Lye Creek Campground

About

Lye Creek Campground sits in a scenic aspen grove along its namesake creek in Nevada's remote Santa Rosa Range, part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The 14-site campground includes single sites, four double sites, and one group site, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ pedestal. Vault toilets are provided. The campground sees light use, making it an excellent choice for solitude seekers. Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding area. Anglers can try their luck in Lye Creek, while hikers and backpackers have access to trails in the Santa Rosa Range (though the Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness is not directly accessible from the campground). Mountain biking and OHV riding are popular on designated routes. The high-elevation setting among aspens provides pleasant summer temperatures and fall color. Access requires navigating steep, winding single-lane roads with periodic pull-outs. The main route runs through Paradise Valley via SR-290 and SR-792 toward Hinkey Summit. A secondary route follows Canyon Creek Road (FR 084) from Highway 95. Both routes demand cautious driving, and large RVs should carefully assess their capabilities before attempting the trip.

Directions

From Winnemucca, take US-95 north 22 miles to SR-290, then north 18 miles to Paradise Valley, then 16 miles north on SR-792 toward Hinkey Summit. The road becomes gravel; continue 2 more miles to the campground. Alternate route: Take US-95 north and turn east onto Canyon Creek Road (FR 084), marked as Buckskin Canyon on the highway, midway between Orovada and McDermitt. Both routes are steep, winding single-lane roads with periodic pull-outs.