17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The landscape surrounding Great Basin National Park in Nevada features a mix of BLM and Forest Service lands with numerous dispersed camping options, ranging from roadside primitive campsites to remote backcountry spots accessible only by high-clearance vehicles. For campers seeking free dispersed campsites, options like Sacramento Pass BLM Campground — located about 8 miles west of the park on Highway 6 — serve as a reliable alternative when park campgrounds fill up. Strawberry Creek Dispersed Camp and Gravel Pit BLM offer primitive camping closer to the park entrance, while sites like North Pinnacle Campsites provide more remote experiences along Snake Creek Road within park boundaries. Most camping areas accommodate both tent and RV camping, though road conditions often determine accessibility for larger vehicles.
Road quality varies significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "This OHV road is narrow and rough with decent sized rocks. There are very little opportunities to turn around and I would strongly recommend against entering with a two-wheel drive vehicle or a trailer." Weather conditions add another layer of complexity, with snow possible at higher elevations even during spring and fall months. Cell service is spotty but surprisingly good at certain locations like Garnet Hill Camp, where visitors report "great cell phone reception" despite the remote setting. Most dispersed sites lack amenities, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste.
Campers frequently mention the spectacular views and quiet surroundings as highlights of the area. "The views are actually stunning at this campsite," reports one visitor about the Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite near Baker Creek Road. Sacramento Pass receives consistent praise as "a good alternative to Great Basin which tends to run full" during peak seasons. Navigation challenges appear in multiple reviews, with several campers noting GPS coordinates often lead to incorrect locations or private property. The Gravel Pit BLM site, while convenient for visiting Lehman Caves, comes with a warning that "the BLM got to work at 8am" since it remains an active work site. For those seeking free dispersed camping opportunities, the numerous backcountry sites scattered across public lands provide excellent access to Great Basin's stunning landscape while allowing campers to enjoy a more secluded wilderness experience. Visitors seeking solitude should consider weekday visits, as popular dispersed campsites like Sacramento Pass can become busy during summer weekends.
"Right above great basin national park. Very clean also. Stayed here on a Tuesday & there were only 2 other people."
"There are more dispersed sites available via dirt roads if you want to be back from the campground. It was very nice for a BLM site. There is a fun hiking trailhead right off the horse area."
"This spot is only a few miles from Great Basin National Park, it's in one of the most empty parts of the country, it's secluded, beautiful, and I get good cell service here."
"There are no amenities other that a couple bushes to pee on. AT&T service is good. Love these peaceful BLM spots!"
"Quiet easy access-just what you want in a dispersed campsite."
"Easy to get into the park and easy to get situated. All dirty, with concrete pads for your RV or Trailer. Not a bad spot, felt safe and headed out the next day during our commute."
"Large flat area just a few hundred yards off the road and five minutes from great basin Ranger station. The dirt road is a two track with a little rutting."
"Plenty of flat area, was one other car there. Seems to be a construction site in that area (just a big hole with a bulldozer)."
"First off I'll start by saying the "Get directions" location on this app is incorrect AND the GPS will take you down a private, gated, dirt road to get there."
"Pull off right next to freeway, large parking areas on both sides. More areas beyond fence on the north side. Stayed close to the entrance and didn't explore much."
"You don’t have to drive through the gate, although I recommend you do for a more secluded spot slightly further from the road. It gets a little sandy, so be wary with your 2WD vehicle."
"It it about 3 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. As you are approaching the trailhead, there are spur roads with some good turnouts to park."
"Lots of available dispersed spots for big groups/lots of people. Roads aren’t too bad, sort of bumpy & sandy. Heard coyotes at night which was cool."
ScoutNo facilities or anything on site, just a large gravel pit and lot on the far side. Shaded by the mountains to the West so it is significantly cooler than in the open sun even before the sunset. No direpits or anything so be totally self sufficient
GuideVery remote and wild, but the sites are very developed. Firm level pads, grills, picnic tables, horse pen, clean toilets, trash can. We passed the first group of sites, went up to the top and so glad we did. Trails everywhere. Views amazing! It snowed in May- be ready!
GuideQuiet area, easy drive up, about 3 miles off road. I have full service at the very top. Not much in the area on our drive to Zion so it was a great stopping point.
RangerI stayed up in the house camp area and had a concrete pad, covered picnic table, and metal fire ring. There was a bathroom up there and another at the lower level. The road was pretty good. There are more dispersed sites available via dirt roads if you want to be back from the campground. It was very nice for a BLM site. There is a fun hiking trailhead right off the horse area. Beautiful view in all directions. A few bugs.
TravelerOnce you get past the gate follow the gravel road. Seems to have been grated recently. We pulled in to one of cattle water trough areas. Didn’t go all the way to the creek but with rains during the day we wanted to be safe than sorry. Verizon has two bars 5 g. Plenty of flat spaces for setting up. Areas without brush seem to be scarce. But satellite looks promising near the creek.
ScoutDon't enter this campground from Highway 93
GuideGreat plat to camp and look forward to cool rocks and garnets. There is a bathroom that not very well kept and there’s trash all over. Roads are not very well maintained rock clutter from hounds and huge ruts in the road. Did find what we came for can’t complain there. Peace and quiet. Great garnets and fun times
ScoutJust a few minutes from Baker, no fuss, easy open camping. No facilities of any sorts, so bring your own water, electricity and restroom solutions.
LegendWhen we arrived we had the whole place to ourselves. The roads in were great. There's plenty of space to maneuver a large rig. It is fairly level. The view of snow capped mountains are amazing. There are no amenities other that a couple bushes to pee on. AT&T service is good. Love these peaceful BLM spots!
Dispersed camping options surrounding Great Basin National Park span across BLM and Forest Service land at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 8,000 feet. Temperatures fluctuate significantly with season and elevation, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows often below freezing. Access roads to rustic camping areas vary from maintained gravel to rough high-clearance routes requiring 4WD capability.
Rockhounding opportunities: At Garnet Hill Camp, visitors can search for semi-precious stones. "It is about 3 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. As you are approaching the trailhead, there are spur roads with some good turnouts to park," notes Mike G.
Hot springs exploration: Gandy Warm Springs offers natural bathing options about 45 minutes from the park. "Beautiful spring and nice campsite for vans and tents. Dark skies and stars aplenty," reports Mike M., who also mentions the "long drive on gravel roads" to reach this secluded spot.
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing conditions year-round. "We loved this spot for an overnight. We drove our 25' RV up and found a perfect spot. It snowed over night and we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise," shares Alex H. about their winter experience at Garnet Hill Camp.
Solitude and space: Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite offers isolation from crowds. "This campsite is completely silent but there is a home about a half mile through the woods to the North towards Lehman Caves Road," notes Teri G.
Accessible amenities: Some free sites maintain unexpected facilities. Sarah M. remarks about Sacramento Pass BLM Campground: "For this to be a free campground, it's really nice! Each site is an established site, with a covered picnic table & firepit. Each site is spaced out also."
Connectivity in remote areas: Several campsites maintain cell service despite isolation. "About one thousand feet before the top of Garnet Hill, at a 90 degrees right hand turn, there are a number of good, level spots with excellent cell service on T-Mobile," advises Marty K.
Road conditions vary significantly: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many dispersed sites. Teri G. warns about Baker Creek Road: "This OHV road is narrow and rough with decent sized rocks. There are very little opportunities to turn around and I would strongly recommend AGAINST entering with a two-wheel drive vehicle or a trailer."
Navigation challenges: GPS coordinates may be inaccurate for some areas. Virginia D. shares about Snake Creek on Forest Road 448: "If you tell google to send you to this camp you will find a relic sheep handling facility on BLM land that is mapped as Snake Creek Campground. We never made it to the camp."
Active work sites: Some BLM sites serve dual purposes. At Gravel Pit BLM Dispersed Campsite, Amber cautions: "I enjoyed camping here, and I could see it being a great spot for a large group. As the description said, it's a working gravel pit... and the BLM got to work at 8am the morning after I arrived."
Established campsites preferred: For families with children, sites with defined boundaries provide safety. "Beautiful and clean dispersed camping. There are many different sites. Even has restrooms. The best sites are further back in the forest don't stop at the main section just off the road," recommends Matt G. about Sacramento Pass.
Check campsite status: Seasonal maintenance or closures may affect access. "Tried to go in but the road ditched and seemed obvious that forest service is trying to stop people from going there. Two spots closer to main road had no camping signs," reports Ladd A. about Baker Creek Road.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be extreme, especially at higher elevations. Steve M. notes about Millard Desert Camp: "This was a convenient stop as we drove through. As others have said, you can hear HW 50, but (at least in Nov) there was very little traffic."
Turnaround space limitations: Many dispersed camping areas near Great Basin National Park lack adequate space for larger vehicles. Marty K. advises: "I would not take a trailer or large motor home to the top of the hill. There are no good places for trailers (tents are ok) and the parking lot at the top is small."
Size-specific site selection: Strawberry Creek Dispersed Camp offers accommodations for various vehicle types. Teresa A. describes it as having "quiet easy access - just what you want in a dispersed campsite," making it suitable for modest RVs and vans.
Overnight versus extended stays: RV campers report different experiences based on duration. "We pulled into the first side available on the left-hand side of the road going into Strawberry Creek. Nice views to the north. Very quiet," notes Pamela M., highlighting the area's suitability for quick stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Great Basin National Park?
Several dispersed camping options exist around Great Basin National Park. Great Basin Flats offers a large flat area just minutes from the ranger station with easy access via a two-track dirt road. Gravel Pit BLM Dispersed Campsite provides another convenient option, particularly suitable for larger groups. Additional dispersed camping can be found along Baker Creek Road and Snake Creek Road. Most sites are primitive with no facilities, so come prepared with water and supplies. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, check current fire restrictions, and camp in previously used sites to minimize impact. The best dispersed sites are typically within 30 minutes of the park entrance, allowing for easy access to park attractions.
Is free camping available near Great Basin National Park?
Yes, free camping is readily available near Great Basin National Park. Sacramento Pass BLM Campground offers an exceptional free option about 8 miles west of the park on Highway 6. Despite being free, it provides covered picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms, and a dumpster. Sites are well-spaced for privacy. Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping provides another free option approximately 10 miles north of Ely. For those seeking more isolation, numerous unmarked dispersed sites exist on public lands surrounding the park. Remember that free sites typically lack running water and electrical hookups, so come self-contained with necessary supplies and always follow fire restrictions in this dry region.
Can you camp along Snake Creek Road near Great Basin National Park?
Yes, camping is available along Snake Creek Road near Great Basin National Park. North Pinnacle Campsites is a designated dispersed camping area located on the north side of Snake Creek Road, making it the third camping area along this route. Snake Creek on Forest Road 448 provides additional camping opportunities in this area. These sites are primitive with no developed facilities, so pack in all necessary supplies including water. The road is generally accessible for most vehicles during summer and fall, though conditions can vary. Snake Creek Road provides access to less-visited areas of the park, offering solitude compared to more popular camping locations near Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peak.
Keep Exploring
