Thinking of running east from Reno area, on Sept 13th. Depending on time, will either head north from Ely, or go into Utah, and head north on I-15. Tent camping on this trip, map shows Bob Scott NF campground, east of Austin, and several around Ely. Any hints, tips, avoids, or must see?
We just made this trip , east to west though , in late June. Great road trip! We boondocked most of the way , just found a good spot on federal land but I don't know how easy that'll be with a tent. We did stay at the Bob Scott campground. Very nice , little stream running through it , only a few other campers.
Interesting sights - old mining town grave yard a little west of Ely
Hickison petroglyphs
Sand Mountain and the large dry lake bed
Grimes Point Petroglyphs
We didn't detour to Great basin National Park but it looks interesting.
Have fun!
I know they bill themselves as the loneliest highway but the road from Ely to Tonopah is MUCH lonelier.
RRUGG
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Bob Scott is an old campground - that means rather tight and not that many spaces. It is just over the pass from Austin right in the middle of the state which is convenient.
Take a look at the Great Basin National Park and Lehman caves.
Great camping along Hwy 50. From Reno take I80 to the Fernly exit(alt.50) towards Fallon.Poster--tonyandkaren points out lots of interesting sights.
On the Nevada map just past Sand Mountain is a turn off Nev.Hwy722. This road is a loop road that will put you in the best camping area and then put you right back on Hwy50. 722 is the old Hwy50. Not more the 10 cars a day use it now.It's paved but a little rought in spots No big deal.There is a small camp ground in Eureka.Ask the locals in Austin how to get to the FREE hot springs neer the intersection of 50 and 376 Great camping there.Also good camping at Grims Point Petroglyphs.Ely has a Train Musiem...Cave Lake State Park just east
of Ely is a nice place to camp. Also Ely Holliday Inn has 1 or 2 nights FREE full hook up caming... Lived in that area for 30 years........
I second ihavanoids mention of the hot spring east of Austin. We were there in 1992 for two days--there was a natural pool and a horse tank fed from the overflow, and clothing optional at that time. I'm glad to hear it's still there.
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bryanl wrote: Bob Scott is an old campground - that means rather tight and not that many spaces.
Bob Scott CG had some work done to it several years ago, including the completion of a new water system with flush toilets. When we stayed there in June, 80% of the sites were filled on a Monday night. Nice place to stay if you're on the road -- and since it's free, the price is right.
Near Ely, consider Cave Lake SP. Nice CG with a lake (surprise!) and hot showers. We like it so much, we stayed there both directions on our trip to CA this summer. Does get busy on the weekends when the locals from Ely show up at their little "oasis in the desert". Nice tent pads, too (since that's what you're taking).
If you decide to stay in Great Basin NP instead, drive to the top and stay at Wheeler Peak CG. Nicest of the park CG's and perfect for tenting. But plan on a couple of nights here to see the parks attractions, including Lehman Cave and a hike through the bristlecone forest.
RRUGG wrote: I know they bill themselves as the loneliest highway but the road from Ely to Tonopah is MUCH lonelier.
Wow, I thought I was the only one who had ever done that route! Judging by the few cars I passed I thought I was all alone out there! The ET highway was almost as lonely when I was there too.
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