Angel Lake Campground

Such a gorgeous campground. We were here 9/13-14 and it was not busy. We paid $9 with our senior pass. Most sites are small and the driveways unlevel, but our 22' truck camper just fit and we had chocks so it worked. There are nice level tent pads at most sites. We did see one trailer about 26' long that wiggled its way into a site. I admired their bravery driving up the 4 miles of steep, winding road with no guardrails. (Good quality road, however.) It rained one afternoon but then the sun came out and it was glorious and warm. Chilly nights, frost on the picnic table. The trail to Smith Lake was a challenge for our older legs but well worth the effort, the views were stunning. The water was off and there was no trash pickup, but a very minor inconvenience as far as we were concerned. The vault toilets were pristine. We checked out Angel Creek campground on our way up and it was mostly empty. It looked like a nice campground but nothing super-special, and we were so glad we drove up to Angel Lake. Surprisingly we had 1 bar cell and LTE with US Cellular, probably because of being only 12 miles from the town of Wells.

I ended up at Angel lake when Angel creek down the hill was full (this was at around 5pm on a Saturday). There were still a handful of first come first serve sites at Angel lake (I think there’s maybe 8 or so of those) so I snagged one. It was full with people circling the campground by 7. The sites were clean and level and had plenty of privacy between them.

Overall, it was a really nice campground and I’d stay again on a weekday or in off season. However, on a Saturday in summer, there were a lot of families there with loud kids, barking dogs, generators running, etc. So a great family site, not perfect for someone just hoping to turn in early before an early departure.

Stayed 2 nights on 6/27/23. The water wasn't turned on for the season because the water equipment was still buried in snow. We received an email from recreation.gov ahead of time letting us know. There is no trash at this facility. The sites are small and narrow. If you look at the map, the sites are placed on either side of the road close together, but not so close on the same side. The campground is hilly which isn't obvious from looking at the map. Note that our site #10 is one of the only, if not the only one without a tent pad. Our 17' trailer fit with the tow pickup truck slightly angled off the road. Others had to park their tow vehicles perpendicular to the site. Each site has a sturdy picnic table, fire ring and upright grill and was very tidy. #8 is a nice site with a great view.

When you drive past the Angel Creek campground turnoff, and look up and see the road to Angel Lake, it's intimidating. But, the road is fine, just steep. I wouldn't attempt it in the dark. The views are terrific from every site. When we were there, there was no camp host but the reservation signs were up. Verizon was spotty at best. We'd get a slight signal in the early morning but then nothing later on. Also, the Angel Lake road from I-80 was a bit confusing as it's right next to the freeway off ramp and there was construction. There is a brand new Maverick gas station being built right at the intersection. Larger rigs can stay at the Angel Creek campground at the bottom of the steep part of the road.

We hiked the trail to Smith Lake but the last climb up the boulder wall was covered in snow, so we turned back. The views are incredible from this hike which starts near the campground entrance.

As, just thinking of it brings a smile to my face. Long, winding, steep 1st gear hill up to campground, but well worth it. The host was not kept well informed on reservations, but was very accommodating. We found a spot that was very narrow but made it work. Private with short aspen tree thickets around the sites. First night was very quiet. Second night other campers moved in and it was noisy until 10 then quieted down. It was obvious that alcohol was being consumed by conversations and slurring overheard in our campground. Delightful lake with some really excellent birds, flora and fauna.

Such a great find. We arrived in dark at 8:45p on a Tuesday night end of July and half sites weren’t available. It did rain and lightening before we arrived so could have affected occupancy. It is at 8000 feet up a windy road. When I called the ranger station to inquire about availability (they don’t know) they suggested folks with trailers and longer rigs stay at Angel Creek Campground, which is 4 miles earlier on the road before the winding and steep edges (also cows in road) starts. I think it’s doable for most rigs but recommend arriving in light if you’re longer. The campsite only has a few bigger spots. We stayed at site 13, which barely fit our 21 ft camper van. Site 15 was twice as long so choose it if you’re booking ahead. Whole place is paved. Lake gorgeous, clear and cool. Day use Lot also available for $7 for fishing. 1 bar Verizon though were able to make a phone call. Clean and non-smelly pit toilets with a few water spigots.

Having driven this stretch of Nevada a number of times, we’ve always zipped right on through to destinations elsewhere. Who knew this little gem of a site, and the Ruby Mountains in general, we’re so beautiful? We found this place (through Campendium) and lucked out to find a spot still available on the 4th of July. An awkward little spot (#20 I believe?) too small for rigs, was perfect for our roof top tent set up and was the closest spot to the lake. High alpine setting, around 9000 ft, snow on the opposing mountain side and a cascading waterfall down through a horseshoe shaped valley. Awesome lake for kayaking, fishing (which we didn’t) and cliff jumping (which we did). Def recommend.

This our second time visiting Angel lake. It's truly a beautiful setting. Yes, the drive is up a steep road to the top. We unhooked the toad and made it up at a slow pace. The campground is tight but there is privacy from low growing Aspen's. Almost all the site are at least 6 to 10" off level so bring a lot of blocks. Definitely worth the stop!

Great little campground after a crazy steep drive up the mountain. A beautiful setting in an alpine area, right near a lake with a small waterfall. Sites are small-ish and a little close together. This is above the tree line, so there is no shade or cover, but quite a bit of low growth between the sites, so they did not feel exposed. And some amazing views of the mountains and surrounding valleys. I did not have any trouble with my 16' trailer, however, anything longer that 24-25' would find limited space. And the drive up the mountain, although not long, is extremely steep and narrow. I only stayed one night while I was traveling across Nevada on I-80. I would definitely stay here again and would like to spend more time exploring the area and trails.