Local Area Recreation Near Ely KOA Journey

Ely, Nevada has year round mountain town charm, major events, unique arts and history, and the best outdoor recreation in the state.

Year-Round Fishing

Year-Round Fishing

Cave Lake is great fishing for Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Comins Lake is known for Brown Trout fishing. Fishing license required.

Golfing

Golfing

White Pine County Golf Course

Rock Hounding for Garnets

Rock Hounding for Garnets

Head to Garnet Hill recreation area to hound for Garnets!

Hiking in Mountains

Hiking in Mountains

There are lots of hiking trails and access points around us

Visiting the Historical Sites of Abandoned Mining Towns

Visiting the Historical Sites of Abandoned Mining Towns

Northern Nevada has a plethora of Ghost Towns for exploring! Stop by the office for a map & information

Prospecting for gold & precious metals

Prospecting for gold & precious metals

Nevada is the top gold producing state in the nation.

There a couple of things to remember when prospecting in Nevada. Since Nevada is known as “The Silver State” obviously it offers more than gold. There could be ores that produce both silver and gold. If you find something metal don't pitch it until you're absolutely sure what it is, since a lot of Nevada gold is in the form of a gold/silver alloy called Electrum, and it is a duller gold color.

There are plenty of opportunities around Ely, located in White Pine County, and exploration there has been limited due to the remote areas and harsh climate. Bald Mountain District is located in the northwest part of the county and some good sized nuggets have been found there. The Osceola District has been heavily mined hydraulically in Dry Gulch, and there is lode and placer gold near Ely, Nevada.

Old Fashioned Swimming Hole

Old Fashioned Swimming Hole

Step back in time and spend the day unwinding at the naturally warm, spring fed outdoor pool. The "pool" even has a beach of beautiful white sand. It's the picture perfect place to relax and take in the views. 

Located nearby is a shaded picnic area where you can barbecue up some lunch and hang out after you're done in the pool.

No matter how many years go by, spending the day at a local swimming hole is one of those experiences that you won't forget.

OHV / UTV / ATV / dirt bike trails galore

OHV / UTV / ATV / dirt bike trails galore

Ride your off highway vehicle right from the KOA of Ely! Get the most out of your OHV experience while in White Pine County, go where the locals go, by joining the High Desert Trail Blazers on one of their group rides. Or looking to branch out on your own? Rent an OHV from Eastern Nevada Adventures.

If you do go out on your own, the Nevada OHV Commission webpage is a great resource for maps and information on trails available for your enjoyment and safety. 

Please remember to respect our mountains, wildlife, and open spaces, ride responsibly, and get home safely.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Ely is celebrated by mountain bikers in-the-know as a bucket list destination. Riders have access to dozens of miles of trails leading right from downtown and dozens more within a short drive. In the spring, Ely hosts the oldest and longest running Enduro race in the country, Fears, Tears, and Beers. In the fall,  Race the Rails pits human grit against the power of the locomotive. And in the winter, riders can compete in the fat bike category of the Bristlecone Birkenbeiner. All year, cyclists can also shuttle their bikes via train, thanks to the new Trains to Trails ticket, to the end of the line and then enjoy a leisurely gravel ride back to Ely. Great Basin Trails Alliance is responsible for maintaining and building trail year round. Show your support by getting involved. You can find all our trails on Trailforks App, You can find all our videos on Youtube. Need a tune up? Check out the local bike shop Sports World