If you're looking for a horse campsite in Nevada, Timber Creek Campground located in Duck Creek Basin might just be what you're looking for. This campground is found high up on the Schell Creek Range, with an elevation of 8,500 feet, approximately 25 miles from the small town of Ely. Here, visitors can indulge in various outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and off-road vehicle riding, all in the midst of natural beauty.
Timber Creek Campground offers five group campsites, which cater to different group sizes between 25-100 people. Some of these sites require a short walk from the parking area, over Timber Creek, to reach the site pad. However, all sites are equipped with a picnic and serving tables, a campfire ring, and a grill. Drinking water and vault toilets are also provided, though this is a “pack it in, pack it out” site, with no trash collection service.
The location of the campground is spectacular - it sits in the middle of a dense forest of Engelmann spruce, aspen, and white fir trees. Therefore, the campsite offers partial shade and beautiful fall colors. Timber Creek flows right past the campground, adding to the tranquil ambiance. High Schells Wilderness, which is immediately adjacent to the campground, boasts multiple peaks greater than 11,000 ft. in elevation and is a popular hiking location.
For fishing enthusiasts, Timber Creek is a perennial stream that affords you the opportunity to catch rainbow and brook trout. The High Schells Wilderness, accessible from the trailhead located half a mile up the road from the campground, is also an excellent location for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness.
In conclusion, for those who love horseback riding and the outdoors, Timber Creek Campground in Duck Creek Basin, eastern Nevada, is a great place to experience the natural beauty of the area. With its stunning location, group campsites with varying sizes, and a wide range of activities to indulge in, it's an ideal campsite for anyone seeking adventure and relaxation.
Directions:
From Ely, Nevada, take US 93 north and drive 5 miles north past the town of McGill. Turn on State Route 486 and continue 8 miles on this paved road. Turn left on Forest Road 425 at the Timber Creek sign. Drive up this dirt road another 3 miles to the campground.
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.
Timber Creek Campground offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Accessible Vault Toilets
- RV Sites
- Drinking Water
- Parking Area
- Playground
- Accessible Playground
- Drinking Water (peak season)
- Accessible Pit Toilets
- Pets Allowed
- Picnic Tables
- Accessible Sites
- Grills
- Self-Pay Station
Nearby Attractions:
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park is a few miles southeasts 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.
Operational Hours: End of May - September, as weather and conditions allow.
Policies:
- Trailers and RVs are limited to 34 feet in length, due to tight turns.
- Dogs must be on a leash in the campground.
- Stock is only allowed in the corral area.
Cost Details:
$8 Single/$35-$60 Group
- Group Site D - $45.00
- Tent Only - $10.00
- Group Sites B C E - $35.00
- Site A - $60.00
- Group Sites: up to 29 people start at $35/day, 30-49 people is $45/day, and 50-100 max is $55/day.
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
HUMBOLDT NATIONAL FOREST - Timber Creek North Fork Trail
HUMBOLDT NATIONAL FOREST - Lamoille Lake Trail
SACRAMENTO PASS RECREATION AREA - Sacramento Pass Trail Loop
Timber Creek Campground does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Timber Creek Campground for more information.