Lye Creek Campground
4.449 reviewsLye Creek Campground, Santa Rosa Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Winnemucca, NV
Lye Creek Campground
$8.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight Use: Single Site $8/night, Double Site $10/night, Group Site $25/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for Single Campsites ONLY. Payment must be made in cash or check.
About this campground
Hidden deep within the Santa Rosa Mountain Range, Lye Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This pristine primitive camping haven offers 14 thoughtfully spaced campsites, including four spacious double sites perfect for families and a dedicated group site for larger gatherings. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, campfire rings for evening storytelling, and BBQ pedestals for outdoor cooking. Modern vault toilets provide basic comfort while maintaining the site's rustic charm. Whether you're casting a line in the crystal-clear creek, exploring miles of hiking trails, tackling challenging mountain bike routes, or navigating thrilling OHV trails, Lye Creek serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures.
Lye Creek Campground primarily supports primitive camping, with no modern hookups for RVs. It includes single, double, and group sites, but RV camping is not recommended due to challenging access roads.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the lasting legacy of America's Great Depression era at Lye Creek. The nearby Guard Station stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and determination of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands shaped the access road and structures in the early 20th century. These young men, part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's ambitious New Deal program, left their mark on this wilderness, creating infrastructure that continues to welcome visitors nearly a century later. Their enduring handiwork serves as a reminder of how conservation and public service can transform landscapes for generations to come.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full spectrum at Lye Creek, where summer mornings greet you with crisp mountain air—temperatures can dip to a refreshing 41°F even in June, perfect for sleeping under the stars. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise, with comfortable hiking temperatures and a canopy of gold overhead. The changing seasons paint the landscape in brilliant hues, making fall an ideal time for exploration. While the campground's beauty extends year-round, winter transforms this alpine retreat into an extreme environment where heavy snow and bitter cold make camping inadvisable, preserving the site's wild character for warmer months.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 7,520 feet above sea level, Lye Creek Campground offers a true high-altitude escape where the air is pure and the views stretch endlessly across the Nevada wilderness. This elevated paradise provides natural air conditioning during hot summer months, with temperatures remaining pleasantly cool even as the valleys below swelter. The thin mountain air creates spectacular stargazing conditions, while the elevated vantage point reveals panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys that seem to stretch to infinity.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your own private sanctuary beneath a cathedral of quaking aspens along the babbling waters of Lye Creek. This enchanted grove provides a natural canopy of shade during summer's heat, with leaves that whisper secrets in the mountain breeze. Come autumn, witness nature's grand finale as the aspens burst into flames of gold and amber, creating a luminous wonderland that photographers dream about. Keep your eyes peeled for the area's most majestic residents—bighorn sheep navigate the craggy peaks with gravity-defying grace, while the rugged mountains stand sentinel over this pristine wilderness, their ancient faces carved by millennia of wind and weather.
Geological RegionLye Creek Campground sits within the dramatic Santa Rosa Mountain Range, a crown jewel of the vast Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistic hand through its rugged mountain peaks, carved by ancient forces into dramatic ridgelines and hidden valleys. Pristine aspen groves flourish in the mountain's drainage basins, their white bark standing in stark contrast to the weathered rock faces. Each autumn, these groves explode in a symphony of color, transforming the landscape into a living canvas of golds, oranges, and crimsons that rival any artist's palette. The diverse terrain offers endless exploration opportunities, from gentle meadows to challenging peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Sites SizeSites include single, double, and group options. Some user reviews indicate that tent sites may lack flat spaces.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is nestled in a grove of aspen trees, providing a shaded and wooded setting. Some sites are described as more private than others.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near Lye Creek for proximity to water features. Site 12 is noted as the best by user reviews.
Best CampsitesSite 12 is recommended by users for its superior layout and scenic location.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Groups
The group site accommodates larger gatherings and is available for $25 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches along Lye Creek drainage in a stand of aspen trees.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates seasonally, open from June 15 through October 15, weather permitting.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not required; sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lye Creek Campground offers diverse outdoor activities such as river/stream fishing, mountain biking, day hiking, backpacking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding. The surrounding area also presents opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly Bighorn sheep.
Hiking
Hiking options include both day hikes and backpacking routes. The campground's high elevation and surrounding terrain provide opportunities for exploring rugged landscapes.Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Lye Creek. Visitors have described the creek as having clean running water near campsites.Biking
Mountain biking is highlighted as a recreational activity at the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities can include spotting Bighorn sheep in the rugged surrounding mountains.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not supported as the campground operates seasonally from June to October.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned or supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are available at each site; bring your own firewood as local resources have been heavily picked over.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and moths can be problematic during certain seasons. The rugged terrain and steep access roads pose challenges for larger vehicles, and the lack of potable water requires visitors to bring their own or boil/purify water on-site.
Active alertsThe campground is experiencing a water outage during the 2025 camping season. Potable water will not be available.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
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
Santa Rosa Ranger District, located at 3275 Fountain Way, Winnemucca, NV 89445; Phone: 775-623-5025 ext. 4. Open Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST (Closed on federal holidays). The nearest hospital and police station are located in Winnemucca, NV.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 15 to October 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available; visitors are required to 'pack it in, pack it out.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Lye Creek, which has running water near most campsites.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include mosquitoes, challenging access roads, and the absence of potable running water. Some sites have rocky or uneven ground, making it difficult to pitch tents.
Campground Map
Lye Creek Campground, Santa Rosa Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Winnemucca, NV
Driving directionsFrom Winnemucca, NV, take US Rt. 95 north 21 miles to Lye Creek campground sign at intersection of State Rt. 290. Turn right onto State Rt. 290 and go 18.1 miles to Hinkey Summit and stop signs in Paradise. Turn right at signs and go about 100 yards to Lye Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 16.9 miles to Lye Creek Road sign. Turn left at sign and go 1.2 miles to campground. NOTE: The road surface for the last 15 miles is gravel and rough, with stretches of single-lane, steep, and switchback roads. There are periodic pull-outs for passing. Although there are campsite parking aprons long enough for medium-sized RVs, driving an RV on the access roads is not recommended.
Access to the campground involves steep and winding single-lane roads with periodic pull-outs for passing. The gravel and rough terrain, including switchbacks and steep slopes, make it challenging for larger vehicles like RVs. Seasonal conditions may worsen road accessibility, particularly during wet periods.Nearby places
Winnemucca - 60 miles (approximately 1.5-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Paradise, NV has a small convenience store with limited groceries. Visitors should plan to bring all necessary water, food, and camping supplies due to limited local resources.
Camper Reviews
4.4
9 reviews
Lye Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Lye Creek Campground as remote, serene, and scenic. Campers appreciate its location in a shaded aspen grove and the availability of outdoor activities. Common concerns include the lack of potable water, steep access roads, and the presence of insects during certain seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted by users include the remote and peaceful setting, scenic views, and proximity to outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. One user stated, 'Amazing flowers in season. Get...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints mentioned include the challenging access roads, lack of potable water during the 2025 season, and the prevalence of mosquitoes. One user commented, 'The fifth star was withheld since the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing your own water, especially due to the 2025 water outage, and preparing for steep and narrow access roads. Some suggest visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience and...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is quiet and less crowded during weekdays but may fill up on weekends. Fall offers colorful aspen leaves and cooler temperatures, while summer mornings can be...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Remote, unknown, nice but primitive campground.' - David Weber
2. 'Convenient pit toilets, beautiful camp sites, very remote.' - Katherine Macco
3. 'The dark skies are to be marveled at.' - Sara...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 12 is highlighted by one user as 'the best' due to its location. However, some sites are noted as not offering much or lacking flat spaces for tents.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, and the campground's shaded and flat areas may assist individuals with limited mobility. However, the rough access roads may be a barrier.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users are reminded to keep dogs leashed as required by regulations.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025