Berry Creek Boondocking
In Ely, Nevada
Site Guide & Essential Info
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| National Forest Development Road 424 Ely, Nevada GPS: 39.352205, -114.649077 Elevation: 8077′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Berry Creek Boondocking: Very clean BLM vault toilet. Amazing juxtaposition of sagebrush, aspen, cactus and pines. Berry Creek is open May-Oct. Free Dispersed camping in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Ely Ranger District. No reservations. First come, first served. This is a high elevation location.
Tremendous hiking in canyon above sites. Zero cell coverage. Will go back, most creeks in the area are diverted well up in the watershed, this place has a very clean adjacent creek.
About This Location
If you’re searching for free camping near Ely, Nevada, Berry Creek Boondocking is a pretty solid pick. It’s a small, dispersed campground with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets—simple, no-frills, and free.
You’ll find it about 32 miles from Ely, which is handy if you need to stock up on groceries or gas before heading out. The area’s great for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding.
Expect some rugged terrain and high elevation—it can mess with the weather, so you’ll want to check the forecast and pack accordingly. The road in is mostly gravel, but it’s not too bad in dry weather.
Most vehicles, including RVs and trailers, can handle it if things are dry. If it’s been raining, though, you might have second thoughts.
Berry Creek Boondocking In Ely, Nevada
Berry Creek boondocking sits near Ely, Nevada, and has become a go-to spot for boondocking and dispersed camping. It’s tucked inside the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, so you’re getting a pretty raw camping experience compared to the usual developed campgrounds.
There’s a mix here—both dispersed camping areas and a basic developed campground. At the main campground, you’ll find vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables—just enough to make things comfortable but still rustic.
No reservations are needed, and it’s totally free at the Berry Creek boondocking site. If you’re into more space and privacy, the dispersed area lets you pick your own spot, but you’ll need to follow Leave No Trace rules.
There aren’t any hookups or official amenities out there in the dispersed section. Getting there’s straightforward: from Ely, head north on US-93, then take Duck Creek Basin Road east.
After that, you’ll turn left onto Berry Creek Road (Forest Road 424/568), which leads right into the camping zones. Since this is public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, you’ll need to stick to existing fire rings for campfires.
Don’t forget to check for any fire restrictions before you go. It’s a quiet, natural spot—perfect if you’re after some Nevada outdoors time without the usual crowds or campground fees.
Directions
To get to Berry Creek Boondocking, start by heading north out of Ely on US-93. Keep going until you hit the little town of McGill.
From McGill, you’ll stay on US-93 for around five more miles. Watch for the Duck Creek Basin turnoff—it sneaks up on you a bit.
Take that road east, then after a short bit, turn left onto Berry Creek Road, also called Forest Road 424. It’s a gravel road, but it’s usually firm and decent for any 2WD vehicle if it hasn’t rained.
As you follow Forest Road 424, you’ll cross a few creeks. In spring or after big storms, those crossings can flood, so you might need a high-clearance 4WD if things get sketchy.
Kalamazoo Road is nearby and could work as an alternate route, depending on where you’re coming from or if you want to try something different. Still, Forest Road 424 is the main way in for Berry Creek boondocking.
It’s a remote area, so bring all the supplies you’ll need—there’s no running to the store once you’re out there. The campground doesn’t take reservations; it’s first-come, first-served.
When you arrive, you’ll spot picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The drive itself is actually really nice, with scenic views and plenty of trailheads and fishing spots along the way.
Vehicle Access And Pricing
When you’re planning a trip to Berry Creek boondocking, it’s good to know there are zero camping fees here. The roads are usually easy enough, but you’ll want to match your vehicle to the season and conditions.
RVs and trailers can make it, but there are a few limitations, especially if it’s been wet.
Fees
Camping at Berry Creek Boondocking? Totally free. No fees, no permits—just show up and pick your spot.
You’re allowed to stay up to 14 days in any 30-day stretch. It’s a rule to keep things fair and help the place recover.
Since there’s no reservation system, it’s all first-come, first-served. If you’re going at a busy time, maybe have a backup plan just in case.
Road Conditions And Accessibility
Berry Creek is reached via Forest Road 424, a gravel road that’s usually in decent shape. Most 2WD vehicles can handle it if it’s dry.
During spring runoff, though, the creek crossings can get dicey. If that’s the case, you’ll want a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle.
RVs and trailers should be fine as long as the weather’s good and the road stays firm. Just keep an eye on weather reports and maybe check for road updates before heading out, especially in spring.
Recommended Length For RVs Or Trailers
RVs and trailers up to about 25 feet in length can comfortably access Berry Creek boondocking on dry roads. The gravel road here is mostly flat, which helps, and there’s just enough space for parking at the handful of established sites.
Longer rigs might run into trouble at creek crossings or some of the tighter turns. If your RV or trailer is on the bigger side, it’s honestly best to double-check road conditions before heading out—no one likes surprises on a backroad.
This is a small campground, with only four to six sites, so space is at a premium. Plan your setup ahead of time so you can maneuver and park without making things tricky for anyone else.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Rings Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Biking Stargazine Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links
Bureau of Land Management
Recreation.Gov
National Park Service
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Leave No Trace
State Specific Information Links
Nevada Park Service
Nevada Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources
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