Baker Creek Campground

Q: Will my 40-foot RV fit?

Yes, if not in the upper loop. Max length is 50 feet. Sites #9–14 (upper loop) prohibit RVs/trailers. Internal roads are gravel/dirt—rough in places. Arrive early to choose a spacious, level site.

Q: How do I book? Will sites be available?

Book on Recreation.gov same-day or up to 1 calendar day in advance (unusual short window). Most dates available, especially weekdays and off-season edges (late May, early Sept). Peak summer weekends may tighten.

Q: Is this bear country? Do I need a bear box?

Yes, this is bear country (100-yard distance rule). No bear boxes provided. You must hang food 10+ feet high and 4+ feet from tree trunks, or use a bear-proof container. Check with the host on arrival for advice.

Q: What's the vault toilet situation?

Seasonal vault toilets only (no flush, no showers). Clean and functional during the May–Sept season. Not ideal for those uncomfortable with outhouses, but standard for backcountry camping.

Q: Can I do fires, and what about firewood?

Yes, fires in metal rings only. Gather dead wood on the ground, but NO Bristlecone Pine and NO wood above 10,000 feet (strict—park enforces this). Gas stoves are easier. Check for seasonal fire bans before arrival.

Q: Is there cell service or internet?

No cell service, no internet. Download offline maps, GPS, and any essential info before arriving. Emergency: call the park contact number (775-234-7331) from a visitor center or town.

Sites

RV Max Length

50 feet maximum. Upper loop (sites #9–14) not available for RVs/trailers.

Hookups

Dry camping only. No electrical, water, or sewer hookups.

Overview

About This Campground

Baker Creek is a remote, high-altitude desert campground in the shadows of Wheeler Peak at 6,850 feet. The 37 sites are gravel-and-dirt affairs with no hookups—pure dry camping. Vault toilets, no water spigots, and no running water make this a backcountry-lite experience. It's seasonal (late May through early September, weather permitting) and fills through Recreation.gov.

Highlights

Book If

✅ BOOK IF: You love dry camping, stargazing, high-altitude solitude, and have water containers. RVers up to 50 feet welcome (except upper loop). ❌ SKIP IF: You need water hookups, showers, or cell service. Have accessibility needs beyond ADA sites #4/#28. Are uncomfortable with vault toilets.

Site Types

Tent, RV, Walk-boat-to

Scenic Views

Wheeler Peak dominates the skyline. Surrounded by desert scrub and distant mountain ranges. Starry nights are exceptional.

Family Friendly

High altitude (6,850 ft) okay for most kids but can cause mild altitude sickness in young children (monitor for headache, nausea). No playground; kids enjoy stargazing programs. Vault toilets are age-appropriate. No water on site means extra planning.

Best Time to Visit

Late June through August. After spring snowmelt, before fall weather. Days are warm (50s–70s°F), nights cool (30s–40s°F). Bug pressure minimal at this elevation.

Camping Tips

Bring 10+ gallons of water per family per night.
Pack a warm sleeping bag (temps drop to 30s°F at night).
Stake tent thoroughly (wind exposure high).
Download offline maps before arrival (no cell service).
Arrive early for preferred sites.
Check weather before departure (high altitude = fast weather changes).
Attend the Astronomy Ranger Program if available (seasonal).

RV Driver Intel

The Setup

Pull-through and back-in sites available. Internal roads are gravel/dirt (rough when wet). Level ground is not guaranteed; bring leveling blocks. High-clearance vehicles better suited for rough roads. Careful positioning required for large RVs.

The Vibe

Remote, high-altitude desert feel. Not a parking-lot campground—privacy variable but possible. Seasonal operation means fewer crowds than valley campgrounds. Quiet except for occasional wind. This is 'real camping,' not resort camping.

Bath & Laundry

No showers on site. No laundry facilities. Creek water available for cold washing. Plan accordingly or visit Baker for showers/laundry.

What Campers Say

Campers praise the dark skies, quiet setting, and accessibility via Recreation.gov. Common feedback: bring plenty of water, expect cool nights, arrive prepared for rough roads. Some note the dirt road can be rough after rain.

Details

Campsite Information

Total Sites: 37

RV Max Length: 50 feet maximum. Upper loop (sites #9–14) not available for RVs/trailers.

Hookups: Dry camping only. No electrical, water, or sewer hookups.

Site Types

Tent, RV, Walk-boat-to

Each Site Includes

Fire ring (metal)
Picnic table
Cleared gravel pad. No bear boxes. Variable site size and privacy.

Activities

Stargazing (exceptional), Astronomy Ranger Program (seasonal), picnicking, wildlife observation.

Amenities & Facilities

Campground Amenities

Restrooms: Vault toilets (seasonal)
Water: None on site. Bring your own jug (minimum 10 gallons recommended for a family of four for a weekend). No spigots available.
Trash: Seasonal dumpsters (available during open season). Pack out all trash when dumpsters unavailable.

Facilities

RV Dump Station: No dump station on site. RVers must haul waste to Baker or nearby towns.
Firewood: No firewood sold. Dead wood gathering allowed with strict limits: only dead wood on the ground, no Bristlecone Pine, no wood above 10,000 feet. Gas stoves permitted.
Amphitheater: Astronomy Amphitheater (seasonal). Check with ranger host for program schedule.

Utilities

Restrooms: Vault toilets (seasonal)

Policies & Rules

Reservations

Recreation.gov (same-day and up to 1 calendar day in advance through winter closure) (Booking: Same-day and up to 1 calendar day in advance (through winter closure). Unusual booking window.)

Pet Policy

No Pets Allowed

FAQs

Do I really need to bring all my water?

Yes. Zero potable water on site—this is the #1 constraint. Bring minimum 10 gallons per family per night. Some campers carry a large jug to the nearest source outside the park (check with ranger), but plan for full self-sufficiency.

Will my 40-foot RV fit?

How do I book? Will sites be available?

Is this bear country? Do I need a bear box?

What's the vault toilet situation?

Can I do fires, and what about firewood?

Is there cell service or internet?