Sacramento Pass Recreation Area provides free camping in two distinct areas. The main campground near Highway 50 features sites around a small pond, while the upper area located about 1 mile up a dirt road offers more seclusion among trees. Both areas maintain vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables with many sites featuring covered ramadas. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day maximum stay. Its location approximately 45 minutes from Great Basin National Park makes it popular with both equestrians and other outdoor enthusiasts.
What to do
Explore nearby hiking trails: The Sacramento Pass Trail system connects directly to the campground. "Hiked the Sac Pass trail and Lucky Boy trail right outside our camping spot. Some cell service in certain spots," notes Kailey C. from Sacramento Pass Recreation Area.
Fish in the small pond: The lower camping area contains a pond suitable for casual fishing. "Very large areas with tables and shade no hookups but it had vault toilets and a small fishing pond. Trails were mapped out with a history lesson on the information board," reports Jim M.
Climbing opportunities: The unique rock formations in the area provide natural climbing features. "The rock formations here are super cool and my kids had a blast climbing on them," shares Michele R. from Sacramento Pass BLM Campground.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "After dark I had excellent view of the starry skies. Quiet neighbor campers," notes John E.
What campers like
Free camping with amenities: Campers consistently praise the value of free camping with established facilities. "Great spot right off Hwy 50. There's an upper campground and a lower one, so keep driving down the road if the first one is full. Each site is an established site, with a covered picnic table & firepit," reports Sarah M.
Escape from summer heat: The higher elevation provides relief from desert temperatures. "This is my second stay this year. With Las Vegas temps reaching 115, This is a beautiful respite with highs in the mid 80s," shares Kelly P. from Ward Mtn. Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite being free, the campground receives regular maintenance. "I'd go as far as to say it seems better maintained than natl park campgrounds," notes Treavor U.
Clean facilities: The vault toilets and general campground cleanliness receive positive mentions. "The CG is very clean and well maintained. Although, the CG is small, 8 total sites, 2 or 3 were available when we arrived at 3:30pm," explains Ray & Terri F.
What you should know
Two distinct camping areas: The campground has two separate sections. "There is a lower and upper camp spots. The upper is about 1mi up a dirt road and has some shade trees but no ramadas. Both have vault toilets. Trash at lower. Horse corral at upper," explains Mark F.
Bring toilet paper: While vault toilets are maintained, supplies are not provided. "Bring tp for the toilets, which were clean just no tp," advises Mark F.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal in most areas. "AT&T coverage was poor, with 0 to 1 bar of 5GE and speeds of only 0.3 MB/s," reports Ray & Terri F.
Site availability: During peak seasons, especially weekends, the campground fills quickly. "Although it is not immediately evident at the entrance, there are two camping areas here. One circle of 8 or 9(?) sites which surround a little pond nearer to the highway, and then second set of 5 or 6 campsites perhaps a half-mile away past an open gate," notes John E. from Cleve Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Visit the upper camping area: Families may prefer the upper sites. "Make sure you take the road up the hill out of the lower camp spots to the upper area. To this day this is one of my favorite spots," recommends Grant W.
Bring water supplies: No drinking water is available on site. "Super nice campground. I was going to try out a BLM spot closer to Great Basin but it didn't work out. Luckily this campground was only 20 min away and honestly, in far better shape," shares Treavor U.
Plan for temperature changes: Despite summer heat, evenings can cool significantly. "Hot but not unbearable in late July," notes Mark F.
Allow extra time for exploring: The trails and rock features provide natural entertainment. "We also took the ~3 mi Sac Pass Trail from the campground, it's not that well marked but we figured it out," advises Michele R. from Timber Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Upper camping area access: The dirt road to the upper equestrian camping area can accommodate larger rigs. "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We stayed in the second site for one night in late May," shares Ray & Terri F.
Site spacing for larger vehicles: The lower campground has adequate separation between sites. "The sites also have nice separation," notes Ray & Terri F.
No hookups available: Come prepared for dry camping. "Very nice NPS campground. My 30' TT and 20' truck found ample back-in FF spaces. Mostly flat. Table, grill and prep counter in good shape," reports James J.
Satellite reception possible: For those requiring connectivity, satellite options work. "We had access all 3 western DISH satellites and Starlink had speeds were up to 11 MB/s," mentions Ray & Terri F.
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