Great Basin NP Shoshone Boondocking In Baker, Nevada – Site Guide

by John Rodgers / Saturday, July 26, 2025 / Published in Free Camping, Nevada Free

Great Basin NP Shoshone Boondocking
In Baker, Nevada
Site Guide

ADDRESS
National Forest Development Road 448 Baker, Nevada GPS: 38.926027, -114.251598 Elevation: 8176′
MANAGEMENT
Public – National Park Service 775-234-7331 This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Great Basin NP Shoshone Boondocking: Open May-Oct. This is a free dispersed campsite. No reservations. First come, first served. This is a high elevation location.

About This Location

Want to boondock near Great Basin National Park? The Great Basin NP Shoshone boondocking in Baker, Nevada is a solid pick, offering free camping on public land right outside the park boundary.

The Great Basin NP Shoshone boondocking spots here have the basics—think fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. No hookups, but if you’re boondocking, that’s probably what you’re after anyway.

The Great Basin NP Shoshone boondocking spots are perfect for jumping onto hiking trails like the Wheeler Peak Trail. There’s something special about wandering among bristlecone pines and catching those mountain views.

Wheeler Peak itself is over 13,000 feet, so if you’re up for a challenge, that’s your mountain. Not everyone’s into big climbs, but it’s there if you want it.

Great Basin NP Shoshone boondocking spots tends to be quieter and less crowded than other nearby spots. You get a peaceful camping experience, and the night skies are unreal—stargazing here is something you’ll remember.

You’ll also find good trailheads nearby for creek and valley hikes. It’s not just about the park; the whole area feels wild and open.

Directions

Great Basin National Park is about five miles west of Baker, Nevada. To get there, just head for Baker, which is tucked up against Nevada’s border with Utah.

From Baker, jump on Nevada State Route 487 heading west. This road will take you straight to the main entrance of the park.

Keep an eye out for signs pointing to Lehman Caves Visitor Center—that’s your main gateway into the park. It’s hard to miss, but if you’re tired or it’s getting dark, double-check your directions.

If you’re aiming for boondocking near Shoshone, get ready for some dirt roads. Some routes, especially out to the Snake Creek Trailhead camping areas, can get pretty rough and washboarded.

Bigger rigs or RVs need to take it slow. The roads aren’t all made equal, and sometimes you’ll wonder if you missed a turn.

Cell service is spotty out here. Your phone might jump between Nevada and Utah towers, and GPS can get confused.

If you want to stop at the Great Basin Visitor Center, it’s right outside Baker. It’s a good place for last-minute info, restrooms, or just to stretch your legs before heading into the wild.

Bring a map or download offline GPS—seriously, don’t count on your phone. Inside the park, roads get narrow and steep, especially on Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive (not the best place for big RVs past a certain point).

Pack warm clothes, even in summer. The elevation sneaks up on you, and nights can get chilly without warning.