Look no further for some of the best camping in Great Basin National Park, plus tips to enjoy your stay from The Dyrt Ranger team the Switchback Kids.
Most Popular Campgrounds in Great Basin National Park
The Great Basin National Park appears barren at a glance, but this hidden gem is made up of glacial lakes, groves of ancient bristlecone pines (the oldest trees in the world) and a permanent ice field. Such an awesome range of landscapes within a compact area makes for a pretty special place to camp. These three campsites are the most-frequented and present the perfect base camp for exploring this underrated, ancient wonder.
1. Upper Lehman Creek, NV
Photo from The Dyrt user Amanda D.
After hundreds of miles of desert, this forested spot is a true oasis. Located inside the park, the sites here are nicely spread out and nestled in plenty of vegetation. With bathrooms but no showers, Upper Lehman Creek is the perfect campground if you’re after a more rustic setting. There is also a few trails leading from the site itself, which is a convenient way to start exploring the Great Basin.
Reviews & Photos2. Baker Creek, NV
Photo from The Dyrt user Samantha M.
For that serene camping experience, Baker Creek can’t be beat. With designated quiet hours at night and a small river inside the campground, you’ll have no problem resting up after a long days hike. The site is very clean, well kept and features a picnic table, a firepit, and a bathroom.
Reviews & Photos3. Lower Lehman Creek, NV
Photo from The Dyrt user Sarah L.
If you’re into falling asleep to sound of water, then this site if for you. Overall, Lower Lehman Creek is not that large, but it still offers a good amount of privacy. With pit toilets, and water faucets but no showers, this campground facilitates much more of a primitive setting. Which is nothing to complain about, as those southern Utah stars are particularly bright at this peaceful campground.
Reviews & PhotosExplore Great Basin
Being one of the nation’s least visited national parks isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This uncrowded national park encompasses the 13,063 ft Wheeler Peak, which rises unexpectedly from the desert, creating unique life zones and landscapes. Due to low humidity and minimal light pollution, the Great Basin has some of the darkest night skies in the United States, making it an awe-inspiring place set up camp, and gaze at the stars.
The Dyrt’s Ranger duo the Switchback Kids, who spent a year visiting all 59 National Parks, have put together this incredible video to document their firsthand experience in Great Basin with the hopes of improving the visit of others.
Switchback Kids Ranger Tip: No campsites in Great Basin are reservable, so if you are visiting on a peak weekend, arrive as early as you can to try and snag a site for the night.
And, in case you still (somehow) need convincing to fit this park in your summer itinerary, we present Great Basin National Park:
Win gear for camping Great Basin
When you review campsites across the US on The Dyrt, you get the chance to win outdoor gear. In Nevada, you have the chance to win a $100 gift card from Green Goo and a $150 gift card from Primus. Check out the contest leaderboard, review your camping experience, earn points for your review, and you could win prizes!
