giving perennial stream carves through ancient rock, while surrounding viewpoints offer dramatic vistas where high desert meets mountain majesty in a display of Nevada's diverse geological heritage.

Scenic ViewsIncludes high desert and mountain terrain views. Scenic vistas can be accessed via the 30-mile Success Loop Scenic Drive and Ranger Trail.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are mentioned in the official sources.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are reported.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No stay limit specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Groups

No information about group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 12 sites spread out across the loop with good separation between neighbors. One tent-only site and six RV-capable sites. Some can handle large rigs.

Reservation PlatformsEly Ranger District (Phone: 775-289-3031, Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable; no information on walk-up availability explicitly stated.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy stated.

AccessibilityNo information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground features large sites suitable for RVs and tents. "Some sites are big enough for large RVs," noted one reviewer.

PrivacyCampsites are separated, offering a degree of privacy. "The camps are very separated," according to a review.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and proximity to the brook, Site #3 is recommended.

Best CampsitesSite #3 sits right across the road from the stream. Some sites can fit large RVs, though restrooms are far from certain spots on the loop.

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When to Book

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Amenities available

East Creek Campground is equipped with newly improved facilities, including picnic tables, serving tables, campfire rings, and grills at all campsites. "Really nice camp sites with brand new grills, fire rings, benches, and parking spots," noted one user review. However, potable water is not available, which may require visitors to bring their own water supply.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

East Creek Campground offers several recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding. "The Ranger Trail, accessible from the campground, is a designated OHV trail that also accommodates hiking and mountain biking," according to official sources.

Hiking

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include flooding from the creek during heavy rainfall, as noted in user reviews: 'a creek runs straight through some of the sites so I do not recommend in case of flash flood.'

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Ely, NV. Ely Ranger District office (825 Avenue E, Ely, NV 89301, phone: 775-289-3031) is open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST.

Trash & RecyclingInformation on trash and recycling facilities is not provided.

Water FeaturesA perennial stream runs through the campground, enhancing its scenic beauty. Some campsites are located close to the creek.

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

3.0

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User sentiment about East Creek Campground is largely positive, with appreciation for its improved facilities, secluded campsites, and natural beauty. However, concerns about restroom proximity and flood risks were highlighted.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews praised the new facilities, including grills and fire rings, the natural beauty of the location, and the spaciousness of the sites suitable for RVs and tents. "What a find!" exclaimed one...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that restrooms are located far away, and the campground's proximity to a creek might pose a flash flood risk. "Looks like a nice and quiet campground...I do not recommend in case of...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3 was specifically mentioned in a user review for its proximity to a brook: "Our site (#3) was right across the road from a babbling brook!"

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should prepare for the absence of potable water and cell service. "Be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK," another user emphasized.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from late May to mid-October, with user reviews indicating summer months as optimal for visitation due to favorable weather and fewer crowds.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"What a find! 3 miles down a dirt road, but so worth it!" "The camps are very separated and a creek runs straight through some of them." "There is no cell service there, just a heads up."

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. "Dogs must be on a leash," according to official sources.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders who want a quiet base for the Ranger Trail will find this hard to beat at $5/night. Site 3 puts you right next to the creek. Bring all your water and cash or a check.

Skip if

No potable water is a real logistical hurdle, and creek-adjacent sites like #3 carry genuine flash flood risk during heavy rain. Restrooms are a hike from several sites, and no cell service means you're fully off the grid.

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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

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