Trail Hansen Ridge Campground
4.1411 reviews825 AVENUE E, Ely, NV, 89301, USA
Trail Hansen Ridge Campground
$10.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard Nonelectric site fees range from $10 to $45 depending on site type and season. Group Picnic Area fees are $60, Group Walk-To sites cost $20, and Tent-Only Nonelectric sites are $10 per night. Additional reservation fees apply based on booking method: $8 online/app, $9 through contact center, $3 in-person.
About this campground
Nestled at 8,200 feet in the rugged Schell Creek Range, Bird Creek Campground offers an authentic high-country escape in the heart of Duck Creek Basin. This intimate mountain retreat features 10 thoughtfully designed sites, from secluded single spots to spacious double walk-to sites perfect for larger groups. Adventure seekers flock here for world-class mountain biking trails, scenic hiking routes, thrilling OHV adventures, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you're seeking solitude at a single site or planning a family reunion at the multi-family area, Bird Creek provides the perfect basecamp for exploring Nevada's stunning backcountry.
Bird Creek Campground provides diverse camping options, including single sites, multi-family sites, double sites, and a day-use group site. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time just a short drive from camp at the remarkable Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park, where towering beehive-shaped stone ovens stand as monuments to Nevada's mining heritage. These perfectly preserved relics, accompanied by interpretive trails, tell the story of the region's bustling 1870s silver boom. For a journey through the golden age of railroading, the nearby Northern Nevada Railway in Ely offers immersive museum experiences and authentic train rides that transport visitors through spectacular high desert landscapes aboard lovingly restored vintage locomotives.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Nevada's high desert climate at Bird Creek, where crystal-clear skies dominate 59% of the year. Late spring through early fall offers the sweet spot for camping, with pleasantly mild summer days perfect for outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons, while winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland dusted with light snow. The dry mountain air and dramatic temperature swings between day and night create that quintessential Western camping experience—warm sunshine by day and brilliant stargazing under cool, clear nights.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,200 feet, Bird Creek Campground places you firmly in Nevada's sky-high wilderness. This lofty elevation offers cooler temperatures and pristine mountain air, though visitors should plan for gradual acclimation to avoid altitude-related discomfort. The thin air rewards those who adjust with unparalleled vistas and a true sense of escape from the lowlands below.
Natural Features and SceneryThe gentle murmur of perennial Bird Creek provides the soundtrack to your stay, as this life-giving waterway winds through camp, creating a ribbon of green in the high desert landscape. A diverse tapestry of juniper, pinyon pine, and alder trees dots the campground, their hardy forms adapted to this challenging environment. While these resilient natives offer pockets of dappled shade, much of the campground basks in the abundant sunshine characteristic of Nevada's mountains, creating an open, airy atmosphere perfect for soaking in the expansive views of the surrounding peaks.
Geological RegionBird Creek Campground occupies a privileged position within Duck Creek Basin, a natural amphitheater carved into the mighty Schell Creek Range. At 8,200 feet, this geological wonderland showcases the dramatic intersection of high desert and mountain ecosystems. The surrounding peaks tell an ancient story written in stone, where millions of years of uplift and erosion have sculpted a landscape of rugged ridgelines, hidden valleys, and sweeping vistas that epitomize the untamed beauty of Nevada's basin and range country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible facilities include grills, picnic areas, campsites, and pit toilets.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates a range of site sizes. Site 5 is described as suitable for multi-family use and can host several tents. Sites 8 and 9 require a short walk over Bird Creek, adding a unique feature.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at Bird Creek Campground is highlighted positively in reviews. One camper stated, 'If you want a private experience, off the grid, where you can't see or hear your neighbors, this is the place!'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 5 is ideal for families and accommodates multiple tents. Sites 8 and 9 require crossing short bridges, offering privacy and creekside views.
Best CampsitesSite 5 is highly praised for its size and suitability for tents. Sites 8 and 9 offer unique walk-to experiences across Bird Creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed
Guests Allowed Per Site
Varies by site type
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout10 sites including single, double, multi-family, and day-use group layouts.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 22, 2025 to September 13, 2025 for reservations; first-come-first-served from September 14 to October 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable September 14, 2025 to October 30, 2025 during the first-come, first-serve season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before the check-in date. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of reservation end date.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bird Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle riding are popular. The Ranger Trail serves as a designated OHV route and also accommodates hiking and biking. Wildlife viewing and creek-related activities enhance the nature experience.
Hiking
The Ranger Trail can be accessed from Bird Creek Campground. It is designed for hikers, mountain bikers, and off-road vehicle riders. One review describes hiking as 'arduous due to the fact that you're in a canyon.'Fishing
Fishing is available at Bird Creek, which flows perennially through the campground. Specific details about fish species are not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is a featured activity at this campground, with the Ranger Trail accommodating bikers alongside hikers and OHV riders.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is listed among the recreational options, with the campground's natural setting making it ideal for spotting local fauna.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing remain possible, although no specific winter sports are mentioned.Water Sports
The campground supports activities around Bird Creek, such as fishing, but not specialized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated; null.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rugged dirt roads for access, invasive weeds in campsites, and the high elevation (8,200 feet), which can pose challenges for sensitive individuals.
Active alertsNo current warnings or advisories found.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are presumably in Ely, which includes hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 to September 13, 2025
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, requiring campers to manage their own waste and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresBird Creek flows through the campground, accessible via bridges at walk-to sites.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include weeds taking over campsites, lack of connectivity, and the rugged 3-mile dirt road access. Some reviews, such as Rob Burkhart's, mention "weeds taking over sites" and "no connectivity unless you have satellite."
HostForest Service personnel periodically check in for visitor safety and site maintenance, as noted by Lauren Carlock.
Campground Map
825 AVENUE E, Ely, NV, 89301, USA
Driving directionsFrom Ely, travel north on Highway 93 to the town of McGill. From McGill, go north 3 miles on Highway 93 to the Duck Creek Basin turnoff. Proceed east on Duck Creek Basin Road and turn left at the sign for Bird Creek Recreation Area.
Road access includes a 3-mile dirt road, which some users describe as rugged. Rob Burkhart's review highlights that "3 miles dirt road" may be challenging for some campers.Nearby places
Ely (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes driving time)
Nearby supplies
Ely, located 25 miles away, is the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Trail Hansen Ridge Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bird Creek Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its serene and rustic atmosphere. Clean facilities, privacy, and the perennial creek are often highlighted as strengths. Some reviews mention maintenance issues, such as invasive weeds and faulty water spigots.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly praised aspects include the clean vault toilets, 'beautiful' creek-side setting, and quiet, off-grid experience. One camper remarked, 'Very comfortable, and the forest service came to check...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes weed overgrowth and occasional water spigot issues. Connectivity is also described as non-existent, which may deter those requiring internet access.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing tools for weed maintenance and preparing for an off-grid experience due to lack of connectivity. One user noted, 'Be prepared to walk some stuff into site 5. It’s not far!'
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that autumn offers stunning visuals with flowing creeks and vibrant colors, while summer provides a quiet and private environment. Winter usability is limited due to seasonal...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Two clean vault toilets, large sites that could accommodate fairly large RVs as well as tents.'
2. 'Would definitely camp here again! Came here with the dogs to watch the eclipse.'
3. 'Weeds...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes:
- Site 5: 'Great space for a large family.'
- Site 8 and 9: 'Require a short walk from the parking area, on one to two bridges over Bird Creek.'
- Site 2: 'Private...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Several reviews highlight accessible features such as grills, picnic areas, campsites, and pit toilets. No specific user experiences from individuals with disabilities were noted.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user noted bringing dogs to watch the eclipse, indicating the campground is pet-friendly. No specific amenities for pets were mentioned.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025