The best camping near Ely with hiking

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In Ely, you’ll find over 80 campsites set up for hikers—think high desert trails, bristlecone pine forests, and mountain views that don’t quit. Prices average $18 a night, with some options down to $15 if you’re travelling light. Top picks include Schellraiser (98 reviews), a favorite for its open sky and quick access to wild backcountry, Hidden Canyon's Glamping Cabins (19 reviews) for a more sheltered stay, and 2 Fenced In 5 Acres - No utilities (1 review) if you want to keep it minimal. Expect basic toilets, pet-friendly sites, and plenty of places to build a campfire. When you’re not on the trail, locals swim in clear lakes or break out the snow gear in winter. Ely’s campsites are geared for hikers who want real access to the land, without the crowds.

97% (134) 25 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ely

Schellraiser

1. Schellraiser

98%
(197)
13mi from Ely · 92 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The Schellraiser music fest offers a variety of seasonal camping options at our 80-acre private campground in the cool high desert of Eastern Nevada's Steptoe Valley, near the small town of McGill. Our Lotus Belle-brand bell tents are solar powered and fully furnished, with king, queen and twin beds; organic Avocado-brand mattresses; rugs; loveseats; floor lamps; charging ports and wi-fi service. Car-camping and pitch-your-own-tent sites without power are also available. Our campground features several tiny homes; we've converted the biggest one into our clubhouse that is now open to all guests from Thursday through Sunday nights. The clubhouse has a small kitchen area for cooking simple meals. We're also gearing up to reopen our coffee bar on weekends in late spring 2025; our menu features hot and cold espresso drinks, organic teas and organic chocolate bars. A heated six-unit restroom/shower trailer is on site. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, TO ENSURE THAT WE MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS: We are an OFF-GRID campground, in a very remote part of rural Eastern Nevada. To reach our campground, you must drive eight-tenths of a mile off the main highway, on a rocky DIRT ROAD that is susceptible to flooding from April to mid-July in wet years. Drivers with Teslas, Audis and low-clearance vehicles are STRONGLY ADVISED to look elsewhere for lodging. PLEASE READ ALL CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS, OUR TRAVEL ADVISORY, OUR FIRE BAN ADVISORY AND CAMPGROUND RULES BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR STAY WITH US. ABOUT THE AREA: Schellraiser is just minutes away from the High Schells and Bristlecone wilderness areas, and within an hour's drive of Nevada's wildest high-mountain and high-desert scenery. Subalpine peaks, rugged canyons, wild rock formations, natural hot springs and ghost towns are all around us, and the surrounding area is teeming with wildlife, including Nevada's biggest elk herd. ABOUT US: We're the founders of the annual Schellraiser micro-fest, which brought bands like Ladytron, Mercury Rev, The Raveonettes, Blonde Redhead, Asleep At The Wheel, We Are Scientists, The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Old 97's, Houndmouth, Shannon Shaw and BRONCHO to the nearby McGill Pool Park each spring. The fest will return to a new venue (not in McGill) in 2026.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$18
 / night
Rancho Los Coches RV Park

2. Rancho Los Coches RV Park

458mi from Ely · 32 sites
Nestled in the heart of east San Diego County, Rancho Los Coches RV Park stands out as the most historic RV park in Southern California, being the site of the smallest Mexican land grant from 1843. This unique campground offers a perfect blend of history and modern amenities, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding area. Located in Lakeside, Rancho Los Coches RV Park features resort-quality accommodations, including rental units, tent sites, and RV spaces. The park is designed to be family and pet-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their stay. Guests can take advantage of the park's proximity to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and swimming in nearby natural features. With local restaurants and shops just a short drive away, you’ll have everything you need for a memorable getaway. Experience the charm and tranquility of this hidden gem in San Diego County, where history meets adventure.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

3. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%
(69)
868 sites · Mono City, California
Explore the largest national forest in the lower 48 with trails, fishing spots and hot springs.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cave Lake State Park

4. Cave Lake State Park

100%
(2)
4 sites · Ely, Nevada
With a 32-acre lake surrounded by mountains and trees, this Nevada park offers a scenic getaway.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

5. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

15 sites · Ely, Nevada
Explore historic beehive ovens and the Great Basin landscape at this remote Nevada park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

In Ely, you’ll find over 80 campsites set up for hikers—think high desert trails, bristlecone pine forests, and mountain views that don’t quit. Prices average $18 a night, with some options down to $15 if you’re travelling light. Top picks include Schellraiser (98 reviews), a favorite for its open sky and quick access to wild backcountry, Hidden Canyon's Glamping Cabins (19 reviews) for a more sheltered stay, and 2 Fenced In 5 Acres - No utilities (1 review) if you want to keep it minimal. Expect basic toilets, pet-friendly sites, and plenty of places to build a campfire. When you’re not on the trail, locals swim in clear lakes or break out the snow gear in winter. Ely’s campsites are geared for hikers who want real access to the land, without the crowds.

97% (134) 25 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ely

Schellraiser

1. Schellraiser

98%
(197)
13mi from Ely · 92 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The Schellraiser music fest offers a variety of seasonal camping options at our 80-acre private campground in the cool high desert of Eastern Nevada's Steptoe Valley, near the small town of McGill. Our Lotus Belle-brand bell tents are solar powered and fully furnished, with king, queen and twin beds; organic Avocado-brand mattresses; rugs; loveseats; floor lamps; charging ports and wi-fi service. Car-camping and pitch-your-own-tent sites without power are also available. Our campground features several tiny homes; we've converted the biggest one into our clubhouse that is now open to all guests from Thursday through Sunday nights. The clubhouse has a small kitchen area for cooking simple meals. We're also gearing up to reopen our coffee bar on weekends in late spring 2025; our menu features hot and cold espresso drinks, organic teas and organic chocolate bars. A heated six-unit restroom/shower trailer is on site. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, TO ENSURE THAT WE MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS: We are an OFF-GRID campground, in a very remote part of rural Eastern Nevada. To reach our campground, you must drive eight-tenths of a mile off the main highway, on a rocky DIRT ROAD that is susceptible to flooding from April to mid-July in wet years. Drivers with Teslas, Audis and low-clearance vehicles are STRONGLY ADVISED to look elsewhere for lodging. PLEASE READ ALL CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS, OUR TRAVEL ADVISORY, OUR FIRE BAN ADVISORY AND CAMPGROUND RULES BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR STAY WITH US. ABOUT THE AREA: Schellraiser is just minutes away from the High Schells and Bristlecone wilderness areas, and within an hour's drive of Nevada's wildest high-mountain and high-desert scenery. Subalpine peaks, rugged canyons, wild rock formations, natural hot springs and ghost towns are all around us, and the surrounding area is teeming with wildlife, including Nevada's biggest elk herd. ABOUT US: We're the founders of the annual Schellraiser micro-fest, which brought bands like Ladytron, Mercury Rev, The Raveonettes, Blonde Redhead, Asleep At The Wheel, We Are Scientists, The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Old 97's, Houndmouth, Shannon Shaw and BRONCHO to the nearby McGill Pool Park each spring. The fest will return to a new venue (not in McGill) in 2026.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$18
 / night
Rancho Los Coches RV Park

2. Rancho Los Coches RV Park

458mi from Ely · 32 sites
Nestled in the heart of east San Diego County, Rancho Los Coches RV Park stands out as the most historic RV park in Southern California, being the site of the smallest Mexican land grant from 1843. This unique campground offers a perfect blend of history and modern amenities, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding area. Located in Lakeside, Rancho Los Coches RV Park features resort-quality accommodations, including rental units, tent sites, and RV spaces. The park is designed to be family and pet-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their stay. Guests can take advantage of the park's proximity to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and swimming in nearby natural features. With local restaurants and shops just a short drive away, you’ll have everything you need for a memorable getaway. Experience the charm and tranquility of this hidden gem in San Diego County, where history meets adventure.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

3. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%
(69)
868 sites · Mono City, California
Explore the largest national forest in the lower 48 with trails, fishing spots and hot springs.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cave Lake State Park

4. Cave Lake State Park

100%
(2)
4 sites · Ely, Nevada
With a 32-acre lake surrounded by mountains and trees, this Nevada park offers a scenic getaway.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

5. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

15 sites · Ely, Nevada
Explore historic beehive ovens and the Great Basin landscape at this remote Nevada park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

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