As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
We count ourselves lucky to live in a state with so many fantastic parks. Ranging across a variety of landscapes, each park has something unique to offer its visitors. However, there’s one park that goes way above and beyond by offering a little bit of everything. Whether you’re simply looking for a place to kill a few hours or a destination for a multi-day adventure, this place is bound to please. Many consider it the best state park in Nevada and once you visit it’s easy to see why!
Nevada may be full of amazing parks to visit, but there's one in particular that should definitely be on your radar. Cave Lake State Park is one of our favorites, and it's bound to become one of yours as well.
Cave Lake State Park is perfect for all types of adventures. It's here in the Northern Nevada high desert that you'll find the perfect landscape for camping, hiking, fishing, or simply sightseeing.
The park is located right off of the Great Basin Highway, approximately a 15 minute drive south of Ely. Although it's definitely one of the best parks our state has to offer, it's still delightfully unknown to outsiders. This means you can count on a quiet and serene adventure.
The highlight of the 4,000-acre park is the 32-acre reservoir known as Cave Lake. It was initially constructed in 1932 when Cave Creek Dam was first built. However, the area didn't officially become a state park until 1973.
The lake is one of the park's main attractions, and it's definitely put to good use. Anglers especially love it here since the lake is stocked with brown and rainbow trout. However, it's also a great swimming and boating destination.
If you're looking for an overnight adventure, you'll find it in one of the two campgrounds offered at Cave Lake. The campsites are first-come, first-served, and they all include a fire pit, table, and parking. There's even a yurt available by reservation for those who prefer the 'glamping' lifestyle.
Of course, hiking trails are also abundant in the park. For starters, check out the Cave Springs Trail, a five-mile hike that meanders through the park's hills, or the easy three-mile Steptoe Creek Trail.
We think it's safe to say that Cave Lake has a little bit of everything for everyone. Boasting the most scenic backcountry location and a plethora of recreational opportunities, there's simply no going wrong with a trip to this oasis.
