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Illipah Reservoir Recreation Area

Take a long relaxing weekend fishing and exploring the vast Nevada wilderness. 
Trail Uses
Walking Paddling Motorized watercraft
Location
White Pine County
Length
77.00 miles (Network)
Towns
Ely, Eureka
Surface
Dirt, Lake/Pond
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No
Wilderness Areas
Bald Mountain Wilderness Area, Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Area, White Pine Range Wilderness Area
Other Activities
UTV/Jeep Driving ATV Riding Dirt Biking

Description

The Illipah reservoir campground is a No-Fee area managed by the BLM and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Amenities include shade structures, pit toilets, pull through camping sites for trailers and tent sites. There is not potable water available so be sure to bring your own. Restrooms are available for public use. Most campsites are equipped with, shade structures, picnic tables and grills. The Illipah reservoir is a popular fishing spot for rainbow trout and sees high use during summer months. No fees are required to use the campground or facilities.


The Illipah Campground serves as a staging area for the Schellback ridge mountain range. Multiple loop options are available by departing on USFS Road 59199 and connectign to several other FS roads. Riding is fast with few fence crossings and will usually require a 4WD vehicle with high clearance. 
Many historic mining areas and ghost towns can be found in this region, so be aware of open mine shafts. The abandoned ghost town of Hamilton on the west side of the Illipah trail system is a popular stop in the area as well as the Belmont Mill site.

Other Information

Either non- motorized or electric motored boats only are allowed in the reservoir. 

These trails border several wilderness areas that are designated wilderness, only hikers and equestrians are allowed within the wilderness boundary. Motorized and mechanized use is only permitted on surrounding non-wilderness trails. Please be respectful of the wilderness boundary and only travel on designated roads and trails for your activity type. Horses are allowed and only certified weed free hay can be brought in.

Lodging and nearby services are located in Eureka and Ely

Plenty of other recreation opportunities and state parks are located nearby. Be sure to take some extra time to visit all that White Pine county has to offer!

Trail Manager

For more information visit the BLM or Fish and Wildlife website or contact: 

Bureau of Land Management - Ely District Office

Bureau of Land Management - Ely District Office
Name
702 North Industrial Way
Ely, NV 89301
Phone: (775) 289-1800
eyfoweb@blm.gov
View website

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Trailhead Information

To reach Illipah Reservoir from Ely:

  • From Downtown Ely, Take Highway 50 West for 37 miles.
  • Turn right at the sign for Illipah Reservoir and continue South a short to a road junction.
  • Turn left at this junction, and continue just over a mile to the Campground.
Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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