East Creek Campground
05 reviewsDuck Creek Basin road 564, near McGill, Nevada
East Creek Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight use fee for single sites is $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites only. Payments are accepted in cash or check. Reservation fees may apply for reservable sites.
About this campground
Perched high on the dramatic slopes of the Schell Creek Range, East Creek Campground offers a serene mountain escape in the heart of Duck Creek Basin. Here, amid a fragrant forest of alder, pinyon, and juniper, campers discover a world where solitude meets natural beauty. A crystal-clear perennial stream meanders through select campsites, creating a gentle soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. Past visitors consistently praise the campground's peaceful atmosphere, noting how thoughtfully separated sites ensure privacy and tranquility for every guest.
The campground provides sites for both tent camping and RVs. "There are seven campsites, including one tent-only camping site and six RV sites," noted the official description.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-elevation setting creates a diverse tapestry of seasonal experiences throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland with freezing temperatures and pristine, dry conditions perfect for those seeking solitude. As summer arrives, the mountain air becomes delightfully comfortable, with daytime temperatures climbing to a pleasant range between the upper 70s and mid-80s—ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and evening campfires under star-filled skies.
ElevationAt 7,400 feet above sea level, East Creek Campground sits in the sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the desert heat, yet accessible for most visitors. This elevation brings cooler temperatures, clearer air, and stunning vistas, though visitors should prepare for thinner air and potential weather changes that come with mountain environments.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where alder trees whisper in the mountain breeze alongside ancient pinyon and juniper groves. The campground's crown jewel—a babbling perennial stream—not only provides a soothing ambiance but transforms the area into a vibrant bird sanctuary during spring and summer migrations. Adventure beckons beyond your campsite, with nearby trails and scenic drives revealing sweeping panoramas of high desert landscapes melding seamlessly with rugged mountain terrain.
Geological RegionEast Creek Campground claims its spectacular perch high on the Schell Creek Range, where the unique geology of Duck Creek Basin has created an oasis of biodiversity. This remarkable setting showcases the intersection of mountain and desert ecosystems, with the campground nestled in a protective embrace of alder, pinyon, and juniper forest. The life-giving perennial stream carves through ancient rock, while surrounding viewpoints offer dramatic vistas where high desert meets mountain majesty in a display of Nevada's diverse geological heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground features large sites suitable for RVs and tents. "Some sites are big enough for large RVs," noted one reviewer.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are separated, offering a degree of privacy. "The camps are very separated," according to a review.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and proximity to the brook, Site #3 is recommended.
Best CampsitesSite #3 was mentioned positively in a user review: 'Our site (#3) was right across the road from a babbling brook!'
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No stay limit specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated.
Groups
No information about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThere are 12 sites, including one tent-only and six RV sites. Sites are described as 'very separated' by user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonEnd of May to mid-October, weather permitting.
Reservation PlatformsEly Ranger District (Phone: 775-289-3031, Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable; no information on walk-up availability explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy stated.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
East Creek Campground offers several recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding. "The Ranger Trail, accessible from the campground, is a designated OHV trail that also accommodates hiking and mountain biking," according to official sources.
Hiking
The Ranger Trail offers opportunities for both day hikes and backpacking. "There's a 4x4 trail at the end of the campgrounds; made for a beautiful hike," mentioned one user review.Biking
Mountain biking is supported, particularly on the Ranger Trail, which accommodates hikers and OHV riders as well.Winter Activities
No winter activities are specified.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports (kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding) are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include flooding from the creek during heavy rainfall, as noted in user reviews: 'a creek runs straight through some of the sites so I do not recommend in case of flash flood.'
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.5 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 located in Ely, NV. Ely Ranger District office (825 Avenue E, Ely, NV 89301, phone: 775-289-3031) is open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingInformation on trash and recycling facilities is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresA perennial stream runs through the campground, enhancing its scenic beauty. Some campsites are located close to the creek.
Common complaintsRestrooms are far from some sites, as noted by Luis Licea: 'the only thing is the restrooms are far away.' Some users also mentioned that there is no cell phone service.
Campground Map
Duck Creek Basin road 564, near McGill, Nevada
Driving directionsFrom Ely, Nevada, take Highway 93 north to the town of McGill. From McGill, keep going north on Highway 93 for 5 miles to the Duck Creek Basin turnoff. Proceed east on Duck Creek Basin road and turn left at the sign for East Creek Recreation Area Road 564.
Access from major roads is generally good but involves a 3-mile dirt road. According to user reviews, '3 miles down a dirt road, but so worth it!' and 'There are two cattle gates inside but no issues turning around.'Nearby places
Ely, NV (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials can be found in Ely, NV, approximately 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
East Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment about East Creek Campground is largely positive, with appreciation for its improved facilities, secluded campsites, and natural beauty. However, concerns about restroom proximity and flood risks were highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews praised the new facilities, including grills and fire rings, the natural beauty of the location, and the spaciousness of the sites suitable for RVs and tents. "What a find!" exclaimed one...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted that restrooms are located far away, and the campground's proximity to a creek might pose a flash flood risk. "Looks like a nice and quiet campground...I do not recommend in case of...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should prepare for the absence of potable water and cell service. "Be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK," another user emphasized.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from late May to mid-October, with user reviews indicating summer months as optimal for visitation due to favorable weather and fewer crowds.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"What a find! 3 miles down a dirt road, but so worth it!" "The camps are very separated and a creek runs straight through some of them." "There is no cell service there, just a heads up."
Based on 5 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #3 was specifically mentioned in a user review for its proximity to a brook: "Our site (#3) was right across the road from a babbling brook!"
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. "Dogs must be on a leash," according to official sources.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025