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Facilities

Established Camping

Sacramento Pass Recreation Area

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Sacramento Pass Recreation Area, near Ely, Nevada, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. This campground offers a mix of upper and lower sites, both equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

Visitors rave about the stunning views of the Wheeler Peak range, especially from the upper camping area, which is tucked away among trees and provides a bit of shade. The area is known for its clean facilities, including vault toilets, and a well-maintained environment that many campers appreciate. One happy camper noted, “This was probably one of the nicest free camp-sites we have ever stayed at.”

If you're up for some adventure, there are hiking trails nearby that lead to breathtaking vistas. The Sac Pass Trail is a popular choice, offering a chance to stretch your legs and soak in the scenery. Plus, the campground is conveniently located just a short drive from Great Basin National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the park's natural wonders.

While the campground is close to the highway, many campers found it surprisingly quiet, allowing for a peaceful night's sleep. With no reservations needed and a friendly atmosphere, Sacramento Pass Recreation Area is a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway.

Description

Fee Info

Free

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Location

Sacramento Pass Recreation Area is located in Nevada

Detail location of campground

Directions

How to get there: Sacramento Pass Recreation Area is located along Highway 50 about 40 miles east of Ely or 15 miles west of the Utah border. Approximately 20 miles from Great Basin National Park. Look for the sign on the south side of the Hwy.

Coordinates

39.12151852 N
114.30492175 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2024

Awesome free sites near Great Bassin national park

There is a lower and upper camp spots. The upper is about 1mi up a dirt road and has some shade trees but no ramadas. Both have vault toilets. Trash at lower. Horse corral at upper. No cell service except one bar at peak of hill anout 3/4 mi up from lower. Great views of wheeler peak, good hiking trails. Bring tp for the toilets, which were clean just no tp. And FREE 14 day limit. Hot but not unbearable in late july.

Siteupper 9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by mark F., July 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by mark F., July 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by mark F., July 31, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 7, 2022

Amazing Spot

This was probably one of the nicest free camp-sites we have ever stayed at. Like others have suggested, continue down the road to the upper camping area and trailhead. Absolutely gorgeous views of the Wheeler Peak range from the upper camping area. Super nice little spots nestled in the trees with fire-pits and a picnic table.

Site10
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Jared W., May 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Jared W., May 7, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2022

Good spot if visiting Great Basin NP

A nice BLM campground to stay at, and free! There was a bit of noise being right on the highway. The pit toilet I used could’ve been cleaner. It had pretty good views and I enjoyed the small trail system they built around the area, brings you up higher for better views and it’s something to do while at camp. Some people were fishing the little pond while I was there, not sure if they caught anything or what kind of fish might be in it. Road in and around the site was well maintained

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Paul , April 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Paul , April 21, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2022

Fantastic & free!

Great spot right off Hwy 50. There’s an upper campground and a lower one, so keep driving down the road if the first one is full. Less than a dozen sites total. It’s all first come, first served and no camp host/ranger. The upper camping area has covered picnic tables. The lower sites are a bit more sectioned off with trees and brush. All seem to have fire pits, but you’d have to bring your own wood. There are only pit toilets, no running water, but you can dispose of garbage at the dumpster near the entrance. 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.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Michele R., April 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Michele R., April 9, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

Great side of the road spot to camp

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. No fees which is nice but still it’s very clean.

Siteclosest to the road
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Jim M., July 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Jim M., July 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Jim M., July 23, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2021

Super nice campground

I was going to try out a BLM spot closer to Great Basin but it didn't work out. Luckily this campground was only 20 min away and honestly, in far better shape. I rolled in, very exhausted, at 11pm. I quickly checked out the rules and map at the entrance and easily found a spot to back into. The next morning I got an eye full of stunning views and a nice campground. I'd go as far as to say it seems better maintained than natl park campgrounds. Make sure to bring your own toilet paper.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Treavor U., June 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Treavor U., June 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Treavor U., June 29, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2020

Convenient well-kept BLM campground near Great Basin Park

Although it is not immediately evident at the entrance, there are two camping areas here.  One circle of 8 or 9(?) sites which surround a little pond nearer to the highway, and then second set of    5 or 6 campsites perhaps a half-mile away past an open gate.    I was travelling solo, just had a tent.    I approached Great Basin Park too close to sunset to arrange for tent camping, so this area popped up along my route.  I am so glad i stopped to check it out.  I found a spot before sunset, up in the "equestrian' area.   Other spots were occupied by some RV'ers but they were very nice.  The vault toilets are maintained.   The sites are not large but are well laid out and spaced apart, consisting of a fire ring, a grill, and a crushed-rock level area.   After dark I had excellent view of the starry skies.  Quiet neighbor campers.   Seemed safe.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2020

Easy to get to, good place for FREE overnight

This place is located just over the summit of Sacramento Pass on the right hand side the road. Small pond surrounded by several sites in a loop. Covered picnic tables on cement slab with BBQ and there is also a fire pit. Pit Toilets and garbage dumpster are also on site. The campground is close to the road but it was surprisingly not as loud as anticipated. More campers came and squeezed into spaces in between designated sites later in the evening but it did not seem overcrowded. Great FREE place to spend the night while traveling through.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Laura M., September 18, 2020
Reviewed May. 18, 2020

Free secluded camping

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. 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. Toilets were clean and well maintained. Hiked the Sac Pass trail and Lucky Boy trail right outside out camping spot. Some cell service in certain spots.

  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Kailey C., May 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Kailey C., May 18, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

Great free spot.

Was passing through planning on camping at Great Basin but I wasn’t to hip on spending the $15. Got a recommendation from the local store clerk to check out the Sac Pass Rec area and I’m glad I did!

Pulled in around 9pm so it was dark but looking around in the car wasn’t bad. Their are around 7-8 camp sites around the pond with covered patio, table fire pit and grill. You can follow the road back into the BLM land even further for camping and lots of activities.

I have Verizon and their was No service, also I didn’t use the bathroom there st the park but their is one near the entrance and lots of trash sites. The place was very clean and felt safe and kept up.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Sacramento Pass Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sacramento Pass Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Sacramento Pass Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Sacramento Pass Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sacramento Pass Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.