When most people think of Nevada, they picture Las Vegas casinos, Reno nightlife, or the Laughlin Riverwalk. But there’s a whole other side to the Silver State that often gets overlooked, its wide-open landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor adventures tucked into remote corners of the state.
Nevada is home to 17 state parks, 6 state recreation areas, and 5 historic sites, plus millions of acres of rugged public lands. If you’re craving hidden gems far away from the crowds, this Northeastern Nevada loop road trip will take you to some of the best off-the-beaten-path state parks, national forests, and even a national park. If you plan to visit a few parks in a year, an annual State Park Pass may be worth it in the long run.
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Leg 1: Elko Area
Wildhorse State Recreation Area – Elko (about an hour north)
Remote and peaceful, Wildhorse State Recreation Area is a high-desert oasis perfect for year-round adventures. In summer, visitors flock here for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. In winter, the lake freezes over since it is 6,200 feet in the mountains, making it a hotspot for ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling.
Hours: Always open
Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents
South Fork State Recreation Area – Spring Creek (15 minutes from Elko)
A trip to Elko and the Ruby Mountains wouldn’t be the same without a stop-off at South Fork Recreation Area. Located at the base of the Ruby Mountains the scenery can’t be beat and there is more wildlife than you would ever imagine. Outdoor adventure abounds here with hunting, camping, hiking, swimming in summer. If you love the cold and snowy winter scenes, you’ll love to ski or ice fish here.
Hours: Always open
Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents
Lamoille Canyon & The Ruby Mountains – Lamoille (30 minutes from Elko)
Nicknamed the “Yosemite of Nevada,” Lamoille Canyon offers jaw-dropping views on a 12-mile scenic byway. Open seasonally, usually May through October, this drive leads to fishing holes, picnic spots, and trailheads into the Ruby Mountains.
Hours: Always open
Fees: Free
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest -Elko
The largest national forest in the lower 48 states stretches across Nevada and eastern California. Near Elko, you’ll find miles of trails for hiking, camping, and photography.
Hours: Always open
Fees: Free
Leg 2: Ely Area (2 hours 45 minutes from Elko)
Cave Lake State Park – Ely (15 minutes from town)
At 7,300 feet, Cave Lake State Park is a favorite for fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking in summer. Winter transforms it into a snowy playground with ice skating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Hours: Always open
Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park – Ely (30 minutes from town)
Home to six beehive-shaped stone ovens built in the 1870s, Ward Charcoal Ovens combines history with outdoor adventure. The ovens were once used to process silver ore and now stand as striking remnants of Nevada’s mining era. Visitors also enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing.
Hours: Always open
Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents
Great Basin National Park – Baker (1 hour from Ely)
One of the most underrated national parks in the U.S., Great Basin is home to Lehman Caves, bristlecone pines (some of the oldest trees in the world), and Wheeler Peak. Summer brings incredible hiking and stargazing, while winter means snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Hours: Always open (some areas seasonal)
Fees: Free to enter; cave tours $8–$40
Leg 3: Gabbs Area (3.5 hours from Ely)
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park – Gabbs (20 minutes from town)
A rare mix of history and paleontology, Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park preserves both an early 20th-century mining ghost town, with many of the original buildings still standing and the world’s largest concentration of ichthyosaur fossils, prehistoric marine reptiles that swam here 225 million years ago.
Hours: Always open
Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents
Sand Mountain Recreation Area – Gabbs (30 minutes from town)
For a totally different Nevada landscape, Sand Mountain is a two-mile-long, 600-foot-tall sand dune popular with OHV riders, campers, and photographers. Don’t miss the nearby Pony Express Station ruins for a taste of history.
Hours: Always open
Fees: $40 per vehicle for a 1–7-day pass (free on Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Final Thoughts
Northern Nevada is a road tripper’s dream; quiet highways, small towns, and state parks that feel like hidden treasures. Whether you’re camping under starry skies, exploring ghost towns, or discovering fossil beds, this loop shows off a side of Nevada few travelers ever see.
Pick up a Nevada State Parks Passport Booklet. If you get it stamped at 15 different parks, you’ll earn a free annual park pass, the perfect excuse to come back for even more adventures. If you need help planning a road trip, whether in Nevada, or another destination you want to travel, check out roadtrippers.com. They’ll not only give you the best routes, but places to stay and dine. If you use code BTR5QTP, you’ll save $5.
We love to share information and tips we learn to help you make more informed decisions when planning your vacation. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make lots of memories!