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Bird Creek Recreation Area is located in the Duck Creek Basin, high on the Schell Creek Range. It sits at an elevation of 8,200 feet, approximately 25 miles from the small city of Ely. Hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicle riding are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area.
The Ranger Trail can be accessed from this campground. The Ranger Trail is a designated OHV trail that also accommodates hiking and mountain biking use as well. The 30-mile Success Loop Scenic Drive is also in the area, with views of high desert and mountain terrain.
The campground has nine sites. Site A is a day-use group stie, site 5 is a mult-family site, sites 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are single sites, sites 8 and 9 are double sites requiring a short walk from the parking area, on one to two bridges over Bird Creek. All sites have picnic and serving tables, campfire rings and grills.
Vault toilets and drinking water are provided seasonally. This is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility.
Bird Creek flows perennially through the campground. A mixed forest of juniper, pinyon pine and alder trees covers the area, but provides only limited shade.
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park is a few miles southeast of Ely. Interesting historic stone ovens and an interpretive trail are available there. The Northern Nevada Railway in Ely has a museum and offers train rides.
Bird Creek Camp site is close for the season due to renovations. Will open up in the 2020 Season.
From Ely, travel north on Highway 93 to the town of McGill. From McGill, go north 3 miles on Highway 93, to the Duck Creek Basin turnoff. Proceed east on Duck Creek Basin Road and turn left at the sign for Bird Creek Recreation Area.
Gorgeous area, clean bathrooms, good space for tents. Came here with the dogs to watch the eclipse, the creek was flowing and the autumn colors were gorgeous. Very comfortable, and the forest service came to check in on us to make sure we were set up and safe and sound. Would definitely camp here again!
