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BLM Camping

Cleve Creek Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Cleve Creek Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency that manages public lands. Bureau of Land Management camping is a great way to enjoy areas of natural and historical interest.

Cleve Creek Campground is a BLM-managed site near Ely, Nevada. It is known for large cottonwood trees, and the campground provides picnic tables, restrooms, and grills for campers and picnickers. The area surrounding the campground also supports a variety of recreational activities, including hiking and biking, hunting and shooting, and fishing. Great Basin National Park is located just a few miles away from the campground and provides other activities to enjoy.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

The Ranger OHV Trail

The Ranger OHV Trail offers hiking and mountain biking opportunities leaving from the Timber Creek Campsite.

Length: 40 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Sacramento Pass Recreation Area Trails

The Sacramento Pass Recreation Area is located centrally on the crest of the Snake Range with Weaver Creek Basin and Great Basin National Park for a backdrop. It has two trails for hiking and biking through the unique quartzite rock formations. A one-way path also extends into Weaver Creek Basin and Great Basin National Park.

Length: 6.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing

Great fly-fishing is available on Cleve Creek with a valid Nevada fishing license. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout, but bass is also stocked in the creek. Fishing is also available at Baker Lake, an alpine lake near Great Basin National Park. Brown trout, brook trout, and Lahontan cutthroat trout are the most common catches at Baker Lake.

Hunting

The area surrounding Cleve Creek Campground provides various hunting opportunities. Those with a valid hunting license can hunt for elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and other species of big and small game when in season. If you plan to hunt while visiting the campground, please note that hunting and shooting are not allowed within developed recreation sites.

Wildlife Viewing

The Ely Elk Viewing Area, located 14 miles away from Cleve Creek Campground, has a viewing area pull-out for observing elk feeding during the fall and spring seasons. Elk viewing signs along the highway designate the best spots to see elk. Other wildlife species in the area include deer, antelope, black-tailed jackrabbits, and chipmunks. Ravens and eagles are seen cruising the skies above the creek.

Picnicking

The Cleve Creek Campground offers picnic tables and fire pits with grills essential for picnicking. Picnicking spots are also available at the nearby Sacramento Pass Recreation Area.

Winter Sports

The areas surrounding this BLM campground provide backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities in the winter. The Cleve Creek Campground area is also popular among snowmobilers.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at Cleve Creek Campground, but the site doesn't offer RV hookups. If you are looking for more amenities, you will want to head over to nearby Ely. There, you can find the Ely KOA Journey, which features spacious sites with full hookups and Wi-Fi. Other options include Lakeview Campground and Elk Flat Campground at Cave Lake State Park. These campgrounds provide fire pits, grills, and tables at each site, and flush toilets and hot showers are available for campers.

Free Camping

Cleve Creek Campground provides Bureau of Land Management free camping available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 12 campsites with picnic tables and grills as well as one large group site. Other free Bureau of Land Management campgrounds can be found at the Ely Elk Viewing Area, Ward Mountain Recreation Area, and Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area. Vault toilets and established camping areas are available at all of these sites. Another free camping option is Sacramento Pass Recreation Area, which is equestrian-friendly. To find other camping options nearby, search online for "BLM camping near me."

RV Rentals Near Cleve Creek Campground Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Cleve Creek Campground BLM trip

When visiting BLM sites like Cleve Creek Campground, it's important to pack necessary equipment, including a first aid kit and extra water. It's also a good idea to carry ingredients for one-pot meals that are quick and easy to prepare. Bringing meals and snacks with minimal packaging will also cut down on the amount of trash you need to dispose of or carry out with you.

Check the weather forecast before heading to the campgrounds for proper planning. No matter the seasons, it's wise to pack a variety of clothing items, including jackets and rain gear. Proper footwear is also essential, especially if you plan on hiking or biking during your visit. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Protecting public lands is not just a job for the BLM; the public must also do its part by leaving no trace of their stay whenever they visit a BLM site. If trash receptacles are not available at a particular site, plan to pack out any garbage you accumulate. When in the backcountry, be sure to bury human and animal waste at least 200 feet from any water source. If you plan to go dispersed camping, set up camp on packed-down areas that have previously been used for camping. It’s also important to stay on established trails and roads when exploring.