Sacramento Pass Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Hikers and anglers both find reasons to linger at Sacramento Pass Recreation Area, a BLM-managed campground set along Highway 50 in the high desert east of Great Basin National Park. The Sacramento Pass Trail and Lucky Boy Trail both depart from the campground, with one reviewer noting a full loop running close to seven miles. A small pond near the lower sites draws casual fishing, though no one has confirmed what species are present.

The campground splits into two distinct areas. The lower section sits just off the highway and has roughly seven to eight sites arranged around the pond, each with a covered picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Noise from the road is noticeable but multiple campers report it less disruptive than expected. Drive about a mile up the gravel road to reach the upper area, which has shade trees, a horse corral, and sites that feel more separated from traffic. Jen B. notes that "gravel road was well kept and the sites were clean," and the upper section gives direct sightlines toward Wheeler Peak.

Vault toilets serve both areas. Bring your own toilet paper. A trash dumpster sits near the lower entrance, and the upper area has no trash service, so pack it out. No running water is available at either location. Cell coverage is essentially absent at the lower camp, with one bar occasionally reachable near the crest of the hill about three-quarters of a mile up. Kailey C. confirms "toilets were clean and well maintained," though cleanliness varies by visit. Late July temperatures run hot but manageable at this elevation.

The campground operates on a 14-day limit, first-come, first-served, with no camp host on site. Campers heading to or from Sacramento Pass Dispersed — Great Basin NP Area or the Sacramento Pass BLM Dispersed area will find this a more developed fallback when those sites are occupied. The campground works well for travelers moving along Highway 50, overnight visitors who want trailhead access without the structure of a national park, and equestrians who need a corral.

Fee Info

Free

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsSacramento Pass Recreation Area is located in Nevada near Great Basin National Park

Detail location of campground
Public 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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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 14 users
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/28/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 14 users
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/28/26

Access

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

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

Drive Time


Reviews14 Camper Reviews - Sacramento Pass Recreation Area

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4.5

out of 5

14 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this free BLM campground's clean, well-maintained sites with covered tables and fire pits. Some road and ATV noise noted, but most found it surprisingly quiet for the highway location.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2026

Best spot!

We stayed at the upper site and it was great! Gravel road was well kept and the sites were clean. Very quiet and saw a beautiful sunset. There is a trailhead right there and we hiked the big loop for almost 7 miles

Siteupper
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Jen B., July 19, 2026
Reviewed May. 23, 2025

Very busy, loud ATVs

Not a bad location, clean bathroom! Definitely a very busy site. All spots were taken on a Wednesday night in May. Super loud ATVs driving pass me at night. Found a 4wd spot tucked away in the back with an unofficial fire pit.

Would’ve been nice without the noise No cell service

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by jessica L., May 23, 2025
Reviewed Apr. 30, 2025

Fantastic

Clean, peaceful and great views. Amazing that it’s free.

Site9
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Jason T., April 30, 2025
  • Review photo of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area by Jason T., April 30, 2025
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

What do visitor reviews say about Sacramento Pass BLM Campground?

Sacramento Pass Recreation Area is highly regarded as one of the best free camping options in the area. Campers consistently praise its cleanliness, spaciousness, and beautiful views of Wheeler Peak. The campground features two distinct camping areas - a lower section near a small fishing pond and an upper section with more privacy. Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and peaceful setting, though some mention occasional highway noise and ATV traffic. The campground is especially popular as an alternative to Great Basin National Park when it's full or when visitors prefer a free option with similar scenic beauty.

What amenities are available at Sacramento Pass BLM Campground?

Sacramento Pass BLM Campground offers a good range of amenities for a free site. The lower camping area features covered picnic tables on cement slabs, BBQ grills, fire pits, vault toilets, and trash dumpsters surrounding a small fishing pond. The upper camping area has picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though without the shade ramadas found at the lower sites. Additional facilities include a horse corral in the upper area and a trail system with interpretive information boards. Both camping areas are suitable for various rig sizes with spacious sites.

Is Sacramento Pass BLM Campground free or is there a fee?

Sacramento Pass BLM Campground is completely free to use. This makes it an excellent alternative to the paid camping options at nearby Great Basin National Park. Despite being a no-fee campground, it maintains clean facilities and well-designed sites with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. Many campers express surprise at the quality of facilities available at this free recreation area.

Where is Sacramento Pass BLM Campground located near Ely, Nevada?

Sacramento Pass BLM Campground is located right off Highway 50, just over the summit of Sacramento Pass. It's approximately 45 minutes from Great Basin National Park, making it a convenient alternative camping option when visiting the park. The recreation area consists of two camping sections - a lower area immediately visible from the highway with sites around a small pond, and an upper area about a half-mile to one mile up a dirt road. This strategic location offers great views of the Wheeler Peak range while providing relatively easy access from the main highway.