Most campgrounds near Lund, Nevada are located on high desert terrain at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature shifts between day and night even in summer months. The area features juniper-pine forests at higher elevations while lower areas consist primarily of sagebrush flats. Cell service remains intermittent throughout the region, with most campgrounds offering little to no connectivity.
What to do
Explore historical structures: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park features six 30-foot tall beehive-shaped ovens built in 1876 that once produced charcoal for nearby mining operations. "The ovens are fascinating. The campsite is a little way back down the road then left up the other side of the tiny valley. Nice spot, but water is not available right now. Lots of nice hiking if you do it early to beat the heat," noted one visitor to Willow Creek — Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park.
Visit Lehman Caves: Located in Great Basin National Park, these limestone caverns feature stalactites, stalagmites, and rare shield formations. "Lehman caves were amazing. Make sure you make reservations early and purchase your tickets for the tour of the caves before you get there. Several people that just showed up were not able to get tickets to go inside Lehman Caves," advised a camper who stayed at Whispering Elms Motel, Campground, & RV Park.
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. "The night sky is perfect for stargazing. High elevation can be a problem but worth it if you can handle it," reported a visitor to Upper Lehman Creek Campground.
What campers like
Creek-side campsites: Upper Lehman Creek Campground provides sites adjacent to flowing water, creating a peaceful atmosphere. "Enjoyable sites right next to the creek. Lots of space between sites. Clean outhouses," noted one camper, while another mentioned, "The sound of the creek lulled us to sleep."
Free camping options: Sacramento Pass BLM Campground offers no-cost camping with basic amenities just outside Great Basin National Park. "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," reported a visitor to Sacramento Pass BLM Campground.
Accessibility features: Some campgrounds provide ADA-compliant sites. At Ward Charcoal Ovens, "Two sites are on concrete slabs that are flat and relatively level. One is double wide. Both have concrete paths to the pit toilets. Plenty of area to maneuver inside sturdy toilet situated in the corner with grab bars is well stocked. Picnic tables are made of concrete and situated under a large awning."
What you should know
Limited supplies and services: Bring all essentials as shopping options are scarce. The closest convenience store to Great Basin National Park is "15 minutes away (Border Inn)," according to one camper at Whispering Elms.
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds have seasonal or unreliable water sources. At Ward Charcoal Ovens, a visitor noted, "Water available but when I was there they had just turned it on and it has not been tested yet to make sure it was safe to drink."
Extreme weather fluctuations: The high desert location means temperatures can swing dramatically. At Garnet Hill Camp, one camper experienced, "Snow on the mountains in the distance. Great cell phone reception but this is definitely pack it in and pack it out. We drove our 25' RV up and found a perfect spot. It snowed over night and we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds allow pets, with some offering dedicated pet areas. "We loved the dirt dog park. It was great giving him a chance to run around off leash for a bit on our trip since everywhere we went he had to be on-leash," commented a visitor about Ely KOA's two dog park areas.
Playground amenities: Some facilities include recreational spaces for children. At Ely KOA, "My daughter (8) loved the playground," mentioned one parent.
Limited dog access in national park: While pets are allowed at campgrounds, most trails in Great Basin National Park prohibit dogs. "We didn't get any hiking in as we had the dog with us. Dogs are allowed at the campsite but not on a majority of the trails at Great Basin," noted a camper at Grey Cliffs Campground.
RV tips
Tent-only areas: Some campgrounds restrict larger vehicles. Grey Cliffs Campground is "tent only camping in Great Basin NP. While Grey Cliffs campground didn't impress me as much as the other campgrounds as it was more open with far less trees than the others, you won't have the RV crowd here, this is a tent only campground, No RV's or trailers allowed."
Access road conditions: Unpaved roads can be challenging for larger rigs. At Garnet Hill Camp, a visitor advised, "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. It would be difficult to turn a trailer around."
Dust management: Many rv parks near Lund, Nevada feature gravel roads that generate dust. At Ely KOA, a camper noted, "If they get the dust under control, I would have left 5 stars," while another mentioned, "the entire lots to drive through are all dirt and gravel so if you're planning to bicycle it may be a little hard."
