Lye Creek Campground

4.47

21 reviews

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

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

Opens Santa Rosa Ranger District site

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

Opens Santa Rosa Ranger District site

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

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

775-623-5025 ext. 4

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 21 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulhiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Lye Creek Campground

Experience nature's full spectrum at Lye Creek, where summer mornings greet you with crisp mountain air—temperatures can dip to a refreshing 41°F even in June, perfect for sleeping under the stars. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise, with comfortable hiking temperatures and a canopy of gold overhead. The changing seasons paint the landscape in brilliant hues, making fall an ideal time for exploration. While the campground's beauty extends year-round, winter transforms this alpine retreat into an extreme environment where heavy snow and bitter cold make camping inadvisable, preserving the site's wild character for warmer months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Cool summer mornings and shade; visitors note mosquitoes and chill nights.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall foliage of quaking aspens is a highlighted seasonal draw and scenic peak.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Closed until Jun 15; spring season not available for this campground.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside Jun 15–Oct 15; winter stays not supported.

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.
Current Alerts: The campground is experiencing a water outage during the 2025 camping season. Potable water will not be available.

About Lye Creek Campground

Hidden deep within the Santa Rosa Mountain Range, Lye Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This pristine primitive camping haven offers 14 thoughtfully spaced campsites, including four spacious double sites perfect for families and a dedicated group site for larger gatherings. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, campfire rings for evening storytelling, and BBQ pedestals for outdoor cooking. Modern vault toilets provide basic comfort while maintaining the site's rustic charm. Whether you're casting a line in the crystal-clear creek, exploring miles of hiking trails, tackling challenging mountain bike routes, or navigating thrilling OHV trails, Lye Creek serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures.

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 SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the lasting legacy of America's Great Depression era at Lye Creek. The nearby Guard Station stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and determination of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands shaped the access road and structures in the early 20th century. These young men, part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's ambitious New Deal program, left their mark on this wilderness, creating infrastructure that continues to welcome visitors nearly a century later. Their enduring handiwork serves as a reminder of how conservation and public service can transform landscapes for generations to come.

Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full spectrum at Lye Creek, where summer mornings greet you with crisp mountain air—temperatures can dip to a refreshing 41°F even in June, perfect for sleeping under the stars. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise, with comfortable hiking temperatures and a canopy of gold overhead. The changing seasons paint the landscape in brilliant hues, making fall an ideal time for exploration. While the campground's beauty extends year-round, winter transforms this alpine retreat into an extreme environment where heavy snow and bitter cold make camping inadvisable, preserving the site's wild character for warmer months.

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 SceneryDiscover your own private sanctuary beneath a cathedral of quaking aspens along the babbling waters of Lye Creek. This enchanted grove provides a natural canopy of shade during summer's heat, with leaves that whisper secrets in the mountain breeze. Come autumn, witness nature's grand finale as the aspens burst into flames of gold and amber, creating a luminous wonderland that photographers dream about. Keep your eyes peeled for the area's most majestic residents—bighorn sheep navigate the craggy peaks with gravity-defying grace, while the rugged mountains stand sentinel over this pristine wilderness, their ancient faces carved by millennia of wind and weather.

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.

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 layoutThe campground stretches along Lye Creek drainage in a stand of aspen trees.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingHiking options include both day hikes and backpacking routes. The campground's high elevation and surrounding terrain provide opportunities for exploring rugged landscapes.

FishingFishing is available in the nearby Lye Creek. Visitors have described the creek as having clean running water near campsites.

BikingMountain biking is highlighted as a recreational activity at the campground.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities can include spotting Bighorn sheep in the rugged surrounding mountains.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Active AlertsThe campground is experiencing a water outage during the 2025 camping season. Potable water will not be available.

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

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.

Weather at Lye Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5

21 reviews

Recommended

Lye Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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Lye Creek Campground