Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds

5 reviews

Quick Facts

8,182 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,182 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There are no camping fees for the Snake Creek Campgrounds. All sites are First-Come-First-Served.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

775-234-7331grba_interpretation@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"The Snake Creek Campgrounds are appreciated for their serene and scenic environment. However, the lack of amenities and the primitive facilities limit convenience. The park's natural beauty often receives praise."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds

38.9254, -114.2515

Driving directionsFrom Great Basin Visitor Center: Turn right on Highway 487 before Nevada/Utah Border.

The main road to the campground has paved parking areas for cars and campers. However, campsites are gravel and dirt with some steep surfaces. It is open seasonally from May through October, and closed from November to May due to winter weather.

Best Time to Camp at Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds

From late spring through early autumn, Snake Creek transforms into a high-desert paradise. The campground welcomes adventurers from May through October, when wildflowers paint the meadows and warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights. As November approaches, winter's embrace closes these primitive sites until the following May, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow. The region's characteristically dry climate means you'll enjoy mostly clear skies, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through during summer months, adding drama to the already spectacular scenery.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open May–Oct; warm days and wildflowers make summer pleasant but sites are primitive.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late spring and early fall receive highest praise; aspens and cooler weather enhance appeal.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring wildflowers and good conditions are highlighted as an excellent season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed November 5 to May 1 due to winter weather; winter access is limited/closed.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May through October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May through October, weather permitting. Closed from November 5 to May 1 due to winter weather.

About Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds

Discover the hidden beauty of Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds, where pristine wilderness meets rugged adventure on the southeastern slopes of Great Basin National Park. This collection of secluded sites—including the whimsically named Monkey Rock and Squirrel Springs, alongside the dramatic Pinnacles and Eagle Peak—offers an authentic backcountry experience along the babbling Snake Creek River. For those seeking even greater solitude, the remote Shoshone and Johnson Lake sites await after a rewarding hike through towering Aspen groves. Here, beneath towering limestone cliffs that glow golden at sunset, you'll find yourself immersed in one of Nevada's most spectacular natural sanctuaries.

Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds are designed for primitive camping, offering a first-come, first-served setup with no fees and minimal facilities. The campground is seasonally open from May to October and is aimed at providing a rustic, back-to-nature experience.

Weather and SeasonsFrom late spring through early autumn, Snake Creek transforms into a high-desert paradise. The campground welcomes adventurers from May through October, when wildflowers paint the meadows and warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights. As November approaches, winter's embrace closes these primitive sites until the following May, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow. The region's characteristically dry climate means you'll enjoy mostly clear skies, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through during summer months, adding drama to the already spectacular scenery.

ElevationPerched high in the Great Basin's mountain realm, these campgrounds offer the refreshing coolness and pristine air that only comes with significant elevation, providing a welcome escape from the desert heat below.

Natural Features and ScenerySnake Creek's landscape reads like a love letter to the American West. Magnificent stands of quaking Aspen create natural cathedrals, their leaves shimmering like thousands of gold coins in the breeze. Above, ancient limestone cliffs rise dramatically, their weathered faces telling stories millions of years in the making. The ever-present Snake Creek provides a gentle soundtrack as it tumbles over rocks, creating perfect habitats for diverse bird species that fill the air with song. This remarkable 'sky island' ecosystem harbors an astonishing variety of life, from delicate wildflowers to soaring raptors, all thriving in this elevated oasis above the surrounding desert.

Geological RegionSet within the southeastern reaches of Great Basin National Park, Snake Creek occupies a geological wonderland where ancient seas once covered the land. The towering limestone cliffs that frame these campsites stand as monuments to this prehistoric past, their layers revealing millions of years of Earth's history. This unique position at the base of these geological giants, surrounded by verdant Aspen forests, creates a rare convergence of ecosystems—a place where mountain meets sky, and where the forces that shaped the Great Basin are written in stone for all to see.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days.

Groups

No group camping facilities are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of individual campsites including Monkey Rock, Squirrel Springs, Pinnacles, and Eagle Peak. Sites near Shoshone and Johnson Lake trails require a short hike.

Reservation PlatformsReservation is not available as all sites are first-come-first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis, without reservations.

Cancellation PolicyCampsites are First-Come-First-Served, meaning reservations are not available.

AccessibilityThe campground includes one ADA campsite. Restroom facilities are ADA accessible. Gravel and dirt surfaces may pose challenges, especially in steep areas.

Site SizeExact size of campsites is not provided, but there are nine sites in total.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as located in scenic and natural settings, providing some seclusion due to the Aspen groves and limestone cliffs.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the Shoshone and Johnson Lake trails require a short hike, making them ideal for those looking for a secluded experience.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds offer limited recreational opportunities, with trails leading to nearby destinations such as Shoshone and Johnson Lake. The area provides a natural environment for hiking, bird-watching, and immersion in the park's lush vegetation.

HikingThe campground is located near trails like Shoshone and Johnson Lake Trail, which are accessible via a short 0.5-mile hike from the parking lot at the end of Snake Creek Road. The trails offer opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in a natural area that supports bird-watching and other wildlife observation opportunities due to its lush vegetation and proximity to diverse habitats.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe primitive nature of the campsites and steep gravel surfaces may pose challenges. Wildlife presence is implied but not detailed.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFires may only be built in provided metal fire rings using dead wood found on the ground. Standing trees or shrubs may not be collected. Chainsaw use is prohibited.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection is available seasonally, but further details on pickup schedules or locations are not provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along the Snake Creek River, offering proximity to water features.

Camp HostStaff is not on-site.

Weather at Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds

Reviews

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The Snake Creek Campgrounds are appreciated for their serene and scenic environment. However, the lack of amenities and the primitive facilities limit convenience. The park's natural beauty often receives praise.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nestled among Aspen groves and at the base of impressive limestone cliffs." Reviewers appreciate the clean restroom facilities and the scenic views.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water, showers, and cell phone reception are noted as drawbacks in user reviews.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite. Prepare for a rustic experience by bringing sufficient water and supplies. The ADA campsite and accessible restroom may be a consideration for visitors with...

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is seasonally open from May to October, receiving the highest praise in late spring and early fall when weather conditions are optimal. Winter closure limits access after November.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Pulled into the lot late one evening, but didn't want to carry stuff over to the primitive campsites (not far at all, just lazy) so I went to one of the pull-out camping spots I passed on the way up...

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention the proximity of sites to the Snake Creek River and the trailheads, which are a short hike away. Specific site numbers are not reviewed.

Based on 5 reviews