How much does camping cost at Lye Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Lye Creek Campground range from $8-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

Lye Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required; sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Yes! Lye 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 Lye Creek Campground?

Lye Creek Campground is open June 15 to October 15.. 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 Lye Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Lye Creek Campground have?

Lye Creek Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lye Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lye 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 Lye Creek Campground?

Lye 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 Lye Creek Campground?

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

Lye Creek Campground

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

Fire policies at Lye Creek Campground: Campfire rings are available at each site; bring your own firewood as local resources have been heavily picked over.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.05

21 reviews

Lye Creek Campground, Santa Rosa Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Winnemucca, NV

Top 15% in NVFall

Peace & QuietTent Camping

Featured in:Mountain Camping Nevada Group Camping Nevada Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada +4 more

Quick Facts

7,520 ft

Price

$8 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,520 ft

Price

$8 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Lye Creek Campground

$8.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site $8/night, Double Site $10/night, Group Site $25/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

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USFS

Provider

775-623-5025 ext. 4

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lye Creek Campground, Santa Rosa Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Winnemucca, NV

Lye Creek Campground

Lye Creek Campground, Santa Rosa Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Winnemucca, NV

Nearby places

Winnemucca - 60 miles (approximately 1.5-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Paradise, NV has a small convenience store with limited groceries. Visitors should plan to bring all necessary water, food, and camping supplies due to limited local resources.

Driving directionsFrom Winnemucca, NV, take US Rt. 95 north 21 miles to Lye Creek campground sign at intersection of State Rt. 290. Turn right onto State Rt. 290 and go 18.1 miles to Hinkey Summit and stop signs in Paradise. Turn right at signs and go about 100 yards to Lye Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 16.9 miles to Lye Creek Road sign. Turn left at sign and go 1.2 miles to campground. NOTE: The road surface for the last 15 miles is gravel and rough, with stretches of single-lane, steep, and switchback roads. There are periodic pull-outs for passing. Although there are campsite parking aprons long enough for medium-sized RVs, driving an RV on the access roads is not recommended.

Access to the campground involves steep and winding single-lane roads with periodic pull-outs for passing. The gravel and rough terrain, including switchbacks and steep slopes, make it challenging for larger vehicles like RVs. Seasonal conditions may worsen road accessibility, particularly during wet periods.

Weather at Lye Creek Campground

Current alerts(1)

The Lye Creek Campground is experiencing a water outage and water will not be available during the 2026 camping season. Please bring all the water you will need for your visit, including drinking water.

Best Time to Camp at Lye Creek Campground

Fall is the standout season. Late September through early October brings peak aspen color and comfortable daytime temperatures in the 45-65°F range, though nights drop into the 20s and 30s. Weekends during peak color see more visitors. Summer mornings can hit 41°F even in June. Winter brings heavy snow and cold that make the site inaccessible. Bug season (likely early summer) means mosquitoes, so bring repellent.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in NV

Late Sept–early Oct peak aspen color; reviewers cite fall as standout season for views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 to October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, open from June 15 through October 15, weather permitting.

About Lye Creek Campground

Lye Creek Campground sits at 7,520 feet in the Santa Rosa Range of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, about an hour northeast of Winnemucca. The 14 sites (single, double, and group) nestle in a shaded aspen grove along the creek. Fees run $8-$25 per night. It's remote and primitive: vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables. No potable water in 2025.

Lye Creek Campground primarily supports primitive camping, with no modern hookups for RVs. It includes single, double, and group sites, but RV camping is not recommended due to challenging access roads.

Historical Significance

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the access road and a nearby guard station during the 1930s as part of Roosevelt's New Deal program. The structures still stand.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Late September through early October brings peak aspen color and comfortable daytime temperatures in the 45-65°F range, though nights drop into the 20s and 30s. Weekends during peak color see more visitors. Summer mornings can hit 41°F even in June. Winter brings heavy snow and cold that make the site inaccessible. Bug season (likely early summer) means mosquitoes, so bring repellent.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 7,520 feet above sea level, Lye Creek Campground offers a true high-altitude escape where the air is pure and the views stretch endlessly across the Nevada wilderness. This elevated paradise provides natural air conditioning during hot summer months, with temperatures remaining pleasantly cool even as the valleys below swelter. The thin mountain air creates spectacular stargazing conditions, while the elevated vantage point reveals panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys that seem to stretch to infinity.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies an aspen grove in the drainage basin, the white-barked trees offering shade in summer and a show of golds and crimsons each fall. The Santa Rosa Range rises around the site in rugged ridgelines and weathered rock faces. Lye Creek runs through the area. One reviewer noted "amazing flowers in season." Bighorn sheep roam the higher peaks. The terrain varies from meadows to steep slopes, and the setting feels genuinely remote at this elevation.

Geological RegionLye Creek Campground sits within the dramatic Santa Rosa Mountain Range, a crown jewel of the vast Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistic hand through its rugged mountain peaks, carved by ancient forces into dramatic ridgelines and hidden valleys. Pristine aspen groves flourish in the mountain's drainage basins, their white bark standing in stark contrast to the weathered rock faces. Each autumn, these groves explode in a symphony of color, transforming the landscape into a living canvas of golds, oranges, and crimsons that rival any artist's palette. The diverse terrain offers endless exploration opportunities, from gentle meadows to challenging peaks.

Scenic ViewsThe campground provides picturesque views of the Santa Rosa Mountain Range, with highlights including colorful aspen leaves in fall and dark, star-filled skies at night.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Groups

The group site accommodates larger gatherings and is available for $25 per night.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites spread along Lye Creek's drainage within the aspen stand. It's wooded and shaded. Privacy varies by site. The access road is steep and narrow, sometimes challenging for larger rigs.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not required; sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityThe campground features wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.

Site SizeSites include single, double, and group options. Some user reviews indicate that tent sites may lack flat spaces.

PrivacyThe campground is nestled in a grove of aspen trees, providing a shaded and wooded setting. Some sites are described as more private than others.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near Lye Creek for proximity to water features. Site 12 is noted as the best by user reviews.

Best CampsitesSite 12 gets specific mentions in reviews for layout and scenery. Some sites offer more privacy than others within the aspen grove, though rocky or uneven ground can make tent pitching tricky in spots.

Amenities available

Lye Creek Campground offers 14 sites, including four double sites and one group site. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ pedestals. While potable water is listed as available, a water outage is reported for the 2025 camping season, so visitors must bring their own water. Restrooms with vault toilets are available. Cell phone service is unavailable, and there is no camp store or hotel-style lodging. Trash disposal operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' basis.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lye Creek Campground offers diverse outdoor activities such as river/stream fishing, mountain biking, day hiking, backpacking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding. The surrounding area also presents opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly Bighorn sheep.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and moths can be problematic during certain seasons. The rugged terrain and steep access roads pose challenges for larger vehicles, and the lack of potable water requires visitors to bring their own or boil/purify water on-site.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available, but vault toilets are provided, which are reported as being convenient and wheelchair-friendly.

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 PolicyCampfire rings are available at each site; bring your own firewood as local resources have been heavily picked over.

Emergency ServicesSanta Rosa Ranger District, located at 3275 Fountain Way, Winnemucca, NV 89445; Phone: 775-623-5025 ext. 4. Open Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST (Closed on federal holidays). The nearest hospital and police station are located in Winnemucca, NV.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available; visitors are required to 'pack it in, pack it out.'

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Lye Creek, which has running water near most campsites.

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

4.1

21 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews describe Lye Creek Campground as remote, serene, and scenic. Campers appreciate its location in a shaded aspen grove and the availability of outdoor activities. Common concerns include the lack of potable water, steep access roads, and the presence of insects during certain seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted by users include the remote and peaceful setting, scenic views, and proximity to outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. One user stated, 'Amazing flowers in season. Get...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints mentioned include the challenging access roads, lack of potable water during the 2025 season, and the prevalence of mosquitoes. One user commented, 'The fifth star was withheld since the...

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12 is highlighted by one user as 'the best' due to its location. However, some sites are noted as not offering much or lacking flat spaces for tents.

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own water, especially due to the 2025 water outage, and preparing for steep and narrow access roads. Some suggest visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience and...

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is quiet and less crowded during weekdays but may fill up on weekends. Fall offers colorful aspen leaves and cooler temperatures, while summer mornings can be...

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Remote, unknown, nice but primitive campground.' - David Weber 2. 'Convenient pit toilets, beautiful camp sites, very remote.' - Katherine Macco 3. 'The dark skies are to be marveled at.' - Sara...

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, and the campground's shaded and flat areas may assist individuals with limited mobility. However, the rough access roads may be a barrier.

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users are reminded to keep dogs leashed as required by regulations.

Based on 21 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall leaf-peepers and hikers who pack all their own water will find this place pays off. Site 12 gets the best marks from reviewers, and late September aspen color draws people back. Nights drop into the 20s, so bring layers.

Skip if

Larger rigs won't make it up the access road, reviewers describe it as first-gear the whole way. No cell signal, no water on-site in 2026, and early summer brings mosquitoes thick enough that one reviewer docked a full star over them.

Campgrounds

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Lye Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

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

Overview

<p>Lye Creek Campground is located in the Santa Rosa Mountain Range about 60 miles north of Winnemucca, Nevada. The campground is nestled in a grove of aspen trees along Lye Creek. <strong>There are 14 camping sites, including four double sites and one group site. These sites also have picnic tables, campfire rings, and BBQ pedestals.</strong> At this campground, recreation activities include river/stream fishing, mountain biking, backpack/day hiking, and off-highway vehicle riding. The Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness is not accessible from the campground.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,520 ft. The campground, pack it in, pack it out, stretches up Lye Creek drainage in a stand of Aspen. Four water sheds flow into Lye Creek, ensuring it has some water most years. The elevation and ample shade make the campground a comfortable place to be in hot weather. Although the campground was not built by the Civilain Conservation Corps (CCC), there are several examples of their handiwork in the area. Two examples are the nearby Guard Station and the access road. That road offers a change for a comfortable stroll with little fear of traffic. The colorful Aspen leaves in Fall should make the campground a good stop at that time. Sharp eyes may spot Bighorn sheep in the surrounding rugged mountains. There is a small convenience store in Paradise, NV that has limited groceries.

Seasons & access

Open June 15 through October 15 - weather dependent. Humboldt National Forest 319

Directions

From Winnemucca, NV, take US Rt. 95 north 21 miles to Lye Creek campground sign at intersection of State Rt. 290. Turn right onto State Rt. 290 and go 18.1 miles to Hinkey Summit and stop signs in Paradise. Turn right at signs and go about 100 yards to Lye Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 16.9 miles to Lye Creek Road sign. Turn left at sign and go 1.2 miles to campground. NOTE: The road surface for the last 15 miles is gravel and rough. There are also stretches that are single-lane, steep, and switchback. Although there are camp site parking aprons long enough for medium sized RVs, driving an RV on the access roads is not recommended.

National Forest: Humboldt National Forest
Ranger District: Santa Rosa
Elevation: 7520
Rate: $8 per day - single $10 per day - double
Maximum Stay: 14