We had the opportunity to visit this hidden gem in 2020. We aren't fishermen/women but we do like to camp, hike and explore. We arrived later in the day and found a trail map. We chose the hardest trail both grade and altitude wise and off we went. We were there in early October and the leaves were changing so that was a plus. Our hike was a great challenge and we got in a terrific workout. The lake itself is currently being drained to fix the dam. This will take some serious time so I would not advise heading here to fish until this work is completed. I can only imagine how beautiful the lake is when full. I still found it lovely to visit and hike the surrounding mountains. Plenty of quality campsites and not crowded at all. In Nevada, we still have many wide open spaces to explore. So grateful for that fact! I will definitely return once the lake is full again so I can really enjoy the area even more. read more

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We came, unfortunately, when the lake was drained for dam reconstruction. However, that didn't stop us from taking in a beautiful part of Nevada!!! The aspens in early October are absolutely beautiful and so fun for a hike up the hill and to play in. Cave Lake isn't far from Ely, and Ward Charcoal Ovens is also nearby. I feel like that's important to mention because of how far out Cave Lake already is. It's good to know you can see some other sites!! Our whole family wants to go back to really explore some of the trails - one day! read more

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I'd really like to give Cave Lake a 5 star review but it's not 5 stars. If you are planning on fishing or playing in the lake you will be super bummed. They are draining the lake so they can fix the dam. We were told that the project is projected to take 10 years. They water level is so low there is no longer a dock. Before we knew what was going on with the lake we bought a 2 day fishing license...when we got to the lake the water was so low that the shore line was steep slopes or pure mud. My kids kept sinking into the mud. It was pretty nasty. The fish must not be to happy with the water levels because this fairly easy fishing spot of the past is no longer. Over 2 days (10 hours) nobody caught a fish. There were 2 kids and 3 adults. I will have to say the weather was nice and the water felt cool. I do love how this state park has the red roads. If you are interested in camping in a trailer or motor home it's $5 a night and they do have water hookups but not power. Their are also bathrooms and a fish cleaning station (incase you catch a fish). read more

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My first trip to Cave Lake was so enjoyable. It was such a great experience! I was not disappointed. It is beautiful out there and my family really enjoyed it. We had a small picnic and it was super easy to get a table. There was a few tables near the trees with an amazing view of the lake. We had brought a couple of boats with us to hang out in the lake and let me just say it was an unforgettable experience. It was super muddy near the shore line and we all sunk in! Haha it was super freaky - seemed like quick mud! But overall it was so much fun. There was a few people fishing and others hanging around the lake. Not too crowded when we went. Definitely recommend this amazing spot. read more

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This is a beautiful lake. There was a $5 park fee. There were some areas like the cave that were not open due to the pandemic. People were kayaking but the shoreline was very muddy so be sure to bring appropriate footwear. No parking issues and there were nice handicapped spots available. read more

Cave Lake State Park - Beautiful lake - Boating Near Me

So how can I give nature less then 5 stars? I can't, the state park is picked from the pristine nature of the surrounding area. Going form a flat valley seeing the extremes of nature and the surrounding mountains. You feel like you are in a movie or comic book because the extremes are so, well, extreme. The time we were here there was no snow, the next day we woke to see snow on the mountains. We drove to a local spot nearby and it rained and as we looked behind the rain turned the mountain into snow. Beautiful and breathtaking views from anywhere you are. You are in the valley closer to Salt Lake City than to Reno or Las Vegas. It is located where the southern end of the magnificent Steptoe Valley meets foothills of the Egan Range near the Great Basin National Park. There are two camp grounds located within the valley and state park and many hiking trails. A close 7 miles to the main road and a close 7 miles more to supplies and hotels. A lake to fish in and roads to explore. As I said how can you give nature less the 5 stars it's beautiful take a drive and go see. read more

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We pulled into the Elk Flat Campground on a Monday night about 7PM with no reservation. Thankfully there were tent spaces available. Beautiful views and really nice camping spaces with graded and demarcated spaces for eating ( with clean metal table) parking and setting up a tent. Very nice bathrooms and showers constructed with wood and tile. There were no more payment envlopes but another camper gave us a blank envope to deposit our reasonable camping fee ($20 for non-Nevada vehicle). No camp host or ranger. Easy access from the highway and quiet. The night sky was filled with stars as there is little light pollution. Managed by NV parks this campground was a gem. read more

BEST LAKE EVER!!!!! Very small lake, makes finding your own spot easy. There are not many people there on the weekdays. Fun place to take our dog and have a beer. The water looks like Hawaiian water and the camp and facilities themselves are great!!! The entrance fee was $7 and you pay based on the honor system. read more

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Me and my family come here every year and all I can say is wow! The camp sites are great and include clean bathrooms, showers, clean running water, grills, fire pits, and so much more! Cave lake is being drained right now so you can't do anything there but there are plenty of other fishing spots around Ely. If you want a great camping experience you can't go wrong with Cave Lake! read more

Camped over Labor Day at the Lake View Campground located within the Cave Lake State Park near Ely, Nevada. When we arrived there was only one spot open, campsite #26. It was windy and this spot was exposed to the wind, but there were enough trees to shelter our tent. This campsite was in a nice location - on the outer edge of the campground with great views in all directions. On the second and third day, the wind died down and we really enjoyed our site. There was a short walk up to the site from our parking pad. Each campsite has a picnic table, a fire pit, and grill that extends over the fire pit. Note: there is NO FIREWOOD for purchase at the campground, we drove into Ely and bought a few bundles from the Shell station (at the intersection of Highway 6 and 50), you can also get firewood at Ridley's (local grocery store in Ely). Bathrooms have running water and there are free showers (i.e., no coin operated showers at this campsite!). Also, there are water spigots located throughout the campground. Hiking was A+, fishing was not as successful. Lake is small but peaceful and beautiful. We had a nice visit and good break from the Vegas summer heat. We will return! read more

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What an amazing gem! From start to finish! Clean site with shower/bathroom facilities comparable to my home! We arrived to site 13 to find it already raked up and the fire pit had also obviously been cleaned too.The lake was also very clean and BOY did we catch fish! Nice fish cleaning station with tons of spots to sit right on the lake, perfect for pets.. I cant think of one bad thing to say! We didn't hike at all, but I did notice a few different hiking maps. Cute little steam that runs next to the campground. Overall... A+++ GREAT JOB STEVE!! read more

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Love this lake, it is small but it's perfect for kayaking, which is what we use it for once a year. I'd rather drive 5 hours to kayak in this lake than 30 mins to Lake Mead. The water is clear and cool in midsummer. The Rangers here we're friendly and helpful whenever we talked with any of them. We need to visit during the Fire and Ice Festival some year for sure. read more

Two great camp grounds, Elk Flats and Cave Lake View campground. All the spots are roomy and include a picnic table and shade shelter as well as a bbq and fire ring. Elk Flats has a reservable group camp. Didn't see one at Cave Lake View, but doesn't mean there isn't one there. There are showers and toilets at both locations. The Cave Lake View campground is just above the lake and has accessible fish cleaning tables. Both campgrounds have handicap accessible campsites. Beautiful area, definitely recommend for a weekend trip. read more

great camping large wide clean rv spots water nearby flush toilets and hot showers nice close to town but far enough to enjoy nature and peacefulness. clean well maintained. stayed at lake view camp ground. picnic table, fire ring, level spots . walked to water too cool to get in ( end of sept it snowed) . i would suggest quiet hours 8am- 7pm . even-though there was only 3 pepole there i could imagine in peak season when quiet hours are 7am to 10pm where is the tranquility???? nice place good for atv riding nearby trials and lots of hiking. dump station clean, and easy to get in and out of , fresh water easy to fill up. go and enjoy read more