After nearly four years of closure due to major dam reconstruction, Cave Lake State Park is officially reopening, and it’s not just great news for Ely. The reopening of this beloved destination is expected to bring new energy and economic opportunity to neighboring communities like McGill, Pioche and Caliente.

The Nevada Division of State Parks will host a full-day celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, free fishing with no license required that day, interpretive booths and a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities. Park entry will also be free for the entire day.

Located just 15 miles southeast of Ely, Cave Lake has long been a favorite for hiking, fishing and camping. Its scenic trails and cool mountain lake offer the perfect escape during the heat of summer.

The roughly $9.6 million dam improvement project, completed this spring, included structural upgrades and environmental enhancements to preserve the lake’s health and safety for generations to come. With water levels back up and wildlife returning, outdoor enthusiasts can once again fish, paddle and explore the area’s unique high desert beauty.

While Cave Lake is physically closer to Ely and McGill, its reopening is expected to benefit surrounding communities along the Great Basin Highway corridor. Increased travel to White Pine County often means overnight stays, restaurant visits, fuel stops and souvenir shopping in places like Pioche, Caliente and Panaca.

“This isn’t just about a lake reopening,” said one Lincoln County Authority of Tourism volunteer. “It’s about rekindling the regional travel loop. Families making the trip for Cave Lake might camp in Cathedral Gorge, stop at the Caliente Railroad Depot or explore Pioche’s historic downtown while they’re in the area.” 

The timing is ideal, with summer travel picking up and rural Nevada becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking quieter, nature-focused experiences.

With the lake now open for swimming, fishing, kayaking and shoreline picnics, nearby towns may see a ripple effect in tourism. Businesses in Pioche and Caliente that cater to campers, RV travelers or outdoor adventurers could see a welcome uptick in traffic, especially on weekends and holiday travel dates.

Cave Lake State Park is open year-round, and campsites can be reserved online through the Nevada State Parks website by visiting https://parks.nv.gov/.

*The May 23, 2025, issue of the Record included an incorrect date on the reopening of Cave Lake. The correct date for the reopening is June 7.