The best camping near Great Basin National Park

Q: Can you go camping at Great Basin National Park?

Yes, you can camp at Great Basin National Park . The park offers a variety of campgrounds, including the Lower Lehman Creek, Upper Lehman Creek, Baker Creek, Grey Cliffs, and Wheeler Peak campgrounds. These campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and have different seasonal availabilities. For more information on camping options within the park, visit the Great Basin National Park 's official website or Recreation.gov for campground reservations.

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Great Basin National Park adventure.

98% (38 reviews)

Remote high desert park is home to peaks, caves, ancient bristlecones, and dark night skies

Popular ways to camp

Public campgrounds in the park

Top-rated campgrounds near Great Basin National Park

75%

(4)

Great Basin Desert Camping & RV

10 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Baker, NV

This property offers five campsites, situated in a natural, secluded area that was once a pond. Conveniently just south of the only gas station in town, the sites are close to the highway but sit lower in elevation, providing privacy and shielding them from the road. Guests have access to a small building with clean restrooms, showers and laundry facilities for added convenience. Campsite #1 is closest to the restrooms, #5 is the furthest. No fires as our fire danger is very high most of the year. The RV spaces are behind the Baker Fuel and RV gas station All sites are back-in only and have full hook-ups: 30 & 50 amp electricity, sewer and water. There is a public bathroom, shower and laundry facility next to the sites. RV Site 5 is closest to the bathroom and RV Site 1 is furthest away.

97%

(136)

Schellraiser

92 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Mc Gill, NV

The Schellraiser music festival offers a variety of seasonal camping options on our 80-acre private campground in the cool high desert of far Eastern Nevada's Steptoe Valley, near the small town of McGill. Our Lotus Belle-brand bell tents are solar powered and fully furnished, with king-, queen- and twin-size beds, Avocado-brand mattresses, rugs, loveseats, floor lamps, charging ports and wi-fi service. Our campground also features two solar-powered shipping container homes; the larger of the two homes also has a small kitchen area and now serves as our clubhouse from Thursday through Sunday nights. Car camping and pitch-your-own-tent sites without power are available, as well, as are furnished yurts without power. We currently have a heated six-unit restroom/shower trailer on site. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, TO ENSURE THAT OUR CAMPGROUND MEETS YOUR EXPECTATIONS: We are a totally off-grid campground, in an extremely remote part of rural Eastern Nevada. To reach our campground, you must travel eight-tenths of a mile off the main highway, on a dirt road that is susceptible to flooding from record snowmelt from April to mid-July during wet years. Drivers with Teslas and other low-clearance vehicles are strongly advised to look elsewhere for lodging; Subaru drivers may actually enjoy the brief trip out. PLEASE READ ALL CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS, OUR FIRE BAN ADVISORY AND CAMPGROUND RULES BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR STAY WITH US. ABOUT THE AREA: Schellraiser is just minutes away from the High Schells and Bristlecone wilderness areas, and within an hour's drive of Nevada's wildest mountain and desert scenery. High peaks, rugged canyons, wild rock formations, natural hot springs and ghost towns are all around us, and the surrounding area is teeming with wildlife, including the state's largest elk herd. ABOUT US: We're the home base of the annual Schellraiser micro-fest, which brings bands like Ladytron, Mercury Rev, Blonde Redhead, Asleep At The Wheel, The Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper, Old 97's, Houndmouth, Death Valley Girls, Titus Andronicus, Nikki Lane, Shannon Shaw and BRONCHO to the nearby McGill Pool Park each June.

100%

(3)

Great Escape Camping

1 site · Tent25 acres · Baker, NV

Escape at starry skies camp sight where you will be nestled in the trees but still have open skies to view the stars. The camp sight is private, has a sand pad for a tent, picnic table, outhouse and garbage. The campsite is conveniently located on Sacramento pass making it a great spot to rest up after exploring Great Basin National Park.

98%

(27)

Hidden Canyon's Glamping Cabins

5 sites · Lodging375 acres · Baker, NV

Want a unique glamping experience close to Great Basin National Park? Hidden Canyon is it. Located 19 miles from Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park, Hidden Canyon a sprawling 375 acres. Walk the land, sit in the orchards, watch the deer and turkeys roam, swim in the pool, shop in the small grocery store, get back in touch with nature, while still enjoying some creature comforts. This entire area is known for its night sky, so sit back and watch the show.Hidden Canyon is in Nevada but the closest town for reference is Garrison, Utah. A seven mile dirt/gravel road is required to access the property. 4x4 is not necessary.

The best camping near Great Basin National Park guide

Overview

About

Located in central-eastern Nevada near the border with Utah, Great Basin National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country. It’s home to the stunning Lehman Caves, ancient bristlecone pine forests, alpine lakes, a glacier, the second highest peak in the state, Wheeler Peak, diverse ecosystems, and some of the darkest night skies in the country. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife spotting. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular. The park offers five developed campgrounds and primitive camping options along Snake River. Backcountry camping is also available.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RVs and year-round access: The Lower Lehman Creek Campground is the only campground open year-round and offers 11 sites, including a few pull-through sites for RVs.
Best for hikers: The Upper Lehman Creek Campground is just a short drive from the high alpine trails leading into the Snake Range and offers 23 sites.
Best for groups: The Grey Cliffs Campgrounds offers five designated spaces for large groups.

Tips for snagging a campsite

During peak season, plan to make a reservation, which are required at Upper and Lower Lehman and Wheeler Peak campgrounds, as soon as you know your dates. Campsites can be reserved up to one month in advance.
If your plans are flexible, try to visit during the week or during non-holiday periods. The park is open year round, though Lower Lehman Creek campground is the only developed campground open all year.
If you don’t need amenities and have a high-clearance vehicle, consider the year-round primitive campgrounds along Snake Creek (subject to snow closures).

When to go

June through September are the most popular times to visit the park, although it rarely gets crowded. Thunderstorms can be common in summer afternoons. Plan to hike earlier in the day to avoid them, especially at higher elevations. Visit in September and October for dazzling fall colors. Snow can fall as early as October and last through May. Lehman Cave tours are available year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, though tours in the winter visit a more limited area.

Know before you go

The park is in a remote location. The last place to stock up is in Baker, five miles away.
There are no fees to enter the park, but fees are required for stays at certain campgrounds and for tours of the Lehman Caves. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance for cave tours, and strongly encouraged over the summer.
Bring layers. Park temperatures can vary greatly between elevations and from day to night.
There are no hookups or shower facilities at Great Basin National Park. A seasonal dump station, potable water, and trash are available near the main entrance.
Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings in campgrounds, and on bare soil or shallow snow pits in the backcountry below 10,000 feet. The park does not sell firewood.
There is no wifi and only limited cell phone coverage in the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go camping at Great Basin National Park?

Yes, you can camp at Great Basin National Park. The park offers a variety of campgrounds, including the Lower Lehman Creek, Upper Lehman Creek, Baker Creek, Grey Cliffs, and Wheeler Peak campgrounds. These campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and have different seasonal availabilities. For more information on camping options within the park, visit the Great Basin National Park's official website or Recreation.gov for campground reservations.

Do I need a camping reservation for Great Basin National Park?

While it's not mandatory to have a reservation for camping at Great Basin National Park, it is highly recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak season (May to September). The park has five developed campgrounds, four of which are first-come, first-served. However, the Grey Cliffs Campground does accept reservations. To learn more about camping options and make a reservation at Grey Cliffs Campground, visit Recreation.gov. For more information on camping in and around Great Basin National Park, visit Hipcamp.

What is the best time of year to camp at Great Basin National Park?

The best time of year to camp at Great Basin National Park is from late spring to early fall, typically between May and October. During these months, the weather is generally mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C) and cooler nights. This time frame also offers better access to the park's various attractions, such as Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. However, it's important to note that higher elevations within the park can still experience snow and cooler temperatures even in the summer months, so it's essential to check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.

How much does it cost to camp at Great Basin National Park?

Camping fees at Great Basin National Park range from $12 to $20 per night for individual sites, depending on the campground and amenities. The park has five developed campgrounds: Upper Lehman Creek, Lower Lehman Creek, Baker Creek, Grey Cliffs, and Wheeler Peak. Here's a breakdown of the fees for each campground: - Upper Lehman Creek: $12 per night - Lower Lehman Creek: $12 per night - Baker Creek: $15 per night - Grey Cliffs: $15 per night - Wheeler Peak: $20 per night For more information on camping options and amenities, visit Hipcamp.

How do I get a campsite reservation at Great Basin National Park?

Securing a Great Basin National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Great Basin National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Great Basin campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

When should I reserve camping in Great Basin National Park?

Most Great Basin National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Great Basin National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Great Basin campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.