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The best camping in Cave Lake State Park, NV
100% (2)
Cave Lake State Park: A Year-Round Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
100% (2)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cave Lake State Park adventure.
Top-rated campgrounds in Cave Lake State Park
Lake View Campground
1. Lake View Campground
100%
(2)
Lake View Campground sits near Cave Lake, popular for swimming, boating, and fishing
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Elk Flat Campground
2. Elk Flat Campground
Elk Flat Campground sits on Steptoe Creek, a hike or short drive from Cave Lake
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Top-rated campsites near Cave Lake State Park
Great Basin Desert Camping & RV
1. Great Basin Desert Camping & RV
97%
(513)
34mi from Cave Lake State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
PLEASE read all of the details before booking so you book the site that works best for you and also so you understand where you are staying. You will receive messages from us after booking and before your arrival, so please check your Hipcamp inbox.
The RV spaces are behind the Baker Fuel and RV gas station. All sites are back-in only and have full hook-ups: 30amp and 50 amp electricity, sewer and water. There is a public bathroom, shower and laundry facility next to the sites. RV Site 5 is closest to the bathroom and RV Site 1 is furthest away.
This camping part of the property offers five primitive campsites, situated in a natural, secluded area that was once a pond. Conveniently just south of the only gas station in town and behind the Great Basin Basecamp Airbnb, the sites are close to the highway but sit lower in elevation, providing privacy and shielding them from the road. Guests have access to a small building with clean restrooms, showers and one set of coin-operated laundry facilities for added convenience. Campsite #6 is closest to the restrooms, #10 is the furthest. No campfires as our fire danger is very high most of the year. There are water spigots at Site #6, between #7 and #8 and Site #10.
The Lehman Caves Visitor Center at Great Basin National Park is about 5 miles up the road on Highway 488.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Valley View RV Park and Mobile Home
2. Valley View RV Park and Mobile Home
11mi from Cave Lake State Park
Discover the charm of Valley View R.V. Park, a unique family-owned and operated campground that has been welcoming guests since the early 1970s. Our commitment to providing exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere sets us apart from the rest.
Nestled among mature trees and lush green grass, our park offers a serene environment perfect for relaxation. Whether you want to play fetch with your dog, toss a ball with family, or simply unwind in the tranquility of nature, Valley View is the ideal spot.
Conveniently located along highways 50, 6, and 93, we are the perfect stop for weary travelers seeking a restful retreat after a long drive. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take advantage of nearby attractions, including scenic hiking trails, refreshing swimming holes, and local dining options. Come and experience the welcoming spirit of Valley View R.V. Park, where your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities.
Whispering Elms Campground
3. Whispering Elms Campground
33mi from Cave Lake State Park
Discover the unparalleled beauty of our campground, where the serenity of the wilderness meets the majesty of ancient bristlecone pines. Nestled in a unique landscape, our site offers an escape from the ordinary, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature's wonders.
As night falls, experience the breathtaking clarity of the darkest skies, perfect for stargazing and connecting with the cosmos. Venture into the intriguing subterranean passages nearby, where adventure awaits at every turn. Don’t miss the chance to witness spectacular sunsets that paint the horizon in vibrant hues, creating unforgettable memories.
Beyond the desert's allure, our campground is surrounded by a wealth of outdoor activities. Explore nearby swimming holes, hiking trails, and local attractions that showcase the region's natural beauty. After a day of adventure, indulge in delicious meals at nearby restaurants or browse charming shops that reflect the local culture. Join us for an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the typical desert getaway!
Rancho Los Coches RV Park
4. Rancho Los Coches RV Park
456mi from Cave Lake State Park
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.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
H
Hailey
4 days ago
Tent
Group trip
Very clean campsite! Bathrooms were super nice and the 3 dollar fee for a shower was very reasonable. The laundry room is also a HUGE plus!
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G
Glen
5 days ago
18 ft pop-up camper
The bathrooms and showers were very neat and tidy, while the location is quite close to the entrance to Great Basin National Park.
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T
Tim
5 days ago
30 ft travel trailer
Site was clean and quiet and the hookups worked as expected
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J
Jessica
5 days ago
13 ft travel trailer
Ideal location so close to the park and walking distance from the local general store/ cafe. The sites were clean and perfect for our trailer. The restrooms and shower and laundry were clean and convenient. We will stay again if we are in the area again. Thanks for hosting a great little spot!
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T
Truman
6 days ago
33 ft Class C
Very well maintained. However, there needs to be more RV sites. Overall I would rate it an A+.
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Polly
6 days ago
Tent
With kids
This site was very unique. Down in a bowl was nice being protected on all sides. Cute red chairs to watch the sunset too.
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Michael
6 days ago
30 ft travel trailer
With kids
Great spot, easy location, great communication, cant get much closer to Great Basin
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R
Randy
1 week ago
25 ft travel trailer
This was our first Hipcamp experience and we were a bit skeptical about an unmanned campground in a gravel parking lot behind an unmanned gas station that shared the bathhouse with the gas station, a 3-room motel, 5 tent sites, and the general public. But it was awesome. Sites were level, clean, and had excellent views in multiple directions. The bathrooms were very nice, well-maintained and consistently clean. Laundry room prices were reasonable. It was very close to Great Basin National Park. And I got some awesome dark sky shots of the Milky Way plus telescope captures of a galaxy far, far away from the tent camping area and the ridge above it (which also had perfectly positioned Adirondack chairs to observe Wheeler Peak and ponder the wonders of the universe). The sites will only improve as the newly planted trees grow and provide some shade.
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Lora
1 week ago
14 ft travel trailer
Clean flat camp sites with picnic tables and a nice bathhouse with showers and laundry. Quiet at night even though it is near the road. Very little traffic in the area.
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Greg
1 week ago
45 ft travel trailer
With kids
Campground was exactly what I needed. Close access to Great Basin NP, utilities, nice clean bathrooms. Host communicated well and was very accommodating! Just a word of warning if you are looking for pure darkness, the gas station lights stay on so the star viewing may be better done from the park. But I would absolutely stay here again.
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T
Tom
1 week ago
29 ft fifth wheel
Small campground with only 5 sites, but well situated to Great Basin NP. Flat sites with a concrete pad for the picnic table and to sit out in chairs. Ants were pretty bad, so bring some spray to keep them at bay. It's a bit noisy as it's the only fuel station in the area. We were disappointed that we didn't get to see the stars like we wanted, as the full moon foiled us one night and clouds the next. The drive up to Mt. Wheeler is a must. The views are awesome. But the campground was fine with 5 spots, there's also 3 small rooms to rent (like a motel). Restroom and showers were also available, although we did not use them.
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Rob
1 week ago
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a nice little RV campground that is clean, roomy and has all the essentials…power, water, and sewer hookups. Although the majority of the site is gravel, there are nice cement pads and picnic tables at each spot. the bathrooms are clean and well-stocked and there are laundry facilities.
This is the perfect place to stay for a trip to Great Basin National Park. Be aware that there is no office, store or pool.
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K
Karin
1 week ago
Tent
The showers were clean and I was able to do laundry. Great place to camp if you don’t need much! Loved it.
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E
Edna-May
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
With pets
We really enjoyed our night here before heading into Great Basin National Park. The campground is quiet and peaceful, even though it's close to the road. The bathrooms were very clean, the hot showers were great, and it was nice to have access to a reasonably priced laundry room, a dump station, and clean drinking water.
When I got back from an early morning walk, I found our van surrounded by mule deer, which was a pretty special way to start the day.
We also enjoyed spending a little time in Baker. Everyone we met was friendly, and we loved walking to the general store—it was surprisingly well stocked and fun to browse.
You can tell the owners take pride in the campground and work hard to make it a comfortable place to stay. It's a great value and an easy recommendation for anyone visiting Great Basin.
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K
Kobe
2 weeks ago
Tent
We only stayed here for the night as we made a trek back home, but seemed like an amazing spot to look at the stars. Although we didn’t get to go into Great Basin NP the location of this site made for easy access. The bathrooms being clean was also a plus.
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Soo Jung
2 weeks ago
30 ft travel trailer
Stayed for 3 nights and our site was great! Clean, level, well maintained. Showers were very clean, and washer and dryer worked wonderfully. 3 minutes to the Great Basin visitor center, and 10 minutes to the Lehman visitor center. We had a perfect stay. Would highly recommend for your trip to Great Basin.
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Chris
2 weeks ago
21 ft travel trailer
Easy set up, level stone parking lot. It had accommodating laundry, showers, and bathrooms. Very close access to Great Basin National Park. It’s technically the “back yard” of the gas pumps, but that traffic wasn’t an issue. We would stay again when back at that park.
Host did reply immediately to a question which was helpful.
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Janeen
2 weeks ago
39 ft Class C
With pets
The location was very convenient to Great Basin National Park. With the gas station there it was also very useful. The site was clean with a nice new concrete space with a picnic table on it. I would stay here again.
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Hamed
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great Campsite! Clean and easy to find with decent amenities.
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Kathleen
2 weeks ago
34 ft travel trailer
With pets
Awesome location with access to fuel and a Mexican food truck across the street! My family felt safe and there were other families camping there too!
See moreCave Lake State Park camping guide
Overview
About
Cave Lake State Park beckons adventurers with its 32-acre reservoir, offering a plethora of activities from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife viewing. Nestled in the scenic high desert, this park transforms with the seasons, providing a cool retreat in summer and a snowy wonderland in winter. Campgrounds welcome visitors to extend their stay amid the natural beauty, ensuring an immersive experience in this versatile outdoor destination.
Notable campgrounds
- Elk Flat Campground is open seasonally from May to October and features large, level sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Full bathrooms, water spigots, and showers are available.
- Lake View Campground is open year-round with large campsites, flush toilets, and showers.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Cave Lake does not accept advance reservations except for the group area campsites. Each campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Because of its remote location, Cave Lake campsites are typically available even during weekends and high season.
When to go
The best time to go to Cave Lake is during the late summer and fall when roads are open and the trees are turning colors. Because of the high altitude and lake, summers are nice and cool at Cave Lake. Spring can bring some last-minute snowstorms, and in winter, the Elk Flat Campground is closed. Even still, winter sports such as ice fishing and snowmobiling are popular at Cave Lake.
Know before you go
- Because both Cave Lake campgrounds are located up in the mountains and accessed via unpaved roads, they may close in inclement weather.
- Cave Lake is set about an hour’s drive north of the only national park in Nevada: Great Basin National Park. This renowned International Dark Sky Park is known for its limited light pollution and amazing stargazing, plus its hike to the top of the 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak, which offers views into both the Utah and Nevada wilderness.
- The nearest area with services is the historic railroad town of Ely.
Reviews for Cave Lake State Park Campgrounds
100%
2 ratings · 1 review
Recommends
· June 2020
Have camped there several times. The fishing is usually very good, the hiking is excellent and the camp grounds are very well maintained a very nice group of rangers. also the surrounding area has a lot of interesting things to see and do.
Glenn D.
6 years on Hipcamp
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