Primitive camping options dot the landscape surrounding Great Basin National Park near Garrison, Utah. Located at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 10,000 feet, these sites experience dramatic temperature fluctuations, often dropping below 40°F even in summer months at higher elevations. Most camping areas near Garrison lack cell service and have limited access to supplies, with the nearest reliable services over 30 minutes away in Baker or across the Nevada border.
What to do
Stargazing after dark: Wheeler Peak Campground sits at nearly 10,000 feet elevation, offering exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars are amazing at night time! And another highlight...there are barely any people here! It is a quiet place with no crowds," notes one camper at Upper Lehman Creek Campground.
Hiking to alpine lakes: Trails near Wheeler Peak provide access to alpine environments within short hiking distances. "We also hiked the Alpine loop as part of that hike. The CG gives great access to Stella and Teresa Lake. The Bristlecone pine trail is worth it too," reports a visitor to Wheeler Peak Campground.
Creek exploration: Many campgrounds feature creek access for cooling off. "This beautiful campground is located at the top of a three-mile corduroy gravel road along the babbling Baker Creek, and many of the sites (including ours - #2) are located within toe-dipping distance of its chilly clear waters," shares a camper at Baker Creek Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campsites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "Very nice campground with ample wild life to keep you entertained, turkeys roaming through camp, roosting in trees, and yellow bellied marmots eating the road for it's salt content," writes a visitor to Baker Creek Campground.
Creek sounds: Running water provides natural white noise at several sites. "The creek running near by was small but made perfect background noise," notes a camper at Monkey Rock Group Campsites, while another mentions that at Lower Lehman "the sound of the creek lulled us to sleep."
Uncrowded camping: The remote location means fewer visitors compared to more popular national parks. "I love this place! It is a HIDDEN GEM. There are caves, glaciers, alpine lakes, Bristlecone pine trees....it's incredible. It feels like such a secret treasure in Nevada," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Upper Lehman Creek Campground.
What you should know
Uneven terrain: Many campground parking spots require leveling. "One issue to note is that most of parking pads are not very level (to help with snow melt) in the upper campground, so it made it quite challenging to level our little camper -- probably the most challenging over the past 6.5 years," warns a camper at Upper Lehman Creek.
Limited supplies: There are minimal services near camping areas. "This park is truly in the middle of nowhere, with almost no development (yay!!) close to the entrance. What that means is that you need to come prepared with groceries and supplies as not much is available in the tiny hamlet of Baker."
Road restrictions: Some roads have vehicle limitations. According to a visitor at Squirrel Springs Campsites, "Road is not for RV's 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."
Tips for camping with families
Tent pad sizing: Check site specifications before setting up larger family tents. A camper at Grey Cliffs Campground advises, "Do not bring a large tent, the pads are small. It wasn't terrible once we were set up, and the price is right."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings, especially at higher elevations. "If you are going to go to this campground, bring your cold weather gear even in summer. You are really high up and it does get chilly at night," recommends a Wheeler Peak Campground visitor.
Altitude considerations: Higher campgrounds may affect children differently. "High elevation can be a problem but worth it if you can handle it," notes a camper at Upper Lehman, where sites sit at approximately 7,750 feet.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited to specific locations. At Great Basin Desert Camping & RV, "the sites are easy to back into, quiet, and clean. It's a simple gravel lot, so nothing fancy, but it has everything you need."
Sewer connection planning: Bring extra hose length for some sites. "A heads-up: the sewer drain is at the very back of the site, so you'll need extra long hoses. For our rig, we used three connected hoses to reach, so come prepared!"
Free alternatives: RVers seeking no-cost options have limited choices. "A big flat gravel lot - found based on a dispersed camping map provided by the national park," describes a visitor to Gravel Pit BLM dispersed campsite, one of the few free camping areas near Garrison.
