Cave Lake State Park

Nevada (White Pine County)

Tucked into the Schell Creek Range of White Pine County, Nevada, Cave Lake State Park spans over 4,000 acres of high-desert terrain centered around a striking 32-acre reservoir at roughly 7,300 feet elevation. The lake sits in a limestone canyon — the “cave” in its name refers to a small limestone cavern near the dam — surrounded by pinyon-juniper woodlands and mountain mahogany that shift dramatically with the seasons.

The reservoir is the main draw. Stocked with rainbow and brown trout, it draws anglers year-round, including ice fishing in winter when the lake freezes solid. A boat ramp accommodates small watercraft (electric motors and non-motorized only), and the calm water makes it ideal for kayaking and canoeing on summer mornings before afternoon winds pick up.

Beyond the water, trails wind through the surrounding hills offering solid hiking and mountain biking with views across the Great Basin. Elk, mule deer, and raptors are common sights, especially at dawn and dusk. In winter, the area sees enough snowfall for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The park’s campgrounds sit among the junipers above the lake, offering both developed sites and more primitive options. At this elevation, summer days are warm but nights cool off considerably — bring layers even in July.

The best window for visiting is late May through October for warm-weather activities, though winter visitors willing to brave the cold will find a quieter, snow-dusted landscape that feels worlds away from the Nevada most people imagine.