Welcome to the ultimate guide on camping in Great Basin National Park and nearby!
Great Basin National Park, located in remote eastern Nevada, is one of the most breathtaking national parks in America. The park offers a striking departure from Nevada’s typical desert scenery, boasting sagebrush-covered valleys as well as snow-capped mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and even a glacier. Great Basin National Park is also home to the longest cave system in Nevada and rare ancient trees, set against the backdrop of Wheeler Peak, Nevada’s second-highest summit that stands 13,063′ tall.
Due to the park’s remote location and limited lodging options, camping isn’t just a fantastic way to experience the many wonders of the Great Basin – it’s practically a must! Fortunately, the park offers a wide range of camping options, from tent camping and car camping to RV or trailer camping. Additionally, for those unable to secure a spot within the park, there are several great alternative camping options available nearby.
Whether you prefer the convenience of developed campgrounds or the freedom of dispersed campsites nestled within the park and its surroundings, there’s an option to suit every adventurer’s preference!
Continue reading to discover which campground is best in Great Basin National Park as well as the top options for camping outside of the park boundary.
- Great Basin National Park campgrounds
- Places to camp near Great Basin National Park
- Know before you go
Great Basin National Park campgrounds
Developed campgrounds
Great Basin National Park has 5 developed campgrounds in the main section near the park’s top attractions, each offering a unique experience at different elevations.
Additional camping can be found in remote areas of the park and on nearby public lands – read on for details!
- Grey Cliffs Campground (7,115 ft)
- Lower Lehman Creek Campground (7,300 ft)
- Baker Creek Campground (7,530 ft)
- Upper Lehman Creek Campground (7,752 ft)
- Wheeler Peak Campground (9,886 ft)
(The park’s sixth campground, Strawberry Creek Campground (7,800 feet), is currently CLOSED until further notice.)
Most campgrounds in Great Basin National Park are open seasonally – from late spring to early fall (approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day). Lower Lehman Creek Campground is the only year-round campground in Great Basin National Park (please note that the campground is CLOSED for parts of the 2024 season).
Peak season in Great Basin National Park is during the summer months. Between June and August, the park is fully operational, offering a range of activities for visitors. Some of the campgrounds require reservations in the peak season, available up to 30 days in advance.
All developed campgrounds in Great Basin National Park are equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, tent pads, campfire rings with grills, and garbage dumpsters. There are no hookups or shower facilities. Potable water may not be available, but you can refill containers at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center which is open year-round.
Campsites are limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles. Pets are allowed. Individual sites are $20.00 per night; $10.00 for Senior/Access Pass holders.
Lower Lehman Creek Campground (7,300 ft)
- Season: Open year-round
- Number of sites: 11
- Fee: $20/night
- RVs & trailers: Yes (some sites)
- Vault toilets
- Potable water may not be available
- Paved access road
Temporary closure: Lower Lehman Creek Campground will be CLOSED for parts of the 2024 season due to rehabilitation and construction projects.
Lower Lehman Creek Campgroup (AKA Lower Lehman Campground) is a small campground situated along the lower section of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. This location puts you just minutes from the Lehman Caves. This is the only campground in Great Basin National Park that’s open year-round.
The campground is situated along Lehman Creek in a lush area surrounded by a variety of trees. Some years, potable water is available from spring through fall. A half-mile trail runs to the Upper Lehman Creek Campground up the road – the trailhead location for the Lehman Creek Trail with a 2,000 feet elevation gain.
Reservations: Campsites at the Lower Lehman Creek Campground can be reserved up to 1 month ahead.
RV and trailer information: RV/trailer max length: 40 feet; 6 sites have pull-through parking. Some of the paved spurs are unlevel and steep. Some visitors have noted discrepancies between the campsite descriptions on the booking website and the actual size and terrain (check out Google Street View of the campground to get a more accurate picture of the sites before making a reservation).
Upper Lehman Creek Campground (7,752 ft)
- Season: May through September/October (weather permitting)
- Number of sites: 23
- Fee: $20/night
- RVs & trailers: Yes (some sites)
- Vault toilets
- Potable water may not be available
- Paved access road
The Upper Lehman Creek Campground (AKA Upper Lehman Campground) is located 5 minutes up the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a half mile past (and 450 feet above) the Lower Lehman Creek Campground.
The campground is nestled among pinyon and ponderosa pines along with other tree varieties and has creeks running throughout on both sides. Exact opening and closing dates are dependent on weather conditions. Here, campers are just steps away from the Lehman Creek Trailhead, a challenging climb to nearly 10,000 feet. Most sites are well shaded and many feel secluded and private. Just beware that parking at some sites is tight and/or isn’t completely level.
Reservations: Reservations are required May 26 – September 30 and can be made up to 30 days in advance on the recreation.gov website.
RV and trailer information: RV/trailer max length: 40 feet; 19-20 feet in the upper loop. Campsite parking varies in size from compact to long pull-through spaces. Some driveways have a noticeable tilt. Travelers mention that site descriptions and dimensions on the reservation website aren’t correct. If in doubt, take a virtual walk down the campground via Google Street View.
Wheeler Peak Campground (9,886 ft)
- Season: Summer
- Number of sites: 37
- Fee: $20/night
- RVs & trailers: Yes (some sites)
- Vault toilets
- Potable water may not be available
- Paved access road
Temporary closure: The Wheeler Peak Campground may remain closed for the 2024 season for construction projects. If opened, the plan is to have campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Wheeler Peak Campground, perched at the end of the park’s 12-mile-long Scenic Drive at nearly 10,000 feet of elevation, is an excellent option for high-altitude camping in Nevada. This campground typically opens last in the park due to snow accumulation in the off-season (exact opening and closing dates vary each year – check the campground status here). It accommodates vehicles and trailers up to 24 feet long, aligning with the size limit for the final 9 miles of the Scenic Drive.
The campsites are nestled within a stunning alpine forest of spruce and aspen trees, offering ample shade at nearly every site and convenient access to several popular scenic trails. Given the high altitude, nighttime temperatures can be chilly even in the summer months.
Reservations: Reservations are subject to opening dates. Check availability here.
RV and trailer information: RV/trailer max length: 24 feet. Campsite driveways vary in size, and some have a bit of a slope.
Grey Cliffs Campground (7,115 ft)
- Season: May 26 – September 30
- Number of sites: 13
- Fee: $20/night
- RVs & trailers: Not allowed
- Vault toilets
- NO potable water
- Dirt/gravel road access
The Grey Cliffs Campground holds the distinction of being the lowest elevation campground in Great Basin National Park. It’s located along Baker Creek Road, an unpaved road, just a few minutes south of the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and Lehman Caves.
The campground is situated in a desert oasis among sagebrush and pinion pines, with Baker Creek skirting the north edge of the campground. While shade is limited, the campsites are well spaced out and some are quite spacious. This is a dry campground, but water is available at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center year-round and some years at the Baker Creek Campground up the road. It can get a bit dusty here at times, but on the plus side you’re only steps away from the Pole Canyon Trailhead, a scenic 6.6-mile hike up Pole Canyon!
Reservations: Loop A sites – First-come, first-served; Loop B – Closed; Loop C sites are reservable May 26 – September 30.
RV and trailer information: Due to limited road space within the campground, RVs and trailers are not permitted.
Baker Creek Campground (7,530 ft)
- Season: Late May through September (weather permitting)
- Number of sites: 37
- Fee: $20/night
- RVs & trailers: Yes (some sites/size restrictions)
- Vault toilets
- Potable water may not be available
- Dirt/gravel road access
The Baker Creek Campground is located on Baker Creek Road, 3.5 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and 1.5 miles past the Grey Cliffs Campground. This is the only first-come, first-served developed campground in Great Basin National Park during the peak season. Please note that Baker Creek is a dirt road, and there is some washboard.
The campground offers a variety of sites, some with creek access. While potable water may not be available every year, containers can always be refilled at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. The nearly 7-mile-long Pole Canyon Loop passes by and provides easy access to additional nearby hiking trails.
Reservations: Not available. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. (FYI: The campground tends to fill up on weekends during the summer.)
RV and trailer information: RV/trailer max length: 50 feet on the Lower Loop; 24 feet max on the Upper Loop. Campsites and driveways vary in size; a few pull-through sites are available. Many RV-ers end up here when they find out their reserved site at the Lower or Upper Lehman campgrounds isn’t a comfortable fit.
Free Camping in Great Basin National Park
In addition to the campgrounds listed above, Great Basin National Park also offers free remote campsites in the southeastern section of the park along Snake Creek Road.
Snake Creek Road Primitive Campsites
- Season: Open seasonally
- Number of sites: 12
- Fee: None
- RVs and trailers: Not suitable
- Vault toilets
- NO Potable water
- Unpaved road
Snake Creek Road is a 12-mile dirt road that winds along Snake Creek into the backcountry of Great Basin National Park and several trailheads. This location puts you up to an hour away from the entrance to the park.
All campsites along Snake Creek Road are free and generally available spring through fall, weather permitting (check here for current closures). Several sites (one named “Squirrel Springs”) are clustered along the road, in addition to two camping areas at the end of the road near trailhead parking.
Each site allows up to 15 persons, 6 animals, and 6 vehicles, and you can stay up to 14 days. Amenities include picnic tables, metal fire rings, vault toilets, and trash facilities. The National Park Service requires campers to occupy designated sites only, and while some are set up close to the road, noise shouldn’t be a major concern since this isn’t a heavily trafficked route.
Directions: Snake Creek Road is accessed via Highway 487 either 5 miles south of Baker, NV, or 2 miles down through Garrison, UT, just past the Nevada/Utah state border. Both routes converge a few miles in. The road rises from approximately 5,250 feet to 8,250 feet at its end and is subject to seasonal closures. All of it is dirt and gravel. Though maintained, severe washouts can happen at times, so a high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Reservations: Not available. Campsites are first-come, first-served.
RV and trailer information: RVs and trailers are NOT recommended for camping along Snake Creek Road.
Backcountry camping
Backcountry camping is permitted in most of the wilderness area of Great Basin National Park with the exception of: Wheeler Peak day use area, Lexington Arch day use area, bristlecone pine groves, Osceola Ditch trail, or anywhere within 1/4 mile of any developed areas. Camping is also prohibited in all parking areas, at trailheads, and on/along all other roads within the limits of the park boundary.
There is no fee for camping in the park’s backcountry, but registration may be required for more remote areas. In general, it’s strongly recommended to register regardless of location, especially during winter.
RVs and trailers
Most campgrounds in Great Basin National Park can accommodate RVs and trailers, but there are campground restrictions and individual site limitations, so be sure to note the limits for each campground and before booking specific sites.
Although none of the individual campgrounds in Great Basin National Park offer a dump station, a seasonal one is available along the main road (Lehman Caves Road), just before the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. This facility also provides access to potable water and garbage dumpsters. It’s typically open from late May to October (weather permitting), and there is currently a $10 fee for its use.
Group camping
In Great Basin National Park, group camping is only allowed at the Grey Cliffs Campground. There are three reservable group sites in Loop C, and one site in Loop A that’s available on a first-come-first-served basis. The fee is $30 per night (no pass holder discounts for group sites), for up to 16 people.
Pet-friendly campgrounds
Traveling with your pet? If you’re looking for pet-friendly campgrounds in Great Basin National Park, you’re in luck! All campgrounds in the park are pet-friendly. However, keep in mind that Great Basin National Park activities with pets are very limited. There is, however, a boarding facility in the town of Baker just outside of the park.
First-come, first-served campgrounds in Great Basin National Park
Visiting Great Basin National Park without a campground reservation? Below is a list of campgrounds to consider.
During the peak season (late May through early September), visitors looking for first-come, first-served campsites in Great Basin National Park should head to the Baker Creek Campground, or Loop A at the Grey Cliffs Campground. Additionally, there might be some availability at the Lower Lehman Creek Campground.
Outside of the peak season, the Lower Lehman Creek Campground (open year-round), operates on a first-come-first-served basis. If the Upper Lehman Creek Campground is open early or late in the season, campsites are first-come, first-served as well. You can verify the current campground status here (scroll down to “Campgrounds”).
Additionally, the free Snake Creek campsites offer an excellent alternative for camping in Great Basin National Park without a reservation, particularly if you prefer a quieter location away from the main and busier areas of the park.
ADA Campsites
Several campgrounds in Great Basin National Park have at least one ADA-accessible campsite with accessible restroom facilities (vault toilets; NO water). I suggest reaching out to the park directly for accurate information. While the website indicates three campgrounds with accessible sites, descriptions for all individual campgrounds mention at least one ADA-accessible site.
Camping near Great Basin National Park
Though Great Basin National Park sees fewer visitors than most U.S. national parks while offering more campsites than the average, demand for the park’s campgrounds is high and they often fill up during the summer months, especially on weekends.
That said, if you can’t find a campsite within the park, don’t lose hope. There are several great camping alternatives near Great Basin National Park, some fee-based, and many free!
Let’s start off with the free options, since saving money is rarely frowned upon.
Free camping near Great Basin National Park
Free dispersed camping (no services)
Great Basin National Park is surrounded by public land, managed by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and United States Forest Service (USFS). Generally, these areas permit free dispersed camping outside of designated sites – unless otherwise stated. However, it’s essential to review the rules and regulations for each area you intend to visit, as they can vary depending on the location and managing agency. Utilize resources like the Nevada land management map or apps like Gaia for seamless navigation through various land boundaries and ownership to ensure adherence to regulations.
Drive down any national forest road (NF) and you’re bound to come across established campsites (a rock fire ring is usually a good sign). Whenever possible, opt for campsites that have been previously used to minimize disruption to the ecosystem. You will also need your own provisions regarding water source, toilet, etc.
Please follow dispersed camping guidelines, which include not exceeding the stay limit, obeying posted signs, packing out all your trash, and practicing leave-no-trace principles to protect wildlife and preserve the area for future generations. Pets are permitted for recreation and camping on BLM lands.
Sacramento Pass Recreation Area
- Season: Open year-round
- Number of sites: 10
- Fee: None
- RVs and trailers: Yes
- Vault toilets
- NO Potable water
The Sacramento Pass Recreation Area is a free BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campground with restroom facilities and various other amenities, conveniently located in the foothills of Great Basin National Park near the park entrance. It’s an excellent option when the park’s campgrounds are full or for anyone seeking free camping near Great Basin National Park with toilets.
This free campground offers two designated areas with a total of 10 sites suitable for tents, car camping, trailers, and RVs. The lower section, closer to the road, has 5 sites, while the upper section is a bit more secluded and features 3 sites and a spacious double site area. Each site includes a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and shade structure. Garbage dumpsters and vault toilets are available, but water must be brought in.
You can stay up to 14 days within a 28-day period, and pets are welcome. Expect snow in winter as it’s at nearly 7,000 feet. If sites are full, there’s space to park for the night. Nearby trails are great for hiking and biking, plus a historic ghost town with mining ruins (Blackhorse Mining District) is just across the highway.
Directions: The Sacramento Pass Recreation Area is located just to the north of Great Basin National Park on the south side of Nevada Highway 50, about 40 miles east of Ely, Nevada. The Lehman Caves Visitor Center is only 18 miles away.
Reservations: Not available.
RV and trailer information: The Sacramento Pass Recreation area is suitable for rigs of all sizes.
Cleve Creek Campground
- Season: Open year-round
- Number of sites: 13
- Fee: None
- RVs and trailers: Yes
- Vault toilets
- NO Potable water
Cleve Creek Campground is another free BLM camping area with toilets near Great Basin National Park, about 1 hour from the park entrance. Access roads to campsites are unpaved.
Featuring 12 designated campsites and a spacious group site, this year-round campground offers essential amenities including fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Pets are welcome. Water is not available within the campground, apart from Cleve Creek. The campsites are nestled amidst cottonwood trees on both sides of the creek except for three spacious pull-through sites situated along the road, offering no tree cover. However, each of these sites is equipped with a shade pavilion for added comfort.
As a recreation area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), visitors can enjoy stays of up to 14 days within a 28-day period.
Directions: The Cleve Creek Campground lies north of Great Basin National Park within the High Shells Wilderness area, east of Ely, NV. Follow Nevada SR 893 (just east of the junction of highways 50 and 93) north for 12 miles. Turn left onto Cleve Creek Road and continue westward for 3 miles until you reach a lush area. There are more campsites on the other side of the creek.
Reservations: Not available. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis.
RV and trailer information: There are 3 spacious pull-through sites here, and a variety of other suitable options.
Best campgrounds near Great Basin National Park
For more camping options near Great Basin National Park, venture an hour west to Ely, NV, where you’ll find a variety of fee-based campgrounds and RV parks, catering to various preferences and needs.
Below are the campgrounds closest to Great Basin National Park with excellent reviews:
Cave Lake State Park (Elk Flat Campground + Lake View Campground)
Cave Lake State Park, situated about an hour northwest of Great Basin National Park, offers two campgrounds: Elk Flat Campground and Lake View Campground.
The Elk Flat Campground is the first campground along the road, generally open from early May to mid-October (weather permitting). The Lake View Campground is located 1.6 miles up the road. Both campgrounds offer sites with a fire pit, grill, and picnic table. Additionally, flushing toilets and showers are available for campers’ convenience, except when temperatures drop very low. Individual sites are $10-15 per night plus admission to the state park, and camping is limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.
Directions: From Highway 6/50/93, head east on Nevada SR 486. The turnoff to Elk Grove Campground is 5 miles up the road. Continue straight for 1.6 miles for the Lake View Campground. Access roads to campsites are unpaved.
Reservations: Campsites can be reserved here.
RV and trailer information: Campsites at both campgrounds vary in sizes but are generally suitable for RVs and trailers.
Ely KOA Journey
The Ely KOA campground is situated within the town of Ely, NV, approximately 1 hour from the Great Basin National Park entrance. The campground is ideal for large RVs and trailers (up to 95′), although tent sites are also available, and provides a wide range of amenities including full hookups, Wi-Fi, playground, and pet areas.
Access: The Ely KOA is located just off of Highways 50/93/6 on the south end of Ely, NV.
Reservations: Campsites can be reserved here.
RV and trailer information: Suitable for RVs and trailers up to 95′ long.
Know before you go:
Great Basin National Park has no entrance fees and is open year-round. However, some areas experience seasonal closures due to ice and snow. The peak season runs from late spring to early fall (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
The closest town to Great Basin National Park is Baker, NV, just 5 miles from the park entrance. It’s a small town with only one gas station and limited options for groceries, so be sure to stock up before your trip. For more amenities, the nearest larger town is Ely, NV, about an hour’s drive away, with a population of around 4,000 residents.
Great Basin National Park has 2 visitor centers, one inside the park that’s open year-round, and a seasonal one in the town of Baker (closed during winter).
