9
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND
Overview Timber Creek Campground is located in Duck Creek Basin, high on the Schell Creek Range, in eastern Nevada. It sits at an elevation of 8,500 feet, approximately 25 miles from the small city of Ely. Visitors to the area enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing and off-road vehicle riding, among other activities. Recreation Timber Creek is a perennial stream with rainbow and brook trout fishing. The High Schells Wilderness can be accessed from a trailhead located a half-mile up the road from the campground. The 30-mile Success Loop Scenic Drive is located in the Duck Creek Basin with views of the surrounding high desert and mountain terrain. Access to the Ranger OHV Trail is located below the campground and offers recreational opportunities for OHVs, horseback, mountain bikes and hiking. Facilities Timber Creek is a perennial stream with rainbow and brook trout fishing. The High Schells Wilderness can be accessed from a trailhead located a half-mile up the road from the campground. The 30-mile Success Loop Scenic Drive is located in the Duck Creek Basin with views of the surrounding high desert and mountain terrain. Access to the Ranger OHV Trail is located below the campground and offers recreational opportunities for OHVs, horseback, mountain bikes and hiking. Natural Features The campground is situated in a dense forest of Engelmann spruce, aspen and white fir trees, which offers partial shade and beautiful fall color. Timber Creek flows past the campground. High Schells Wilderness sits immediately ajacent to the campground and has multiple peaks greater than 11,000 ft. in elevation. Nearby Attractions Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park is a few miles southeast of Ely, providing an opportunity to see interesting historic stone ovens and hike an interpretive trail. The Northern Nevada Railway in Ely has a museum and offers train rides. Cave Lake State Park is a few miles south of Duck Creek Basin along the Success Loop Road.
- 9 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (9).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND special
Timber Creek Campground is a hidden gem for those who love high-country solitude and the thrill of discovering a place the crowds have not found yet. Tucked into the Duck Creek Basin on the eastern flank of the Schell Creek Range, this tiny 9-site campground sits at a lofty 8,500 feet elevation, about 25 miles from the small city of Ely in east-central Nevada. Up here, the air is thin and cool, the ponderosa pines are tall, and the nearest traffic jam is a very long drive away. The surrounding Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through alpine meadows and aspen groves that blaze gold in autumn. Birding is rewarding, and the basin's creeks attract mule deer, elk, and the occasional wild turkey. For history buffs, the town of Ely is home to the Nevada Northern Railway, a beautifully preserved steam railroad that runs excursion trains through the high desert. With only nine sites, Timber Creek is first-come, first-served and operates on a seasonal basis, typically from June through September depending on snowpack. Facilities are basic, so come prepared for self-sufficient camping. This is a campground for those who value peace, dark skies, and the kind of mountain quiet that settles deep into your bones. If you are passing through on the Loneliest Road in America, this detour into the high country is absolutely worth the side trip.
Campsite Inventory
9 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE PIT TOILETS
Accessible Pit Toilets
ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND
Accessible Playground
ACCESSIBLE SITES
Accessible Sites
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Group, Single
Check-in time
10:00 AM, 11:00 AM
Check-out time
11:00 AM, 2:00 PM
DRINKING WATER (PEAK SEASON)
Drinking Water (peak season)
Driveway surface
Gravel
GRILLS
Grills
Grills/Fire Ring
Grills
Max guests
100, 25, 50, 6
Max vehicle length (ft)
20, 34, 35
Minimum guests
Yes
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic Tables
Pets allowed
Yes
SELF PAY STATION
Self Pay Station
Shade
No, Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
775-289-3031
Getting There
From McGill, travel north on Highway 93 for 5 miles. Turn on State Route 486 and continue 8 miles on the paved road. Turn left on Forest Road 425, at the Timber Creek sign, and drive up the dirt road another 3 miles to the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND?
TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (9).
Where is TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND located?
TIMBER CREEK CAMPGROUND is in Nevada near ELY. Coordinates: 39.4000, -114.6275.
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