JOINT PRESS RELEASE
ELY, Nev. — After years of anticipation, Cave Lake is back—and the community is invited to celebrate at the Rediscover Cave Lake Grand Re-Opening Event on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Hosted by the Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), and White Pine County Tourism, this milestone event marks the return of one of Nevada’s most scenic recreation destinations.
Cave Lake State Park was closed to water-based recreation in 2019 to accommodate major dam repairs. With construction now complete and the lake spilling over ahead of schedule, park visitors can once again enjoy fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the pristine mountain setting located just 14 miles southeast of Ely.
To commemorate the re-opening, a full day of activities is planned from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including:
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m.
- NDOW is stocking Cave Lake with about 2,000 pounds of catchable-size rainbow trout. The fish truck will arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. to plant the fish, a fun sight for all ages!
- Float Tube Fly Fishing Clinic hosted by NDOW (8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
- Music, interpretive hikes, and bike rides
- Local food trucks, vendors, and outdoor gear showcases
- Canvas outdoor art, kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife adventures
- Commemorative Rubber Ducky Race (50/50 donation to Cave Lake and to the winner)
- The debut of “Dam Good Beer” from Las Vegas Brewing Company
Camping and Parking:
Both campgrounds—Lake View Campground and Elk Flat Campground—will be open for the weekend. However, Lake View Campground will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations will only be available for volunteers June 6th and 7th. With a large crowd expected, park staff recommend arriving early, as parking will fill up quickly. Overflow parking will be permitted along the access road, and a shuttle service will be available from overflow parking areas along success summit (SR 486) into the park. Due to safety concerns and parking restrictions motorized boats will not be permitted on Saturday, June 7.
“Restoring Cave Lake has been a collaborative effort, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the lake full again,” said NDOW Director Alan Jenne. “This project has brought together multiple agencies and dedicated individuals, all working toward the shared goal of bringing back one of eastern Nevada’s most beloved recreation spots. We’re proud to have played a part in making this destination whole again. We also want to sincerely thank the local community for their cooperation, patience, and unwavering support throughout this restoration process.”
“This is a much anticipated event for Nevada’s state park system,” added Bob Mergell, Administrator of the Nevada Division of State Parks. “The Rediscover Cave Lake event invites all Nevadans and visitors to reconnect with the natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and history that makes this park so special.”
Event Details:
What: Rediscover Cave Lake Grand Re-Opening
When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Cave Lake State Park, Ely, Nevada
Admission: Free (vendors, giftshop items, annual passes, and food items available for purchase)
For more information, vendor inquiries, sponsorships, or to volunteer, contact Cave Lake State Park at (775) 296-1505 or clsp@parks.nv.gov.