Upper Lehman Creek - 23 Sites, No Hookups

Q: Do I need a reservation or can I walk up?

Reservations required via Recreation.gov. 17 sites book 6 months in advance; 6 sites available up to 14 days prior. No first-come-first-serve.

Q: Is there water and cell service?

No on-site water—bring full containers from Baker. No cell service—download maps and weather before arrival.

Q: Are there showers or laundry?

No. Plan sponge baths or solar showers. Nearest showers and laundry likely in Baker.

Q: Is this bear country?

Yes. No food lockers on site. Hang all food 10+ feet high and away from tents, or store in vehicle. Never leave food unattended.

Q: When is the best time to visit?

July–August for warmest weather but most crowds. June and September for fewer crowds and good stargazing. Closed Dec–April. Night temps drop below freezing year-round.

Sites

RV Max Length

40 feet (lower loop only; upper loop tent-only)

Hookups

None (dry camping only)

Overview

About This Campground

Upper Lehman Creek Campground sits at 7,500 feet beneath ponderosa pine, white fir, and mahogany, where a mountain stream runs through 23 scattered campsites. This is dry camping—no water, no hookups, vault toilets only—demanding self-sufficiency but rewarding with solitude. It's the gateway to Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and high-alpine trails, and it's located in Great Basin's designated International Dark Sky Park. Book this expecting rugged backcountry-lite camping; the payoff is silence and stars.

Highlights

Book If

✅ BOOK IF: Experienced dry campers. Tent enthusiasts seeking alpine solitude and stargazing. Hikers wanting high-alpine trail access. OK with vault toilets and no showers. ❌ SKIP IF: Need hookups. Want cell service or hot showers. Can't handle 7,500 ft elevation or vault toilets. Expect developed resort-style campground.

Site Types

Tent and RV (some sites)

Scenic Views

Mountain stream, ponderosa pine and white fir forest, alpine meadows. Views toward Wheeler Peak and Snake Range.

Nearby Attractions

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Lehman Caves tours, Bristlecone Grove, Stella Lake and Teresa Lake trailheads

Family Friendly

7,500 ft elevation requires acclimatization. No water or showers means extra planning. Vault toilets only. Ranger programs and scenic drives kid-friendly. Creek wading possible (cold water, supervision needed).

Best Time to Visit

July–August for warmest weather. June and September for smaller crowds. Night temps drop below freezing year-round.

Camping Tips

Arrive with full water containers—no on-site water.
Stake tent solidly—7,500 ft + mountain exposure = wind gusts. Use quality guy-lines and gust-rated stakes.
Night temps drop below freezing even July–August; pack insulating sleeping bag.
No generators (quiet campground); bring headlamp.
Scope site before committing—slopes vary; bring leveling blocks.
Dead wood restricted (no Bristlecone, not above 10k ft); gather before dark.
Fire rings only, fires must be attended.
Download offline maps, weather, sunrise/sunset times; no cell service.

RV Driver Intel

The Setup

Paved parking accommodates vehicles up to 40 ft (lower loop). Campsites gravel/dirt with slopes; bring leveling blocks. Back-in setup typical.

The Vibe

High-altitude mountain campground. Scattered ponderosa-fir forest sites with mountain stream. Quiet, solitude, minimal crowds outside peak summer. Backcountry-adjacent atmosphere. No amenities = freedom.

Bath & Laundry

No showers or laundry. Creek bathing possible. Plan sponge baths or solar showers.

What Campers Say

Highly rated by backcountry and astronomy enthusiasts for pristine solitude, dark skies, and mountain stream. Drawbacks: no water, vault toilets, tight upper-loop sites. Best for prepared, self-sufficient campers; challenging for first-timers.

Details

Campsite Information

Total Sites: 23

RV Max Length: 40 feet (lower loop only; upper loop tent-only)

Hookups: None (dry camping only)

Site Types

Tent and RV (some sites)

Each Site Includes

Fire ring (metal)
Picnic table. No bear boxes
No food lockers
No running water hookups.

Activities

Ranger programs (astronomy, interpretive walks—seasonal). Hiking access. Scenic driving. Stargazing.

Amenities & Facilities

Campground Amenities

Restrooms: Vault toilets (seasonal)
Water: No water on site. Bring full containers from Baker or filter natural sources.
Trash: Dumpsters provided (seasonal)

Facilities

RV Dump Station: No RV dump station. Haul wastewater out or access Baker facilities.
Camp Store: No store on site. Resupply in Baker before arrival.
Firewood: Dead wood collection from ground permitted (not above 10k ft, not Bristlecone, not attached). Gas stoves permitted. No firewood sold on site.
Amphitheater: Astronomy Amphitheater (seasonal ranger programs)

Utilities

Restrooms: Vault toilets (seasonal)

Policies & Rules

Reservations

Recreation.gov (Booking: 17 sites up to 6 months in advance; 6 sites up to 14 days in advance)

Pet Policy

No Pets Allowed

FAQs

Will my 40-foot RV fit?

Yes, on the lower loop (sites #1–19). Upper loop (sites #20–24) is tent-only. Arrive early to scout—slopes vary. Contact 775-234-7331 if unsure.

Do I need a reservation or can I walk up?

Is there water and cell service?

Are there showers or laundry?

Is this bear country?

When is the best time to visit?

📖 National Park Service — Upper Lehman Creek Campground (official page) (checked 2026-07-20) 📖 National Park Service — Great Basin National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 Climate data: Great Basin Np, Nv Us, 6,850 ft (NOAA 1991-2020 normals, station USC00263340) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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Upper Lehman Creek Campground