Baker Creek Campground at Great Basin National Park offers rustic camping at 7,530 feet elevation, providing a cool retreat from Nevada's summer heat. The campground sits along flowing Baker Creek, roughly 68 miles from Garrison, Utah. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing with snow cover common from late October through April.
What to do
Hike the Ranger Trail: Bird Creek Campground connects directly to the Ranger Trail, which extends over 60 miles through Humboldt National Forest. "We hiked out and back several times and drove the success loop (a beautiful scenic gravel road)," notes a visitor at Bird Creek Campground.
Visit Lehman Caves: Located near Baker Creek, these limestone caves feature stunning formations. "Don't forget to go to Lehman Caves!" advises a camper who stayed at Baker Creek Campground. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring these underground wonders.
Wildlife viewing: The area around Cleve Creek offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We camped here in October and the creek was still flowing strong. Small campground nestled among cottonwoods with 12 sites," shares a visitor to Cleve Creek Campground, noting its natural setting ideal for observing local fauna.
What campers like
Creek access: Many campsites provide direct water access. "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," describes a Baker Creek visitor.
Private camping spots: Timber Creek Campground offers secluded sites. "Site 5 is a great spot. However the site itself is across the little bridge from the parking area so be prepared to walk some stuff into the site," shares a camper who appreciated the extra privacy.
Yurt camping options: Near Garrison, Utah, yurt accommodations provide comfort in all seasons. "We have been roaming around Nevada for a week now and this is the nicest campground we have stayed at," mentions a visitor to Ely KOA, which offers yurts with modern amenities just over an hour from Garrison.
What you should know
Campsite differences: Not all sites are created equal at Baker Creek. "Bakers Creek campsite is great. The sights are good sized, and they're spaced pretty well. Definitely won't run into you're neighbors," explains a camper, though others note that "Some sites appear to be much smaller."
Weather preparedness: The high elevation means temperature fluctuations. "With the high elevation the nights did get chilly even though the days were warm," warns a Bird Creek camper who visited during summer months.
Reservations vs. first-come: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others don't. "It's first come first serve, but Bakers Creek doesn't fill up often," notes a visitor, providing useful information for planning flexibility near Garrison, Utah.
Tips for camping with families
Pack supplies carefully: Limited services mean preparation is key. "National Park campground is decent. I reserve 5 star ratings for truly exceptional places, this ain't it. Vault toilets, no water during our stay (June '26)," cautions a visitor to Baker Creek, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency.
Child-friendly amenities: Ely KOA offers family facilities. "This place is great it has a pool, playground, so many family activities, a big grass area for the tent campers which is super cool," recommends a parent, noting the additional comforts for yurt camping near Garrison, Utah.
Check tent space limitations: Some sites have restricted tent areas. "Our campsite #5 was not the best. The place to set up our tent was very small and sloping down. It was so windy that our tent would have blown away had we not tied it to the tree," warns a Baker Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads can challenge larger vehicles. "Road is a bit rough up, have the trailer secured," advises an RV camper at Timber Creek Campground, highlighting the importance of preparation when bringing trailers.
Full hookup options: For those needing amenities, Valley View RV Park provides services. "Full hook ups, gravel roads throughout. They do have pads that are not cement but gravel but they do have tables in them. Big trees for some shade which is always good," explains a reviewer, noting its proximity to town conveniences.
RV site spacing: The sites at Baker Creek accommodate different vehicle sizes. "We had a stream running next to us, a picnic table and plenty of room to back a truck in," reports a visitor, though larger RVs may find limited options at some of the more rustic campgrounds.
