Cave Lake State Park Nevada

Cave Lake State Park Overview

Cave Lake State Park is a peaceful mountain/high-desert destination that offers year-round outdoor recreation in the scenic Schell Creek Range. It is also about 15 miles southeast of Ely, Nevada.

Centered around the picturesque 32-acre Cave Lake Reservoir, the park combines cool alpine scenery, abundant wildlife, and excellent fishing opportunities, making it a favorite getaway for campers, anglers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Camping is available in two developed campgrounds—Elk Flat Campground and Lake View Campground—offering a mix of tent and RV campsites in a quiet forested setting. Campsites include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and parking pads, while modern restrooms and seasonal showers provide added convenience. Group camping and picnic areas are also available, making the park ideal for family gatherings and outdoor group events. Elk Flat Campground is generally open seasonally, while portions of Lake View Campground remain open year-round, weather permitting.

Cave Lake State Park – Area Recreation & Activities

The park is known for its stocked rainbow trout and naturally reproducing brown trout, attracting anglers throughout the year. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, and relaxing lakeside picnics. You can also enjoy a variety of activities in the winter including ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling.

Visitors can explore several scenic hiking trails, including the Twisted Pines Trail and Overlook Trail. Wildlife is also abundant throughout the park, with frequent sightings of mule deer, elk, hawks, eagles, songbirds and other native species.

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Amenities

• Bathhouse
• BBQ Grills
• Boat Launch/Ramp
• Boat Trailer Lot
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service Poor
• Drinking Water
• Dumpsters
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Ranger Station
• RV Dump Station
• Showers
• Trash Collection

Activities

• ATVing
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Cultural Sites
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Ice Fishing
• Ice Skating
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Trails
• Paddle boarding (SUP)
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Winter/Snow Sports