Jack Creek Campground
4.296 reviews660 South 12th Street, Ste. 108, Elko, NV 89801
Jack Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required for this site. Free camping is available.
About this campground
Tucked away in a breathtaking cottonwood grove where Jack Creek whispers through the landscape, this hidden gem offers adventurers a true back-to-nature experience without the price tag. Whether you're drawn by the thrill of the hunt, the patience of the perfect cast, the dust and excitement of OHV trails, or the simple pleasure of hiking through untamed wilderness, Jack Creek Campground serves as your free basecamp for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Jack Creek Campground offers a primitive camping experience with separate areas for tents and small trailers. There are no hookups or luxury options available.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you camp among the same cottonwoods that sheltered early American pioneers and prospectors. The ghosts of the Old West linger in the nearby historic towns of Mardis and Charleston, where fortune-seekers once dreamed of gold. These scattered campsites have witnessed generations of travelers, from Native peoples to miners to modern adventurers, each leaving their mark on this culturally rich landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of mountain seasons at Jack Creek, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow and frost, perfect for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. As the seasons turn, summer emerges with warm, sun-drenched days ideal for exploration, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the cottonwoods green and the creek flowing.
ElevationPerched at a refreshing 6,500 feet above sea level, Jack Creek Campground offers a natural escape from summer's heat while treating visitors to sweeping mountain vistas. This elevated paradise provides crisp, clean air and panoramic views that stretch across the surrounding peaks, creating the perfect backdrop for your mountain retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering aspens and ancient cottonwoods, where dappled sunlight filters through leaves that shimmer gold in autumn. The gentle murmur of Jack Creek provides a natural soundtrack as it meanders alongside your campsite, while the majestic silhouettes of McAfee Peak and Wilson Peak frame the horizon, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every turn.
Geological RegionSet within a remarkable geological tapestry where mining history meets natural splendor, Jack Creek Campground occupies a unique position in this storied landscape. The surrounding aspen and cottonwood forests tell tales of the region's past, growing where prospectors once sought their fortunes in the shadows of old mining towns like Mardis, Charleston, and Gold Creek. This historic open area along Jack Creek offers a window into both the geological wonders and human heritage of the American West.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were described in the source material.
Sites SizeThe campground offers sites suitable for small trailers and tents. One user stated that there are two camping areas: the main upper campground has approximately 6 sites, while the lower camping area has about 5 primitive sites.
Sites PrivacySites are described as being in an open cottonwood area, suggesting limited privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites suitable for small trailers and tents; some picnic tables need repair.
Best CampsitesTwo primary camping areas: Upper campground with six sites featuring metal fire rings and picnic tables (some in need of repair) and lower campground with five primitive sites and rock ringed fire pits.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours
Check-out
Open 24 hours
Stay Limit
Unknown
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown
Groups
No designated group sites were mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTwo separate camping areas with approximately six sites in the upper area and five in the lower area.
Open and Closed SeasonGenerally open May to October as weather and conditions allow.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability exists with approximately 11 sites split between upper and lower campground areas. Hunting season can lead to full occupancy.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy noted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Jack Creek Campground is popular for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can engage in hunting, fishing, hiking, and OHV riding. The campground's stream and surrounding mountainous terrain offer diverse recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include both day hikes and backpacking. The area features trails that allow access to scenic mountain peaks and historical sites.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with one user specifically mentioning catching Brook trout in the creek.Biking
Mountain biking is supported, although details about specific trails are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Several user reviews highlight the presence of wildlife, making the campground a suitable spot for wildlife observation.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not extensively described, although the campground's elevation (6,500 feet) suggests potential for snow during winter months.Water Sports
No water sports facilities or opportunities were mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Metal fire rings and rock-ringed fire pits available; no specific fire restrictions noted.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rough dirt roads, wildlife, and limited potable water.
Active alertsBathrooms are noted as disgusting with possible seasonal issues like dead fly carcasses.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Emergency Services
Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District's Elko Office; Address: 660 South 12th Street, Ste. 108, Elko, NV 89801; Phone: 775-738-5171
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified, but hunting season generally causes high occupancy.
Trash and recyclingCampers are requested to pack out all trash, as there are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Jack Creek, which is suitable for fly fishing.
Common complaintsReviews mention poor bathroom conditions and rough access roads.
HostNo information on campground host availability.
Campground Map
660 South 12th Street, Ste. 108, Elko, NV 89801
Driving directionsJack Creek Campground is located on County Road 732 approximately 4 miles east of State Highway 226 and approximately 15 miles west of State Highway 225 on County Road 732.
The dirt access road is rough in places and may require a high clearance vehicle due to pot holes, boulders, and low-hanging branches. Trailers and large vehicles may face difficulties.Nearby places
Tuscarora, NV (approximately 20 miles west), Elko, NV (approximately 70 miles southeast)
Nearby supplies
Elko, NV (approximately 70 miles southeast) offers grocery stores, fuel, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.3
6 reviews
Jack Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and remoteness of the campground, as well as its suitability for activities like hunting, fishing, and OHV riding. However, some users criticize the poor condition of restrooms and the rough road leading to the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the scenic surroundings, with one describing it as 'a beautiful little camping area.' The presence of a stream and opportunities for fly fishing are also frequently mentioned. OHV trails...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the poor maintenance of restrooms, described as 'disgusting' or 'full of dead fly carcasses.' The access road is also criticized for being rough, with potholes and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing a high-clearance vehicle due to the rough access road. Campers are also advised to pack out all trash and come prepared for a dry camping experience, as there is no potable...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground tends to fill up during hunting season, as noted in multiple sources. Poor restroom conditions may worsen during busier times.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Free dry camping near Tuscarora NV... perfect for hunting, fishing, OHV riding and hiking the surrounding peaks.' 2. 'Bathrooms were disgusting but it could just be the season.' 3. 'The husband...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user described two camping areas: the upper campground with 6 sites featuring metal fire rings and picnic tables, and a lower area with 5 primitive sites and rock fire pits.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no further details from user reviews about pet-related amenities or experiences were provided.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025