Tent camping near Ruth, Nevada centers on the Great Basin National Park region, located about 50 miles southeast. The area features high desert terrain with elevations ranging from 5,000 to over 10,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones and camping conditions. The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to the park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park, with campsites experiencing minimal light pollution.
What to do
Hiking Johnson Lake Trail: Access this trail from the Snake Creek area where Eagle Peak Campsites are located. "Eagle Peak is the last camping area you can drive to along Snake Creek road. Hiking trails for this area of the park are just down the road," notes one Eagle Peak Campsites visitor.
Stargazing: Great Basin National Park provides exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor at Grey Cliffs Campground commented, "The views were nice and the night sky is amazing at Great Basin. Very little to no light pollution."
Creek exploration: Many sites are situated along flowing water. One camper at Squirrel Springs mentioned that their site "was right off snake creek which was fun to explore."
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: Many campsites in the region provide ample space between neighbors. A Squirrel Springs Campsites reviewer noted, "Campground consist of four campsites that are well spread a part from each other."
Quiet atmosphere: The remote location and limited access create peaceful camping conditions. According to one camper at Grey Cliffs, "It was very relaxing, and no noise from generators."
Shade availability: Some campgrounds offer excellent tree cover. A reviewer described Eagle Peak as having "three sites off the road and in full shade of large trees and sits along Snake Creek which is flowing at this location."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads with restrictions. A Snake Creek visitor warns, "The road is not for RVs 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."
Water access: Most campgrounds lack potable water. One camper advises, "No water is available at Eagle Peak unless you filter it from the creek."
Rocky ground conditions: Tent camping requires preparation for challenging staking conditions at many sites. A camper at Snake Creek reported, "parking was flat enough. quiet. 3 or 4 sites here."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible facilities: Some sites provide ADA-compliant options. A reviewer noted that Grey Cliffs Campground has "2 ADA Accessible campsites site C3 and A8 both sites are located next to accessible restrooms."
Weather preparation: Elevation affects temperatures significantly. One camper experienced unexpected conditions: "We woke up to a couple inches of snow" at Squirrel Springs during a late May visit.
Pet restrictions: While pets are allowed at campgrounds, their access to trails is limited. A visitor observed, "Dogs are allowed at the campsite but not on a majority of the trails at Great Basin."
Tips from RVers
Campground selection: Small RVs and trailers should stick to designated areas. One visitor to Squirrel Springs Campsites warned: "Separate section of Great Basin NP includes free primitive campsites along snake creek, but you will eat dust in abundance if you camp in the first few miles."
Road width limitations: Most roads beyond main access points are unsuitable for larger vehicles. A reviewer cautioned that Snake Creek Road is "a narrow single lane road for almost all of its length."
Alternative options: For RVers unable to access backcountry sites, frontcountry camping is available. "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."
