Great Basin Camping: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Fees
Great Basin has five campgrounds inside the park, and you can use all of them without a reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. They range from 7,500 to 9,800 feet in elevation, from the valley floor to the slopes of Wheeler Peak. Backcountry camping is allowed with a free permit. There’s no entrance fee for the park.
Campgrounds in the park (7)
- Campground Lower Lehman Creek Campground see NPS · 20 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Upper Lehman Creek Campground see NPS · 23 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Wheeler Peak Campground see NPS · 37 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Baker Creek Campground see NPS · 37 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Grey Cliffs Campground see NPS · 16 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds first come, first served · 12 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Dump Station see NPS · 0 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp Inside Great Basin?
Yes, camping is allowed in Great Basin National Park. Five official campgrounds spread across the park’s eastern slope accommodate tents and RVs, depending on the campground. Camping outside a designated site isn’t allowed in frontcountry areas. In the backcountry, you’ll need a permit, which is free and available in person.
Campgrounds in the Park
Wheeler Peak Campground
Wheeler Peak Campground is the park’s highest campground, at about 9,800 feet, right below its namesake peak. It provides direct access to the park’s signature trails, including the Wheeler Peak rock glacier and the bristlecone pine forest. The narrow, winding Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed to RVs longer than 26 feet. The campground is open seasonally, generally from June through October depending on snow conditions. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Upper Lehman Creek Campground
Upper Lehman Creek sits at a mid-elevation along Lehman Creek, a few miles from Lehman Caves. It accommodates tents and small vehicles. It’s open seasonally on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lower Lehman Creek Campground
Lower Lehman Creek is the park’s most accessible campground and the only one with sites that have electrical hookups. It stays open for much of the year, and sometimes year-round, which sets it apart from the other campgrounds. A few sites can be reserved in advance on recreation.gov. The rest are first-come, first-served.
Baker Creek Campground
Baker Creek is a seasonal campground tucked into a narrow valley and reached by a partly unpaved road. It accommodates tents and moderately sized RVs. Quiet and pleasantly shaded, it’s a good choice for families outside the busiest weekends.
Snake Creek Campground (primitive)
Snake Creek is a primitive campground accessible only to four-wheel-drive vehicles. There’s no potable water or other service, so you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient. It’s the option for campers looking for complete isolation away from other visitors.
RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?
Large RVs, longer than about 26 to 30 feet, are limited to Lower Lehman Creek, which has electrical hookups and easier road access. Wheeler Peak is off-limits to long vehicles. Baker Creek and Upper Lehman Creek accommodate mid-sized vehicles. If you’re planning a van or RV trip, the Great Basin RV camping guide covers driving rules and suitable sites.
Camping Near the Park: Campgrounds Outside the Park
The town of Baker, Nevada, about 5 miles from the park entrance, has a few private campgrounds and nightly options for travelers who can’t find a site inside the park. If you’re combining camping with a stay in lodging, the overview of lodging around Great Basin presents alternatives to the park’s campgrounds.
Backcountry Camping and Wilderness Camping
Backcountry camping is allowed in designated areas of the park with a free permit, available at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center or the park entrance. Follow these rules: no fires in the backcountry, pack out all waste, and camp more than 200 feet from any water source. To reach the camping areas, the Great Basin hiking guide details the authorized access routes.
How and When to Reserve a Great Basin Campsite
Most Great Basin campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You don’t need to watch for a reservation window or use a required booking platform. Just arrive at the campground, choose an available site, and pay for your night on-site or at the kiosk near the campground entrance.
The exception is a small number of Lower Lehman Creek sites, which you can reserve in advance on recreation.gov. That’s useful if you’re targeting this campground during the busy season.
On July and August weekends, Wheeler Peak and Upper Lehman Creek are often full by morning. On weekdays or outside the peak season, in May and September, it’s still easy to find a site. High-elevation weather also determines opening dates. Check the Great Basin weather forecast so you can plan for mountain road conditions.
Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Great Basin?
Standard sites cost around $15 per night at the main campgrounds. Snake Creek’s primitive campground costs less, and it’s sometimes free depending on the time of year. Check recreation.gov before you leave. There’s no entrance fee for the park, and Great Basin doesn’t charge a vehicle entrance fee. For annual passes to America’s national parks, the National Park Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and pass options.
Camping Safety and Best Practices
Black bears. Black bears have been spotted in the park. Store your food in a locked bear-resistant box or in the metal lockers available at each site. Never keep food in your tent, even at night.
Temperature drops. Great Basin is a high-elevation desert. Summer days in the valley can climb above 95°F, but temperatures at mountain campgrounds quickly fall toward 32°F at night, even in July. A four-season sleeping bag is well worth bringing.
Afternoon thunderstorms. In summer, severe thunderstorms develop over the peaks almost every day. Plan your hikes for early morning and come down from exposed areas before 1 p.m.
Elevation. Wheeler Peak Campground sits at about 9,800 feet, so give your body time to acclimate. Altitude sickness, including headaches and nausea, can affect healthy adults, too. For tips on acclimating to elevation with children, the Great Basin family guide covers the practical basics.
Drinking water. Running water is available at the main campgrounds, including Lehman Creek and Wheeler Peak, but not at the primitive Snake Creek campground. At the beginning and end of the season, some water sources may be turned off. Check when you arrive and bring backup supplies.
Which Campground Should You Choose?
| Profile | Recommended campground |
|---|---|
| Family with a tent and hiking on the agenda | Wheeler Peak Campground |
| Large RV, electrical hookups required | Lower Lehman Creek |
| Compact RV or van | Baker Creek or Upper Lehman Creek |
| Visiting Lehman Caves | Upper or Lower Lehman Creek |
| Complete isolation, 4WD and full self-sufficiency | Snake Creek (primitive) |
For an overview of your trip, see our complete Great Basin guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp in Great Basin National Park?
Yes, you can camp in Great Basin National Park. The park has five official campgrounds, most of which don’t require reservations, plus a backcountry camping area available with a free permit.
Which campground should you choose at Great Basin?
It depends on your gear. Choose Wheeler Peak Campground for high elevation and signature hikes, Lower Lehman Creek for RVs that need electrical hookups, or Baker Creek for a quiet family stay during the season.
Which campground for RVs is closest to Great Basin National Park?
Lower Lehman Creek Campground, inside the park, is the easiest campground for large RVs to access and the only one with electrical hookups. The town of Baker, 5 miles from the entrance, also has private options for oversized vehicles.
How much does a campsite cost at Great Basin?
A site at the main campgrounds costs about $15 per night. There’s no entrance fee for the park and no vehicle entrance fee. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Park Fees & Passes page.
How do you camp at Great Basin?
To camp at Great Basin, go directly to your chosen campground, pick an available site, and pay for the night on-site. Most areas don’t require reservations. Arrive in the morning in July and August for Wheeler Peak and Upper Lehman Creek, which fill up quickly on weekends.