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Best Dispersed Camping near Great Basin National Park

33 Reviews

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.

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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."

    6. North Pinnacle Campsites — Great Basin National Park

    1 Review
    Baker, NV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 234-7331

    7. Snake Creek on Forest Road 448

    1 Review
    Garrison, NV
    8 miles

    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

    8 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."

    10. 19631 Humboldt Forest Road Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Ely, NV
    35 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Great Basin National Park

23 Photos of 16 Great Basin National Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Great Basin National Park

33 Reviews of 16 Great Basin National Park Campgrounds

  • BoneMonkey ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2023

    Marjum Pass Dispersed Camping

    Open camping with great lines of sight

    Camped on the Western opening of Marjum Canyon. Drove through the canyon a few times. Dispersed camping and small pull-offs all throughout.

    Photos are of the Western slope pouring out of the canyon. As you exit the Canyon heading West, there are pull offs on both sides of the dirt road. Some areas may need high clearance vehicles to get over. There are small pull offs and dirt roads that low clearance vehicles can go over.

    Most surrounding land is BLM land.

    No Water

    No Shade

    No Wood

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2022

    North Pinnacle Campsites — Great Basin National Park

    Spacious site in full view of road

    This camping location is listed as North Pinnacle on the National Geographic map of the park, other maps show the location but do not provide a name for this camping location. This is the third camping area along Great Basin National Park's Snake Creek Road. Located on the north side of the road, this campsite is not clearly marked like the others on the road, it is marked only by a small green tent sign. Campsite consist of a single very roomy campsite with plenty of room in the area for multiple tents. Parking is a small pull off from the road. At most you might get two cars in to the parking spot. The camping area is right along the road with no trees or other plants blocking the view from the road. Site has a picnic table, trash can and metal fire ring. This is a dry campground. This is the only campsite along the road to not have a vault toilet.

     Be warned, the information on the parks website is a bit misleading. Road is not for RV's or trailers. Just after you enter the park on Snake Creek Road a sign clearly indicated no RV's or trailers past the roads first pull out. Road is a narrow single lane road for almost all of its length. Camp site is just off a very dusty road, but road travel is slow with little traffic. No fee to use this site.

  • Jeff K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Old 93 BLM - Dispersed Camping

    Forest Service Down the Road

    About 10mi north of Ely. Map will take you to BLM off the highway. However, there are 4 forest service designated campgrounds on the road across the highway.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Free single NF-589 Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful single site on a rough dirt road

    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. Also, there is only ONE campsite on this road.

    When you set your GPS for this location the GPS will take you down Lehman Caves Road which is also highway 488 into the national park. About halfway down this road from the small town of Baker, you will be told turn left on Rowland Ranch Road. IGNORE THIS. Rowland Ranch Road is a gated dirt road on private property. Instead continue down Lehman Caves Road until you get to a left on Baker Creek Road. I have attached a picture of detailed instructions of this ^ in my review.

    Baker Creek Road is a maintained road within the national park boundaries but is hard pack gravel with some washboards along it. Just a little ways down Baker Creek Road, you will come to NF-589. This road starts as a Y split. Your first left is a foot path only with no camping signs in it. Directly behind it is the vehicle accessible entrance. Enter at your own risk! 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. With that being said, I managed to squeeze down this road with my stock 2015 Toyota Tacoma towing a 12x6 enclosed trailer. My truck made it no problem without 4wd but I was at the limit of capability with my trailers ground clearance, width, and length. I also pre-scouted the singular campsite on this road with my off-road motorcycle to make sure nobody was there first. The only way for me to turn around with my trailer on NF-589 was to use the campsite I stayed in. Just into the entrance of the road you'll come across a downed tree across the road. Don't worry, somebody remade the road to the left going around it so continue on. About halfway towards the campsite you'll come across a small picket sign on the left side of the road that marks the national park boundaries. The campsite is on your left roughly another 500ft after that, just barely outside the national park boundary. There are some good wash outs almost a foot deep and 6-8in stones in the road. My 6-ft wide trailer, which is slightly wider than my truck, was touching trees on both sides for most of the way down.

    I'll say it again, there is only one campsite here. The GPS coordinates do not bring you to a campsite so follow my instructions instead. This campsite is tight as you first turn in but opens up in the middle about 20ft into it. It also has some flat open areas for tents just a few feet away from main area. The site is not level and on the slope of a hill. There are also some large rocks similar in size to the ones in the trail on the way in all through the site. My 4in levelers for my rooftop tent were not tall enough to counter this slope. I ended up having to use large boulders and back over them to level my truck so I could sleep. There's nothing here but a fire ring, that includes bathrooms of any kind. You are just in the middle of the woods.

    I would love it if people would stop having glass bottle parties around campfires. When did ruining fragile campsites become the new cool? I always try to leave a free campsite better than I found it. I spend time cleaning up other people's trash, rebuilding fallen fireplaces, and sweeping off cement patios when present. I would greatly appreciate it if you would do the same for others.

    Anyways, I was here for 2 nights. The views are slightly blocked by the trees but the trees are fairly short. If you can get above the trees like I could by sitting on the roof of my trailer when the sun went down, the views are actually stunning at this campsite. This campsite is almost walking distance to the Lehman Caves and just a few minutes drive to most other attractions here like the scenic drive to the Alpine Lakes at the base of Wheeler Peak. The campsite is completely silent but there is a home about a half mile through the woods to the North towards Lehman Caves Road so please be respectful with music volume even though it may feel as though you are in the middle of nowhere.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    Great spot for free

    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. There's 2 bathrooms & a dumpster. Right above great basin national park. Very clean also. Stayed here on a Tuesday & there were only 2 other people.

  • Peter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2023

    Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    Perfect

    Needed a place to overnight in my RTT, and this worked out great. Pulled in, was the only one there so had my choice of spots. Had a restful night and hit the road in the morning. No fuss! 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.

  • Mike G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Garnet Hill Camp

    Lots of secluded space and cell coverage

    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. There were 3 other cars in the area overnight, but I felt I had the place to myself with the junior and pine providing shelter. I am not sure how a take would fit, but there are some turnouts for a small trailer. ATT cell coverage was decent.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Sacramento Pass BLM Campground

    Clean, good alternative to Great Basin which tends to run FULL

    FREE! On the whole, avg., 3 stars. Not many developed BLM sites around.

    Great Basin was full, so went west on 6 about 8 miles and pulled into dispersed campground where there were some covered picnic tables at sites around a large central pond, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites. Stayed in#7 which was exposed, but the last one available so we took it. Free. Pit toilets are dirty but don't stink and trash has been emptied. Nice views to Wheeler Peak and out across UT

  • Amber The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Gravel Pit BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Great Spot if you're going to Lehman Caves

    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. So, be aware of that. There is no shoulder on the highway, so you can't really pull over to check road or flood conditions before pulling into the pit. In my case it was totally fine, clear and flat, but I didn't really enjoy going in blind.

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.

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