The best camping near Great Basin National Park

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.

• 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.

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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).

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.

• 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.