Best Dispersed Camping near Great Basin National Park

The landscape surrounding Great Basin National Park in Nevada features a mix of BLM and Forest Service lands with numerous dispersed camping options. Sacramento Pass BLM Campground, located about 8 miles west of the park on Highway 6, serves as a popular 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. Visitors seeking solitude should consider weekday visits, as popular sites like Sacramento Pass can become busy during summer weekends.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Great Basin National Park (16)

    1. Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    9 Reviews
    Great Basin National Park, NV
    10 miles

    "Right above great basin national park. Very clean also. Stayed here on a Tuesday & there were only 2 other people."

    "Not sure if this is what I understand to be dispersed camping, as it’s a first come first served campground with tables, fire rings and pit toilets, just no water."

    2. Strawberry Creek Dispersed Camp

    3 Reviews
    Baker, NV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1800

    "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."

    3. Gravel Pit BLM Dispersed Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Baker, NV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1800

    "As the description said, it's a working gravel pit. ... and the BLM got to work at 8am the morning after I arrived. So, be aware of that."

    "A big flat gravel lot - found based on a dispersed camping map provided by the national park"

    4. Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Baker, NV
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 289-1800

    "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."

    5. Great Basin Flats

    1 Review
    Baker, NV
    8 miles

    "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."

    8. Millard Desert Camp

    2 Reviews
    Garrison, UT
    29 miles

    "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."

    "The north side of the highway is a bit sandy and you might be cautious in 2wd cars. Nice views, pretty landscape and nothing much else."

    9. Garnet Hill Camp

    7 Reviews
    Ruth, NV
    43 miles

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Great Basin National Park

32 Reviews of 16 Great Basin National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Great Basin National Park

Dispersed camping near Great Basin National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, adventurers can find the perfect spot to set up camp.

Enjoy Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Great Basin National Park

  • Sacramento Pass BLM Campground provides beautiful views of Wheeler Peak and the surrounding area, making it a great choice for those who appreciate picturesque landscapes.
  • Garnet Hill Camp is known for its sweeping views and stunning sunrises, perfect for early risers looking to capture the beauty of the dawn.
  • The Gravel Pit BLM Dispersed Campsite offers a flat, open area ideal for larger groups, with the added benefit of being close to Lehman Caves for daytime exploration.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Features

  • At Baker Creek Road, you'll find a single campsite that offers a secluded experience, though access requires navigating a rough dirt road, making it suitable for adventurous spirits.
  • North Pinnacle Campsites provide a spacious area with a picnic table and fire ring, although it's important to note that RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the narrow road.
  • Garnet Hill Roadside Camp is a convenient stop with no permit required, allowing for a quick and easy setup for those passing through the area.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Great Basin National Park, Nevada

  • Be prepared for limited amenities at sites like Strawberry Creek Dispersed Camp, which has no water or toilets, so plan accordingly with your supplies.
  • When camping at Millard Desert Camp, be aware of the sounds from HW 50, but enjoy the remote beauty and minimal traffic, especially during off-peak months.
  • If you choose to stay at Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite, ensure your vehicle is capable of handling rough terrain, as the access road can be challenging.

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.