Notable Campgrounds
- Best for RVs and year-round access: The Lower Lehman Creek Campground is the only campground open year-round and offers 11 sites, including a few pull-through sites for RVs.
- Best for hikers: The Upper Lehman Creek Campground is just a short drive from the high alpine trails leading into the Snake Range and offers 23 sites.
- Best for groups: The Grey Cliffs Campgrounds offers five designated spaces for large groups.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- During peak season, plan to make a reservation, which are required at Upper and Lower Lehman and Wheeler Peak campgrounds, as soon as you know your dates. Campsites can be reserved up to one month in advance.
- If your plans are flexible, try to visit during the week or during non-holiday periods. The park is open year round, though Lower Lehman Creek campground is the only developed campground open all year.
- If you don’t need amenities and have a high-clearance vehicle, consider the year-round primitive campgrounds along Snake Creek (subject to snow closures).
When to Go
June through September are the most popular times to visit the park, although it rarely gets crowded. Thunderstorms can be common in summer afternoons. Plan to hike earlier in the day to avoid them, especially at higher elevations. Visit in September and October for dazzling fall colors. Snow can fall as early as October and last through May. Lehman Cave tours are available year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, though tours in the winter visit a more limited area.
Know Before You Go
- The park is in a remote location. The last place to stock up is in Baker, five miles away.
- There are no fees to enter the park, but fees are required for stays at certain campgrounds and for tours of the Lehman Caves. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance for cave tours, and strongly encouraged over the summer.
- Bring layers. Park temperatures can vary greatly between elevations and from day to night.
- There are no hookups or shower facilities at Great Basin National Park. A seasonal dump station, potable water, and trash are available near the main entrance.
- Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings in campgrounds, and on bare soil or shallow snow pits in the backcountry below 10,000 feet. The park does not sell firewood.
- There is no wifi and only limited cell phone coverage in the park.
Great Basin National Park
Remote high desert park is home to peaks, caves, ancient bristlecones, and dark night skies
Located in central-eastern Nevada near the border with Utah, Great Basin National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country. It’s home to the stunning Lehman Caves, ancient bristlecone pine forests, alpine lakes, a glacier, the second highest peak in the state, Wheeler Peak, diverse ecosystems, and some of the darkest night skies in the country. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife spotting. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular. The park offers five developed campgrounds and primitive camping options along Snake River. Backcountry camping is also available.
Located in central-eastern Nevada near the border with Utah, Great Basin National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country. It’s home to the stunning Lehman Caves, ancient bristlecone pine forests, alpine lakes, a glacier, the second highest peak in the state, Wheeler Peak, diverse ecosystems, and some of the darkest night skies in the country. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife spotting. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular. The park offers five developed campgrounds and primitive camping options along Snake River. Backcountry camping is also available.
Activities in the park
5 campgrounds in Great Basin National Park
If you’re camping in the Great Basin, you should give Lower Lehman Creek Campground a shot. Campsites are right on the creek, and it’s just a few miles away from Lehman Caves on the Wheeler Peak scenic drive. Look forward to exploring geologic wonders, cooking by the campfire, and staring up at that river of stars in the sky!Read more...
Wheeler Peak Campground offers campsites by, you guessed it, Wheeler Peak! You will be greeted with breathtaking views, jaw-dropping skies, and the pleasure of getting to know one of the Southwest’s best kept secrets. So grab your dusty old tent and boots, and fill up the cooler with your favorite brews, its camping time!Read more...
While camping at Baker Creek Campground in the Great Basin, you will be totally blown away by this remote desert paradise. Hike through groves of ancient trees, view a southwestern glacier, and explore the Lehman Caves. When you're this far out, the camping offers a serene setting to enjoy the wilds or become the wilds!Read more...
If you're headed off the beaten path, chances are it’s a trip well worth taking. When camping at the Great Basin National Park, Upper Lehman Creek Campground is a great place to celebrate this remoteness. Campsites are on a creek and a short drive from Lehman caves. You can look forward to hiking, starry, starry nights, peaceful serenity, and/or w Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
June through September are the most popular times to visit the park, although it rarely gets crowded. Thunderstorms can be common in summer afternoons. Plan to hike earlier in the day to avoid them, especially at higher elevations. Visit in September and October for dazzling fall colors. Snow can fall as early as October and last through May. Lehman Cave tours are available year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, though tours in the winter visit a more limited area.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Can you go camping at Great Basin National Park?
Yes, you can camp at Great Basin National Park. The park offers a variety of campgrounds, including the Lower Lehman Creek, Upper Lehman Creek, Baker Creek, Grey Cliffs, and Wheeler Peak campgrounds. These campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and have different seasonal availabilities. For more information on camping options within the park, visit the Great Basin National Park's official website or Recreation.gov for campground reservations.
Do I need a camping reservation for Great Basin National Park?
While it's not mandatory to have a reservation for camping at Great Basin National Park, it is highly recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak season (May to September). The park has five developed campgrounds, four of which are first-come, first-served. However, the Grey Cliffs Campground does accept reservations. To learn more about camping options and make a reservation at Grey Cliffs Campground, visit Recreation.gov. For more information on camping in and around Great Basin National Park, visit Hipcamp.
What is the best time of year to camp at Great Basin National Park?
The best time of year to camp at Great Basin National Park is from late spring to early fall, typically between May and October. During these months, the weather is generally mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C) and cooler nights. This time frame also offers better access to the park's various attractions, such as Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. However, it's important to note that higher elevations within the park can still experience snow and cooler temperatures even in the summer months, so it's essential to check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
How much does it cost to camp at Great Basin National Park?
Camping fees at Great Basin National Park range from $12 to $20 per night for individual sites, depending on the campground and amenities. The park has five developed campgrounds: Upper Lehman Creek, Lower Lehman Creek, Baker Creek, Grey Cliffs, and Wheeler Peak. Here's a breakdown of the fees for each campground: - Upper Lehman Creek: $12 per night - Lower Lehman Creek: $12 per night - Baker Creek: $15 per night - Grey Cliffs: $15 per night - Wheeler Peak: $20 per night For more information on camping options and amenities, visit Hipcamp.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Great Basin National Park?
Securing a Great Basin National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Great Basin National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Great Basin campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Great Basin National Park?
Most Great Basin National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Great Basin National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Great Basin campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —