Campground

Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds

Campground
Squirrel Springs Campground sign with mountain in background

Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds offers 12 tent-only sites set within aspen groves beneath limestone cliffs along the Snake Creek River. This is true primitive camping—no water spigots, no showers, vault toilets only (seasonal). It's perfect for experienced campers seeking solitude; the unpaved road is passable for standard vehicles, and sites are first-come-first-served.

Quick facts

Reservation System
First-come-first-served (no advance reservations)
Reservation Window
Walk-up anytime during May-October operating season
Reservation Tips
Arrive early morning (8am-10am) on weekends during peak season (May-Sept) for optimal site selection. Mid-week visits nearly guarantee availability.
Fills Up Speed
Moderate to fast on weekends May-September (free FCFS attracts demand); usually available mid-week.

Reservations & season

Reservation System
First-come-first-served (no advance reservations)
Reservation Window
Walk-up anytime during May-October operating season
Reservation Tips
Arrive early morning (8am-10am) on weekends during peak season (May-Sept) for optimal site selection. Mid-week visits nearly guarantee availability.
Fills Up Speed
Moderate to fast on weekends May-September (free FCFS attracts demand); usually available mid-week.
Per Night Cost
$0 (completely free)
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers park facilities; Great Basin has no entrance fee.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
12
Site Types
Tent-only
Site Type Breakdown
12 tent-only sites (7 designated for groups, 5 individual)
RV Max Length
30 feet maximum
Group Sites Available
1
Hookups
Dry camping only (no electrical, water, or sewer hookups)
Site Features
Fire ring (metal), picnic table. Gravel or dirt pad (steepness varies by site).
Ground Type
Gravel and dirt with some steep surfaces
Site Privacy
Aspen grove canopy provides excellent privacy between sites; not a parking-lot style camp.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets (seasonal, May-October)
Potable Water
No water available; bring all drinking water needed (minimum 1 gallon per person per day). Snake Creek nearby but requires filtering or boiling.
Dump Station
None (RV dump station not available)
Trash Service
Seasonal trash and recycling collection provided.
Firewood Availability
Gathering of dead/fallen wood allowed; no commercial firewood sales. Avoid Bristlecone Pine and wood harvested above 10,000 feet elevation.
Cell Service
No cell service; download offline maps before arrival.
Nearby Facilities
Baker, Nevada (nearest town for supplies)

Access

Road Type
Unpaved
Road Conditions
Unpaved road suitable for all vehicles in good weather. Gravel surface, no washboard. Some elevation changes. Passable for sedans but drive carefully.
Vehicle Restrictions
RVs and trailers up to 30 feet allowed. Vehicles larger than 30 feet cannot access Snake Creek Road.
Clearance Needed
Standard
Nearest Gas Services
Baker, Nevada (nearest fuel, ice, and groceries)
Accessibility
Main parking areas paved; campsites gravel/dirt with some steep surfaces. ADA-accessible restrooms at Monkey Rock, Squirrel Springs, and Trailhead facilities. Unpaved road suitable for all vehicles in good weather.
ADA Accessible Sites
ADA-accessible restrooms at Monkey Rock, Squirrel Springs, and Trailhead locations. Campsite-level accessibility varies; many sites have gravel/steep terrain.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
No bear boxes on-site. Store all food in vehicle or hang 10 feet high, 12 feet from tree trunk (bear country protocol). Never leave food unattended at campsite.
Fire Restrictions
Fires permitted in metal fire rings only. Must be fully extinguished when unattended. Dead wood only (no standing trees, no Bristlecone Pine, no wood above 10,000 feet).
Max Stay Limit
14 days maximum
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking (Shoshone/Johnson Lake trails), fishing in Snake Creek, stargazing.
Trailheads Nearby
Shoshone and Johnson Lake trails accessible via 0.5-mile hike from parking lot at end of Snake Creek Road.
Fishing Details
Snake Creek offers fishing opportunities. Nevada fishing license required.
Wildlife Viewing
Possible sightings: mule deer, chipmunks, songbirds (aspen groves). Bear country—maintain 100-yard distance if spotted.
Stargazing Quality
Excellent dark-sky stargazing; Great Basin area renowned for astronomical observation. Summer nights ideal for Milky Way viewing.
Shade Coverage
Full aspen grove canopy provides excellent shade coverage throughout the day.
Scenic Views
Aspen groves, limestone cliffs, Snake Creek River.
Noise Level
Remote river setting with natural water sounds; minimal traffic noise. Quiet setting.
Best Time To Visit
Late August through September: cooler temperatures, lower bug activity, optimal weather conditions.
Vibe Check
True primitive campground in forest setting. Not a parking-lot style camp. Aspen canopy, river sounds, star-filled skies. Privacy between sites due to vegetation. Quiet, natural soundscape. Expect rugged, self-reliant camping experience.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: Tent campers with primitive experience, backpackers, groups seeking free camping in forest setting, experienced RV owners (up to 30 ft) comfortable with dry camping. ❌ SKIP IF: RV owners wanting hookups, campers needing running water, families with young kids requiring showers/flush toilets, those seeking developed amenities.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 1+ gallon drinking water per person per day.
  • Gather dead wood only; no standing trees.
  • Fire in ring only; fully extinguish when leaving.
  • Hang food 10ft high, 12ft from tree (or vehicle store).
  • Arrive dawn on weekends for best sites.
  • Bury toilet paper and waste in cat hole, 200 ft from water.
  • Pack wool socks for cool mountain nights.
  • Scout your site before pitching tent.
  • Download offline maps (no cell service).

More details

Park Area
Snake Creek area, south-eastern section of Great Basin National Park
Sites Tent Only
12
Sites Group
7
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for older children (8+) comfortable with primitive camping. Vault toilets require explanation for younger campers. River nearby adds scenic beauty but requires water-safety awareness and supervision.
Nearby Attractions
Wheeler Peak (13,000+ ft), Lehman Caves, Baker Lake, Bristlecone Grove, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Baker Creek Road.
Terrain Type
Forested with aspen groves and open areas; limestone terrain nearby.
Snow Season
Seasonal closure begins November 5 due to snow and weather.
Monsoon Season
July-August: afternoon thunderstorms possible; prepare with tarps and rain gear.
Wind Exposure
Aspen canopy and terrain provide moderate wind protection; not a fully exposed ridge.
Bug Season
Late May through July: mosquitoes present in wet areas near creek.
Setup Strategy
Expect variable flatness on gravel/dirt pads. Most sites are back-in configurations. Bring leveling blocks—terrain is uneven in spots. Scout your site before unhitching. Secure rigs well given some steep surfaces. Limited pull-through options; arrive early weekends for choice spots.
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers or laundry facilities on-site. Cold-water creek bathing available for hardy campers.
Review Summary
Repeat visitors praise the solitude, aspen canopy privacy, and free access. Experienced campers appreciate the primitive nature and remote setting. Complaints center on lack of water and basic amenities—these are intentional features, not oversights.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation to camp here?

No. Sites are first-come-first-served. Arrive early (8am-10am) on weekends during peak season (May-Sept) for best site selection; mid-week visits usually have good availability.

Is there water at the campground?

No water spigots available. Bring drinking water (minimum 1 gallon per person per day). Snake Creek water is nearby but requires filtering or boiling.

Can my RV fit here?

RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are allowed. Vehicles larger than 30 feet cannot access Snake Creek Road. No hookups; this is dry camping only.

Are there bears here?

Yes, this is bear country. Store all food in your vehicle or hang 10 feet high, 12 feet from trees. Maintain 100-yard distance if wildlife is spotted.

When is the campground open?

Open May 1 through October 31 (weather permitting). Closed November 5 to May 1 due to snow and weather conditions.

What about showers and facilities?

No showers available. Vault toilets only (seasonal). This is primitive camping. Cold creek water available for bathing if you're hardy.

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.