Great Basin National Park wasn’t a National Park I had heard of. But when we traveled thru the state of Nevada, we were looking for some peace, quiet and beauty, all rolled up in a dog-friendly package. Great Basin National Park was out of our way, but once I read up on what it offered, I knew we had to make the journey there.

I am so glad that we did, because it ended up being one of our favorite campsites in the USA.

Many travelers choose campgrounds or campsites based on amenities. And although we certainly enjoy convenience of amenities from time to time, we think that there is a place for true camping.

Our definition of that means unique and beautiful surroundings, a respect of nature, and a feeling that comes over you when you are alone with the stars. Great Basin National Park in Nevada made us feel so fortunate to have chosen this way of life.

Camping at Great Basin National Park puts you right in the center of an experience. And isn’t that what travel should lead you to?

The bristlecone pines at Great Basin.

The subterranean caves.

The views at the top!

Great Basin National Park has five developed campgrounds: Upper Lehman Creek, Lower Lehman Creek, Baker Creek, Grey Cliffs, and Wheeler Peak. Each developed campground has vault toilets, picnic tables, tent pads, and campfire grills. There are no hookups. Each campsite is limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles. There are three campgrounds with accessible sites. Primitive campgrounds can be found along Snake Creek road.

Our campsite at Great Basin put us right on the edge of a flowing, refreshing stream. We could not make reservations, so chanced that we would get a site.Most park camping is on a first-come, first-served basis, but tent camping reservations can be made at the Grey Cliffs Campground from the end of May to the end of September. All camping reservations are now handled by Recreation.gov and require a two night minimum.

We could see the snow-covered mountain peaks in the distance.  And we could feel serenity all around us.  We had no water hookup. We had no electricity hookup. We had no hookups at all.  So we did have to make preparations.  We had to fill our water tanks and make sure when we could run our generator.  We had candles in case of an emergency and we made sure to stock up on groceries. You not only will be boon docking here.  But you will not be close to any grocery stores or fuel for at least an hour outside of the park.

Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake’s List Of Why You Should Take Your Dog to Great Basin National Park

• Complete peace and quiet help senior dogs like Brickle and Digby relax.

• No cell service means the persons have more time to go on walks and explore.

• Completely new smells and scenery help keep them mentally active.

• Snow can be found nearly year round at some places in the park.

• Having your own section of the stream means you can sit there all day and have a refreshing dip!

Boy Person and Girl Person’s List Of Why You Should Take Your Dog to Great Basin National Park

• This was one of the first places we camped at with absolutely no hookups. We learned how self reliant and flexible we can be.

• Hearing the stream all day and all night is beyond inspiring.

• The caves and visitor center were certainly unexpected. Plan at least four hours to see the cave. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed. So get in a good hike beforehand.

• Star gazing takes on a new meaning. This is a place that will leave you in awe of the sky.

• Right outside the park, look for a coffee stand. Some of the friendliest staff and amazing organic coffee and desserts.

We ran out of our own and they even let us buy beans by the pound.

• Unique picture opportunities found nowhere else. You will truly get in touch with your inner photographer.

Don’t leave out Great Basin National Park out of your travel plans. It may not be as well known as other national parks, or as visited. But that’s part of the reason it was special to us. We knew we had found a treasure. And it will always be in our hearts!

General Information:

Lower Lehman Creek is the only campground open year-round. Other campgrounds are generally open May through October, weather permitting. Water may not be available early or late in the season. Since exact opening and closing dates are dependent on weather conditions, contact the visitor center at (775) 234-7331 before arrival.

How much does it cost to camp at Great Basin National Park?

$15.00 per night and per site. Cash or credit card only.
$7.50 for Senior/Access Pass holders. Cash or credit only.
Strawberry Creek Campground and Snake Creek Campground have no fee.
Credit cards are encouraged at campground self-registration stations.

RV Sanitary Station

$5 fee
There is a dump station, potable water, and trash receptacles located 1/2 mile inside the park on the main entrance road (NV Hwy 488). The dump station is usually open late May to October, weather permitting, and is closed in winter. No discounts for Senior or Golden Access cardholders.

There are no shower facilities in the park. Pay showers are available outside the park at the Whispering Elms Motel, Campground & RV Park, the Baker Sinclair Gas Station and the Border Inn.

Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311
(775) 234-7331
https://www.nps.gov/grba/index.htm