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.

Sacramento Pass Recreation Area

Great Basin National Park is home to ancient pine groves and some of the best camping in the state. Located in Nevada near the Utah border, you'll be able to see bighorn sheep and explore the Snake Mountains. Baker, NV, is only a few miles away and offers plenty of supplies for campers and RVs. Choose a campsite near Lehman Caves and spend the day exploring the limestone caverns. Campgrounds near the pine forests are ideal for exploring the park and viewing wildlife, or you can find a spot on the river for a day of fishing. Camping near Great Basin National Park will give you a chance to study the brilliant night sky away from city lights.

Great Basin National Park

The Best Camping Near Great Basin National Park, Nevada

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. 

Great free spot. 

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.  

Free secluded camping

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.

Easy to get to, good place for FREE overnight

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.

Convenient well-kept BLM campground near Great Basin Park

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.

Super nice campground

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.

Great side of the road spot to camp

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. 

Fantastic & free!

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

Good spot if visiting Great Basin NP

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.

Amazing Spot

Great sites, very clean and ready for any size rig. 45 minutes to Great Basin and easy to get a site (mid April)

Great Free site w/ unbelievable views

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.

Awesome free sites near Great Bassin  national park

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

Fantastic 

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 

Photos of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers