Pets are not allowed in the backcountry or on park trails. The listed exception is Lexington Arch Trail, where pets must be leashed.

The maximum continuous stay at a backcountry campsite is 14 days.

Great Basin Backcountry Camping Registration Rules

Q: Do I need an advance reservation?

No. NPS says the registration is free and available in person at an open visitor center; there is no quota for the Baker or Johnson Lakes permit.

Q: Does the permit reserve a campsite?

No. It is a backcountry registration, not a campsite reservation. You must follow the park?s location and resource-protection rules.

Q: Can I camp beside a trailhead or road?

No. Camping is prohibited in parking areas and at trailheads, and campsites must be at least 1/4 mile from developed sites such as roads, buildings, and campgrounds.

Type

Backcountry Camping

Season

Year-round, conditions permitting

Group Size

Backcountry groups are limited to 12 people and/or 6 pack animals.

Overview

About This Activity

Great Basin treats this as a backcountry camping activity, not one fixed trail. Free registration is required for camping near Baker or Johnson Lakes; elsewhere, registration is voluntary but strongly recommended. Register at an open visitor center and ask about current route conditions before leaving developed areas.

Highlights

Book If / Skip If

BOOK IF: You are preparing for a self-guided overnight trip and want current NPS route information. SKIP IF: You are looking for a reserved campsite, guided tour, or one fixed trail itinerary.

What Makes It Unique

Free in-person registration provides current route information and gives the park itinerary details that can matter during an emergency.

The Smart Move

Register at an open visitor center, confirm whether your route enters the mandatory Baker or Johnson Lakes permit area, and use current conditions to choose the route.

Best Time to Visit

The NPS lists this activity in winter, spring, summer, and fall. Check current road, trail, weather, and visitor-center conditions before choosing a route.

Activity Tips

? Get the free registration permit at an open visitor center before camping near Baker or Johnson Lakes. ? In other allowed backcountry areas, register voluntarily so the park has your itinerary in an emergency. ? Keep campsites at least 1/4 mile from developed sites and at least 100 feet from water and archeological sites. ? Pets are not allowed in the backcountry or on park trails, except leashed pets on Lexington Arch Trail.

Unique Discoveries

Required Only in One Zone

The free registration is mandatory for the Baker Creek trailhead to Baker Lake, past Johnson Lake, and into the Snake Creek drainage. Registration elsewhere is voluntary but strongly recommended.

Registration Is Not a Reservation

The form gives the park your itinerary and creates an opportunity to ask about current conditions. It does not reserve a developed campsite or a fixed backcountry site.

Details

Activity Details

Type: Backcountry Camping

Options: Self-guided backcountry camping on allowed routes and in allowed backcountry areas; route choice is discussed during registration.

Locations: Allowed backcountry areas selected with current NPS conditions in mind. Camping is prohibited in designated day-use areas, bristlecone pine groves, on Osceola Ditch Trail, and near developed sites.

Requirements

Skill Levels:

Equipment & Rentals

What to Bring:

Carry the navigation, water, food storage, clothing, and emergency equipment appropriate for your selected route and current conditions.

FAQs

Is a backcountry permit required everywhere in Great Basin?

No. A free registration permit is required for camping near Baker or Johnson Lakes. In other allowed backcountry areas, registration is voluntary but strongly recommended.

Do I need an advance reservation?

Does the permit reserve a campsite?

Can I camp beside a trailhead or road?

Can I bring a dog?

How long can I stay?

📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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