Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Nevada
66

Nevada State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Nevada
Pony Express Region
Cave Lake State Park
Cave Lake State Park © Gary OToole
Mountain Bluebird © stateparks.com
Mountain Bluebird
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
CAVE LAKE STATE PARK
CAVE LAKE STATE PARK
P.O. Box 761
Ely, Nevada   89315

Phone: 775-728-4460
Email: park email button icon
Cave Lake is open year round and is located 15 miles southeast of Ely via U.S. 50/6/93 and Success Summit Road. The 32-acre reservoir at Cave Lake State Park is popular for trout fishing, crawdadding, boating, hiking, picnicking and camping. Perched in the middle of the Schell Creek Range, adjacent to the Humboldt National Forest at an elevation of 7,300 feet, the park offers outstanding scenic views and opportunities for nature study and photography. Facilities include campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails and a boat launch. Winter sports such as ice fishing, cross-country skiing and ice skating are also available. Snow sculpting is becoming a popular activity, and the White Pine Fire & Ice Show is the premier winter event in the area.
Nature of the Area
Park weather is highly seasonal with wide variations in temperature. Summertime highs may range from the upper 80's and 90's with lows in the 30's and 40's at night. Wintertime highs are often in the 30's and 40's and nights are often below zero. Extreme lows may reach thirty below zero. Snow is common from early December through early April with several feet on the ground through peak winter months. The remainder of the year is relatively dry, and rain and snow showers are infrequent. However, late afternoon summer thunderstorms are common. Ely, Nevada weather reports are consistent with weather at the park.
Camping
Camping: The park offers two designated campgrounds - Elk Flat Campground and Lake View Campground. Extra fees do not apply to tow-in vehicles. All sites are level and include a fire pit with grill, table and parking. Access roads to campsites are unpaved. With the exception of one group site in each campground, camping is on a first come, first serve basis . Fees are charged per vehicle and are payable at fee stations located in the campgrounds. Reservations are accepted for the group camping sites at Lake View and Elk Flat Campgrounds starting January 2nd each year. Please contact a ranger for overflow camping information.
Swimming
1. Cave Lake State Park offers a 32-acre reservoir for swimming.
2. The lake's water is cool and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.
3. Swimming is permitted throughout the entire lake area.
4. No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk policy applies here.
5. Water visibility varies depending upon weather conditions and time of year.

6. The park provides restrooms near the beach areas for swimmers' convenience.

7. Picnic tables by the shore allow you to relax after swimming sessions.

8. Swimming during winter months may not be advisable due to cold temperatures.

9. Water shoes or sandals recommended as some parts have rocky bottoms.

10. Remember that Nevada law requires children under 13 wear life jackets when in open bodies of water.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Non-motorized boats, canoes, and rubber rafts are allowed on the 32-acre reservoir all year round. Motorized boats with electric motors are also permitted but gas-powered engines aren't allowed to maintain tranquility in the area. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout making it an ideal spot for fishing from your boat as well.
Fishing
Fishing and crawdadding are permitted 24 hours a day. Licenses are available in Ely, and a trout stamp is required. Fishermen will find naturally born brown trout in Cave Lake and park streams. The lake is also stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing is excellent for boaters as well as from the shore. Motorized boats are permitted on the lake, but may not exceed 5 mph (flat wake). For more details on license requirements, fishing methods, and limits, see the current year Nevada fishing regulations.


Location
Cave Lake State Park is

Picnicking
Several picnic areas can be found along the lake shore. Restrooms, tables, grills and water are available. Fees are charged for each vehicle and are payable at the fee station located at the entrance to the lake area.
Bicycling
Biking trails are available, but riders should be aware of the rugged terrain. Helmets and safety gear are recommended.

The 4-mile Cave Lake Overlook Trail is a popular choice for experienced cyclists due to its steep inclines.

For less challenging rides, consider the Twisted Pines or Elk Flat Trails which offer smoother paths suitable for beginners.

Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle more difficult routes like Steptoe Creek Loop with caution as it has sharp turns and rocky sections.

Remember that weather conditions may affect trail accessibility; always check forecasts before planning your ride.

Night riding is not advised because visibility could become an issue in this remote location.

Always respect wildlife you might encounter on these trails - keep safe distances from animals at all times.

Ensure bikes undergo regular maintenance checks prior to any cycling activity within park boundaries to avoid breakdowns during trips.

Lastly, remember there's no cell service here so plan accordingly by informing someone about your trip beforehand just in case emergencies arise while exploring these scenic bike routes!
Trails
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails. Two developed hiking trails areas are maintained. An easy, three-mile round trip can be found on the Steptoe Creek Trail. The trail starts at the parking lot below the dam crossing the creek on a series of foot bridges and returns via Success Summit Road. The Cave Springs Trail, including five miles of moderately strenuous hiking, starts at the lower parking lot and meanders throughout the surrounding hills.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species including waterfowl, songbirds and raptors. Guided birding tours are available.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 16 LOVE YOU CAVE LAKE
park review stars; one to five Our Family loves loves loves Cave Lake. The Rangers are friendly. The camp sites are immaculate. The bathrooms are clean. The fishing is never disappointing. This is a once a year must for my family.
August 13 Wonderful Get Away! by BradleyStuart
park review stars; one to five Like entering a different world. Just a beautiful natural resource with a relaxing environment to do a little fishing and let your worries just melt away.
July 9 Grew up
park review stars; one to five I grew up with my granparents taking me here fishing! Now in my thirties I still drive over 1000 miles (from CA) to take my children once or twice a year! It is beautiful! Love the caves driving in and all the quiet!
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Nevada
66

Nevada State Parks

X