Sacramento Pass Recreation Area offers free equestrian camping near Great Basin National Park with separate areas for riders. The campground sits at approximately 7,000 feet elevation, providing cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys during summer months. Visitors can choose between lower camping areas with pond views or the upper equestrian section that provides more seclusion for those camping with horses.
What to do
Trilobite hunting opportunities: Several dispersed camping areas near Great Basin provide access to fossil-rich landscapes. At Marjum Pass Dispersed Camping, "Home to one of the biggest cliffs in North America and you've probably never heard of it. Notch Peak is just to the south of the campground... The coolest thing about this area is the hermit cave a little further back in the side canyon where the gps dot is."
Fishing at nearby ponds: The small fishing pond at Sacramento Pass makes for an accessible activity without traveling far from your site. One camper noted, "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."
Hiking directly from campsites: Access multiple trail networks straight from your campsite. At Cleve Creek Campground, "This little gem sits on the year round Cleve Creek. We camped here in October and the creek was still flowing strong. Small campground nestled among cottonwoods with 12 sites."
What campers like
Free camping with developed amenities: Many visitors appreciate the unexpected amenities at no cost. A camper at Sacramento Pass BLM Campground shared: "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."
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation offers relief from summer heat. One camper at Ward Mtn. Campground noted: "With Las Vegas temps reaching 115, This is a beautiful respite with highs in the mid 80s. Well kept camp sites are also a welcome bonus. Bring your own water."
Secluded upper sites: The upper camping areas provide more privacy away from the highway. A visitor commented: "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. Worth staying a few days, we were there in late April and the weather was great."
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds around Great Basin lack amenities common at developed sites. At Timber Creek Campground, "There are two pit toilets in a pretty good state of cleanliness. Potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Out of the eleven sites total, five are considered group sites and six are considered RV sites."
Cell coverage varies significantly: Prepare for limited or no connectivity. One camper reported: "AT&T coverage was poor, with 0 to 1 bar of 5GE and speeds of only 0.3 MB/s. We had access all 3 western DISH satellites and Starlink had speeds were up to 11 MB/s."
Sites fill quickly during peak seasons: Plan to arrive early, especially in summer months. A visitor observed: "This is a popular stop near the town of Ely... Because of its proximity to a major thoroughfare, and I guess what northern Nevada would consider a major town, it seems like it fills up quickly."
Tips for camping with families
Seek out recreational features: Look for sites with natural features kids can enjoy. One family mentioned: "The rock formations here are super cool and my kids had a blast climbing on them. We also took the ~3 mi Sac Pass Trail from the campground, it's not that well marked but we figured it out."
Pack all essentials: Remote locations require complete preparation. A camper advised: "Super clean restrooms too. Bring your own water," highlighting the lack of potable water that families should plan for.
Consider alternative sites when parks fill: When Great Basin National Park campgrounds are full, nearby BLM areas offer good alternatives. According to one visitor at Sacramento Pass Recreation Area: "Since Basin was closed due to COVID, we stayed at the Sac Pass area right outside and it didn't disappoint. When you pull in there are about 6 spots with shade, picnic tables, trash cans, toilets and firepits."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate various RV sizes. One RVer shared: "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. The CG is very clean and well maintained."
Limited hookups available: Most sites near Great Basin lack typical RV amenities. A visitor noted: "My 30' TT and 20' truck found ample back-in FF spaces. Mostly flat. Table, grill and prep counter in good shape. Space is composed of small rock. RV dumps located in Ely at gas stations."
Upper sites offer more seclusion for horse trailers: The equestrian camping areas provide more room for vehicles with trailers. "If you take an immediate left when you pull in, go up to the equestrian campgrounds. We stayed at the one on the far left and it was secluded with a tent pad and firepit/table."
