Sacramento Pass Recreation Area offers free equestrian camping approximately 8 miles west of Great Basin National Park in Nevada, near the Utah border. The campground sits at an elevation of about 7,200 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures than the surrounding valleys. The area receives limited annual precipitation, creating a high desert environment with scattered pinyon and juniper trees throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Trail riding access: From the upper camping area, riders can access multiple trail systems directly. The Sacramento Pass BLM Campground offers excellent riding opportunities with scenic views. "Make sure you take the road up the hill out of the lower camp spots to the upper area. To this day this is one of my favorite spots. Worth staying a few days," reports Grant W.
Explore nearby canyons: Within a 45-minute drive, visitors can access additional riding trails in the Snake Range. "The upper campsite has great amenities for a free BLM site. The area was clean and not overcrowded on a cool Friday night," notes John C.
Fossil hunting: The region contains trilobite fossils in several locations. Marjum Pass Dispersed Camping provides access to fossil areas. "Home to one of the biggest cliffs in North America and you've probably never heard of it. Notch Peak is just to the south of the campground. And has ~2000' of vertical rise and lies 4000' above the surrounding valley," shares Alan B.
What campers like
Free camping: The no-fee camping makes this an economical base for horse enthusiasts. "Beautiful and clean dispersed camping. There are many different sites. Even has restrooms. The best sites are further back in the forest don't stop at the main section just off the road," states Matt G.
Multiple camping options: Visitors appreciate having both upper and lower camping areas to choose from based on their needs. "For this to be a free campground, it's really nice! Each site is an established site, with a covered picnic table & firepit. Each site is spaced out also," according to Sarah M.
Night skies: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Cleve Creek Campground visitor Alison notes: "This little gem sits on the year round Cleve Creek. We camped here in October and the creek was still flowing strong. Small campground nestled among cottonwoods with 12 sites."
What you should know
No water available: Visitors must bring all water needed for themselves and horses. "Needed a place to overnight in my RTT, and this worked out great. Pulled in, was the only one there so had my choice of spots. Had a restful night and hit the road in the morning. No fuss! Not sure if this is what I understand to be dispersed camping, as it's a first come first served campground with tables, fire rings and pit toilets, just no water," reports Peter I.
Cell service limitations: Cell phone connectivity is extremely limited throughout the area. "AT&T coverage was poor, with 0 to 1 bar of 5GE and speeds of only 0.3 MB/s. We had access all 3 western DISH satellites and Starlink had speeds were up to 11 MB/s," shares Ray & Terri F.
Site availability competition: During peak seasons (late spring through early fall), campsites fill quickly. "Constant cars coming and going at all hours especially racing to the upper level of the campground. It probably would've been more peaceful sleeping at one of the highway pullouts," reports Shannon D.
Tips for camping with families
Climbing opportunities: Children enjoy exploring the rock formations around camp. Timber Creek Campground offers additional recreational options for families. "Beautiful tailpipes and aspens with a flowing creek. Road is a bit rough up, have the trailer secured. Bathrooms were clean," notes shannon R.
Bring entertainment: Limited facilities means families should pack games and activities. "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," shares Michele R.
Plan for noise: ATVs frequently use the area, which can disrupt quiet camping. "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," explains Jessica L.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend arriving early to secure preferred spots. "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We stayed in the second site for one night in late May. The CG is very clean and well maintained. Although, the CG is small, 8 total sites, 2 or 3 were available when we arrived at 3:30pm," advises Ray & Terri F.
Road conditions: The dirt access road to the upper camping area requires caution for larger rigs. "Camped on the Western opening of Marjum Canyon. Drove through the canyon a few times. Dispersed camping and small pull-offs all throughout. As you exit the Canyon heading West, there are pull offs on both sides of the dirt road. Some areas may need high clearance vehicles to get over," notes BoneMonkey.
Alternative locations: When Sacramento Pass fills, consider other nearby options. "Great Basin was full, so went west on 6 about 8 miles and pulled into dispersed campground where there were some covered picnic tables at sites around a large central pond, following road up to equestrian corral and were several more sites," shares Mark M.
