Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak Campground In Baker, Nevada

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

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Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak
Campground In Baker, Nevada

ADDRESS
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive Baker, Nevada GPS: 39.010892, -114.30271 Elevation: 9872′
MANAGEMENT
Public – National Park Service 775-234-7331 $20/night for individual sites Senior or Access Pass, it drops to $10/night

Previous Reviews:

Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak Campground: Open Jun-Oct. The max RV length is 24 feet. This is a high elevation spot. One of the highest campgrounds in the country.

About This Location

You’ll find Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak campground nestled inside Great Basin National Park, not far from Baker, Nevada. At about 9,500 feet elevation, it’s one of the highest campgrounds in the country. That altitude is perfect if you’re gearing up for a hike to Wheeler Peak itself, which towers at 13,063 feet.

There are 37 sites at Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak campground, each with picnic tables, fire rings, and plenty of shade—mostly from Engelman spruce. No potable water, so, again, bring plenty. Forget about flush toilets, showers, or Wi-Fi, but you’ll get vault toilets and, if you’re lucky, a seasonal camp host.

Camping at Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak campground means you’re right next to some of the park’s best hikes: Bristlecone Trail, Alpine Lakes Loop, and Wheeler Peak Trail. These trails wind through ancient bristlecone pine forests and open alpine meadows. If you’re into wildlife, mule deer wander through pretty often, so keep your eyes peeled—sometimes you get lucky.

Once the sun goes down, the night sky is unreal at Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak campground. You’ll see more stars than you thought possible, and the Milky Way is often visible. Fires are allowed, but only in the metal rings provided, and you can’t buy firewood here—you’ll have to gather dead wood on the ground (but don’t touch protected species or snag anything from high elevations).

Getting to the Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak campground is straightforward: just drive up the paved Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. RVs up to 24 feet are allowed, but there aren’t any hookups. Quiet hours run from 8 pm to 8 am, and pets are welcome, but they’ve got to be leashed and can’t go on trails or into the backcountry.

Directions

To get to Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak campground, start in Baker, Nevada. From the center of town, head east on Route 488, which turns into the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. The road is narrow and winds upward, but the mountain views along the way are worth every curve.

It’s about 12 miles from Baker to the Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak campground, and you’ll climb nearly 10,000 feet by the time you arrive. The altitude hits different, so be ready for it.

If you’re coming from Salt Lake City, you’re looking at a four-hour drive southwest to Baker. Once you roll into town, just follow the signs into the park and up the scenic drive.

Definitely make sure your vehicle is up for steep, twisty mountain roads. This is one of Nevada’s highest paved roads, so weather can change fast and the drive demands your attention.

Parking’s available near the 37 campsites at Great Basin NP Wheeler Peak campground. There’s no power, and water is limited, so come prepared with everything you’ll need. Accessibility is available at one designated site, which is a nice touch.