7 Campgrounds in Great Basin National Park Worth Visiting

Sometimes the best adventures are found in the quietest places, and while Great Basin National Park may not have the fame of Yellowstone or Yosemite, it’s a place where you can really connect with nature and discover some awesome places. But to really take it all in, you’re going to need a good base camp to start exploring from, and finding out where you can stay near this amazing National Park isn’t always easy.

That’s where we come in. Below, you’ll find details on 7 campgrounds near Great Basin National Park. From lakeside spots to full-service RV parks, we’ve rounded up the best places to call home while you’re here, and no matter what your camping style is, you’ll find something that perfectly fits.

Are you ready? Let’s see what’s out there!

Cave Lake State Park

Ely, Nevada

Distance from Great Basin National Park: 54 Miles

Located about an hour away from Great Basin National Park, Cave Lake State Park is a little oasis in the desert that is built around a 32-acre lake. There are two campgrounds here (Elk Flat and Lake View), and all spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, with fees payable per vehicle. Group camping is also allowed, and there is one group site at each campground, but the rules are a little different and you do need to reserve these ahead of time.

The sites here are nice and roomy, so you won’t feel crammed in with your camping neighbors. There are also some nice facilities, including restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and drinking water, and while they aren’t as modern as the amenities offered by some RV parks, they’re enough to tide you over for a few nights if you’re willing to “rough it” a bit.

As both campgrounds are open all year round it’s a great option for summer and winter vacations, and you’ll also find plenty of activities on offer throughout the year. You can head out on hiking trails like the Cave Springs Loop, which takes you through canyons and groves, or take the 25-minute drive to Ely and check out the amazing Ward Charcoal Ovens that tower high into the sky.

Border Inn & RV Park

Baker, Nevada

Distance from Great Basin National Park: 12 Miles

Border Inn & RV Park is a really interesting place to camp, as it’s quite literally on the border of Nevada and Utah. So, depending on which side of the campground you’re standing on, you might be in a different state!

This makes it pretty special, but the amenities on offer also make it a good choice for anyone who needs a little more in terms of comfort when camping. These include full hookups, flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities – basically everything you need for a comfortable stay and to freshen up after a day of exploring. But that’s not all! You’ll also find some other amenities here that add to the whole experience, including a small casino, a diner-style restaurant, and even a gas station right on-site.

From Border Inn & RV Park, it’s a quick 15-minute drive to Great Basin National Park, where you can spend the day hiking up Wheeler Peak or exploring the amazing Lehman Caves. Also, if you’ve got some extra time, it’s worth heading over to the town of Baker, which is only 10 minutes from the campground and has some fantastic restaurants where you can grab brunch. Or, if you’re visiting at the end of September, take part in the annual Great Basin Astronomy Festival for unbeatable stargazing opportunities.

Whispering Elms Motel, Campground, & RV Park

Baker, Nevada

Distance from Great Basin National Park: 5 Miles

Just six miles from Great Basin National Park, Whispering Elms is an excellent option if you want to stay close to the park to explore by day but return to a cozy little retreat at night. Also, not only is it an RV park, but it also offers motel rooms, which is perfect for anyone looking to change things up a bit on a longer National Parks road trip.

For now, though, let’s concentrate on the amenities you’ll get as an RV camper. There are full hookups, including water, sewer, and electricity, as well as showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. But the real star of the show here is the on-site “487 Grill”, where you can refuel after a day of hiking with a delicious burger or steak, kick back with a cold drink, and swap stories with your fellow travelers.

As you’re so close to Great Basin, you’ll be able to spend more time exploring and less time driving! From the Lehmans Caves to stargazing programs at the visitor center, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days when you camp here. And, if you need a change of scenery, the tiny town of Baker is just less than a five-minute walk away.

Valley View RV Park

Ely, Nevada

Distance from Great Basin National Park: 55 Miles

This little spot is perfect for RV campers who want a no-frills campground that is quiet and surrounded by amazing scenery, and while it may not be the flashiest place to camp, Valley View RV Park more than makes up for it with its namesake views of the valley!

You won’t find a long list of amenities here, but you aren’t totally without comforts, and guests have access to full 50-amp hookups, restrooms, laundry facilities, and WiFi. And, since the campground is relatively small, you won’t have to deal with crowds or noise. This really is the kind of place where you can sit outside with your morning coffee and wake up gently, surrounded by the Nevada landscape.

When you’re ready to explore the area, the town of Ely is a five-minute walk from the campgrounds and is the perfect place to learn about the history of the area, particularly in the Renaissance Village. Or, if you’re up for something a little more adventurous, Cave Lake State Park is just 20 minutes away, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Cave Lake from the Cave Lake Overlook Loop hiking trail.

Ely KOA

Ely, Nevada

Distance from Great Basin National Park: 53 Miles

If you like your camping with a touch of comfort, the Ely KOA is the place to go. This RV Park has everything you could possibly want, including RV sites with full hookups, restrooms with flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, WiFi, fire pits, and picnic tables. It’s also dog-friendly, and there’s an on-site dog park where you can exercise your furry travel buddy.

The amenities don’t stop there, though. There’s also an on-site general store where you can stock up on supplies, and a “Kamping Kitchen” where you can cook up a storm with fellow campers or just take advantage of the extra cooking space, which is particularly ideal if you’re traveling in a large group. Kids will love staying here, too, with an on-site playground and events throughout the week, like pancake breakfasts and movie nights on offer.

You’re about an hour away from Great Basin National Park here, so you’re perfectly placed if you want to explore both the park and Ely. In fact, Ely is only 6 minutes away, and you should definitely hop aboard the Nevada Northern Railway Museum for a ride through history.

Note: If you book a campervan with Travellers Autobarn, you will receive a discount at any KOA you stay at during your campervan trip.

Upper Lehman Creek Campground

Baker, Nevada

Distance from Great Basin National Park: 3 Miles

Moving back closer to Great Basin National Park (actually, about as close as you can get!), Upper Lehman Creek Campground is the best choice if you want to be right in the heart of the action. It’s also ideal if you’ve been craving that back-to-nature camping experience, with trees surrounding the site and babbling brooks running through.

This natural atmosphere does mean sacrificing some amenities, and while there are no hookups, you will find vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Don’t let this lack of facilities put you off, though, as it’s all part of the magic of camping here. It’s also a pretty small campground, so it’s perfect for anyone looking to escape crowds and noise.

As you might imagine, one of the best things about staying here is how close you are to Great Basin. The Lehman Visitor Center is just down the road, and the Wheeler Park Scenic Drive starts just 17 miles down the road. Also, since you’re in a quiet, nature-focused campground, there’s a very good chance you might spot some wildlife wandering past your campervan, giving you the opportunity to photograph deer, marmot, and the occasional fox in their natural habitat.

Wheeler Peak Campground

Baker, Nevada

Distance from Great Basin National Park: 11 Miles

Another great option if you want to camp close to Great Basin National Park, Wheeler Peak Campground is only 11 miles away and, at an elevation of 10,000 feet, it’s one of the highest campgrounds in the area. The drive up here is all part of the adventure, and when you arrive, you’ll be in absolute awe of the incredible views of Wheeler Peak and the surrounding mountains.

The campgrounds here are about as rustic as it gets. There are no hookups, but you wlil have access to vault toilets and each site has picnic table, fire ring, and grill. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the spaces are pretty small and aren’t suitable for campervans or camper trailers over 24-feet in length. Also, make sure you pack plenty of layers, and the high elevation means thing can get pretty chilly at night, even in the summer.

From the campground, you’re just steps away from some of the park’s most popular trails. The start of the Bristlecone, Alpine Lake and Sky Island Forest Trailhead is just a 4-minute walk away and takes you through a forest of trees that are thousands of years old. Or, if you’re feeling up for a challenge, the Wheeler Peak Summit Trails starts is 3 minutes away and ends with breathtaking views at the top.

Note: Wheeler Peak Campground is closed during the 2024 season due to ongoing construction project, with a planned reopening in Spring 2025.

Final Thoughts

What makes Great Basin National Park such an amazing place to visit is how unknown it is. Whether you’re craving beautiful sunsets, want to explore caves, or just enjoy the silence, this part of the world should definitely be on your bucket list. And, with so many fantastic campgrounds to choose from, it’s easy to find a place to call home.

Of course, you’re going to need a good campervan to visit these campgrounds, and at Travellers Autobarn, we have what you need to get there. Whether you’re setting off from Las Vegas or anywhere else, with our selection of campervans with unlimited miles, it’s never been easier to hit the road and discover everything Nevada campgrounds have to offer at your own pace. Why let the fun stop here, though? Check out some other awesome US National Parks and get ready for your next adventure!

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