Tent camping near Lund, Nevada provides access to Great Basin National Park at elevations ranging from 6,000-13,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations even in summer months. Snake Creek Road's dirt access routes prohibit larger vehicles beyond the first pull-off, with several free dispersed camping areas spaced along the 9-mile road. Campsites throughout the area experience frequent afternoon winds and minimal light pollution, creating exceptional stargazing conditions.
What to do
Hike to Johnson Lake Trail: Access the trailhead by driving to the end of Snake Creek Road past Eagle Peak Campsites, which one camper described as "by far the nicest campsite location along Great Basin National Parks Snake Creek Road." This trail starts at higher elevation, reducing climbing distance compared to other park hikes.
Explore the night sky: Great Basin offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. A camper at Snake Creek Campground noted "man is it worthwhile when you can see those stars." Bring warm layers as temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer.
Visit Lehman Caves: Located near the main park entrance, these limestone caverns require advance reservations. A camper mentioned "If you stay near Great Basin National Park make sure to check out the Lehman Caves. Also, the people at the Lehman caves gift shop & cafe are super nice & awesome people."
What campers like
Solitude and space: Tent camping sites throughout the area are typically well-separated. At Grey Cliffs Campground, a camper noted "the spots were well spaced out, and not on top of each other at all. The cliffs here are very pretty and are a nice backdrop." This tent-only campground eliminates generator noise from RVs.
Free camping options: Multiple no-fee camping areas exist along Snake Creek Road. At Pinnacle Group Campsite, a reviewer mentioned "Being a single group use site you can almost find solitude at Pinnacle." These free sites include basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Creek access: Many sites are situated near Snake Creek, providing pleasant background sounds. A camper at Monkey Rock Campground shared that "The creek running near by was small but made perfect background noise." However, water levels vary seasonally and some sections run dry by mid-summer.
What you should know
Limited services: The entire area has minimal facilities. A camper at Monkey Rock Group Campsites advised, "Make sure you have enough gas to get there and back to Baker, Garrison does not have a gas station!" There's also no cell service in most camping areas.
Rocky terrain challenges: Tent campers face difficult staking conditions. A Grey Cliffs visitor warned "The ground is so rocky it became very difficult to drive a spike into the ground far enough to work and not bend them. Do not bring a large tent, the pads are small."
Road conditions: Access requires traveling dirt roads with potential hazards. A Snake Creek camper cautioned "The roads throughout the campground and surroundings are dirt and potholes would pose an issue if you had a low clearance vehicle."
Fire restrictions: Bans are common during dry months. One camper reported "This was a very nice and well taken care of site. There was a fire ban when we went, so we had to use a camp stove." Check current restrictions before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near facilities: Vault toilets are strategically placed throughout camping areas. At Squirrel Springs Campsites, "Campground consist of four campsites that are well spread a part from each other. Parking for the campsites begins just past the vault toilet."
Prepare for wildlife encounters: The park has significant wildlife populations. Store food properly and teach children appropriate behavior. Bears are rare but present in the area.
Consider higher elevation weather: Pack extra layers even in summer. A camper at Squirrel Springs Campsites reported "This was a pretty nice site with a picnic table and fire ring with grill grate. This was a pretty good site to crash for free, although the dirt road was tedious. Beware this is also at a higher elevation than the Lehman Caves area. We woke up to a couple inches of snow."
Dog restrictions: While dogs are allowed at most campgrounds, they're prohibited on many park trails. A Grey Cliffs camper noted "Unfortunately 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."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Lund restrict larger vehicles. At Snake Creek Road, "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."
Alternative RV options: Consider established campgrounds with hookups in nearby towns. Grey Cliffs Campground is "tent only area and each site has a fire ring with a grill and a picnic table" without RV accommodations.
Arrive with supplies: No water or hookups are available at dispersed sites. One camper advised "This is a dry campground, the creek is also dry here so come prepared." Bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
