Campground

Baker Creek Campground

Campground
Green sign with white text "Baker Creek 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.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov (same-day and up to 1 calendar day in advance through winter closure)
Reservation Window
Same-day and up to 1 calendar day in advance (through winter closure). Unusual booking window.
Reservation Tips
Book on Recreation.gov up to 1 day ahead. Most sites available same-day. Early summer weekends may book faster than weekdays. Off-season (late May, early Sept) easier to secure.
Fills Up Speed
Usually available. Remote location and limited capacity (37 sites) mean weekday availability common. Peak summer weekends may tighten.

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov (same-day and up to 1 calendar day in advance through winter closure)
Reservation Window
Same-day and up to 1 calendar day in advance (through winter closure). Unusual booking window.
Reservation Tips
Book on Recreation.gov up to 1 day ahead. Most sites available same-day. Early summer weekends may book faster than weekdays. Off-season (late May, early Sept) easier to secure.
Fills Up Speed
Usually available. Remote location and limited capacity (37 sites) mean weekday availability common. Peak summer weekends may tighten.
Per Night Cost
$20 per site per night. $10 for senior/Access Pass holders.
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance. Recreation.gov shows $20/night; confirm pass benefit when booking.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
37
Site Types
Tent, RV, Walk-boat-to
Site Type Breakdown
4 tent-only, 1 RV-only, 4 walk-boat-to, 28 general mixed-use
RV Max Length
50 feet maximum. Upper loop (sites #9–14) not available for RVs/trailers.
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
Dry camping only. No electrical, water, or sewer hookups.
Site Features
Fire ring (metal), picnic table, cleared gravel pad. No bear boxes. Variable site size and privacy.
Ground Type
Gravel and dirt
Site Privacy
Highly variable. Some sites tucked in scattered desert vegetation; others in open. Ask the host for site recommendations based on privacy preference.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets (seasonal)
Potable Water
None on site. Bring your own jug (minimum 10 gallons recommended for a family of four for a weekend). No spigots available.
Dump Station
No dump station on site. RVers must haul waste to Baker or nearby towns.
Trash Service
Seasonal dumpsters (available during open season). Pack out all trash when dumpsters unavailable.
Camp Store
None. Nearest supplies in Baker, Nevada (~30 miles).
Firewood Availability
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.
Cell Service
No cell service. Download offline maps before arrival. Emergency: call 775-234-7331 (park contact).
Nearby Facilities
Baker, Nevada (nearest town, ~30 miles away). Limited services; stock up before arrival.

Access

Road Type
Unpaved (dirt)
Road Conditions
Baker Creek Road is unpaved. All vehicles can navigate in good weather; recommend high-clearance for washboard conditions. Avoid during rain or wet conditions.
Vehicle Restrictions
RVs and trailers allowed except on upper loop (sites #9–14). Maximum length 50 feet.
Clearance Needed
Standard clearance acceptable. High-clearance vehicles better suited for rough sections.
Distance From Entrance
Second left on Baker Creek Road (exact mileage not specified)
Nearest Gas Services
Baker, Nevada area (~30 miles). No fuel or services at campground.
Elevation
6,850 ft
Accessibility
Main road is dirt/gravel with uneven surfaces. Campsites are gravel/dirt with steep surfaces. Not ideal for mobility-limited campers. ADA accessible sites #4 and #28 have accessible restrooms nearby.
ADA Accessible Sites
2 sites (#4 and #28) with nearby ADA accessible restrooms.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
No bear boxes provided. Bear-proof storage required (hang food 10+ feet high and 4+ feet from tree trunk, or use bear-proof containers). This is bear country (100-yard safe distance).
Fire Restrictions
Fires in metal rings only. Dead wood gathering allowed (no Bristlecone Pine, no wood above 10,000 feet). Gas stoves permitted. Collect only dead wood on ground.
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Stargazing (exceptional), Astronomy Ranger Program (seasonal), picnicking, wildlife observation.
Trailheads Nearby
Wheeler Peak Trail (scenic drive area), Bristlecone Grove, Lehman Caves trail access. Trails range 1–8+ miles.
Wildlife Viewing
Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer possible. This is bear country (maintain 100-yard distance). Respect all wildlife from a distance.
Stargazing Quality
Excellent. Great Basin National Park is an International Dark Sky Park. Astronomy Ranger Program and Astronomy Amphitheater available seasonally for guided programs.
Shade Coverage
Mixed. Some sites have scattered desert shrubs and pinyon-juniper; others in open. Afternoon shade limited.
Scenic Views
Wheeler Peak dominates the skyline. Surrounded by desert scrub and distant mountain ranges. Starry nights are exceptional.
Noise Level
Very quiet. Remote location, minimal traffic. Wind and occasional ranger programs the only ambient sound.
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.
Vibe Check
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.
Camp Here If Skip 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.
Tips Advice
  • 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).

More details

Park Area
Wheeler Peak region, Great Basin National Park
Sites Tent Only
4
Sites RV Only
1
Family Friendly Notes
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.
Senior Access Discounts
$10 per night (vs. $20 regular) for seniors and Access Pass holders. Valid ID required.
Amphitheater
Astronomy Amphitheater (seasonal). Check with ranger host for program schedule.
Boat Launch
4 walk-boat-to sites available. Hand-carry only (no boat ramp). Launch from designated beach areas.
Terrain Type
High-altitude desert. Rocky, with scattered low vegetation (pinyon-juniper). Uneven terrain.
Temperature Ranges
Highs 60–70°F, lows 30–40°F (June–August). High elevation means 20–30°F temperature swings. Bring layers and a warm sleeping bag rated for 20°F.
Snow Season
Campground closed Nov 10–May 21 due to winter snow and weather. Snow can fall anytime outside the May 27–Sept 2 window.
Monsoon Season
High altitude (6,850 ft) in the Great Basin means low rainfall. Afternoon thunderstorms rare but possible July–August.
Wind Exposure
Exposed at high elevation. Wind shelter minimal. Stakes must be robust; consider windbreaks or seeking protected sites.
Bug Season
Mosquitoes minimal at 6,850 ft elevation, but peaks briefly (mid-July through early August if wet spring). Bring insect repellent anyway.
Setup Strategy
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.
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers on site. No laundry facilities. Creek water available for cold washing. Plan accordingly or visit Baker for showers/laundry.
Review Summary
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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dump Station

RV dump ($10), trash bins, seasonal water, composting toilets. Day-use only, May-October.

Grey Cliffs Campground

Desert high-country tent camping with zero hookups. Vault toilets, no water. Starry skies and Lehman Caves access.

Wheeler Peak Campground

Highest-elevation campground in the NPS at 9,886 ft. No water, no hookups—for alpine explorers only.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.