Wheeler Peak Campground
4.5593 reviewsWheeler Peak Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
The nightly rate is $20. Holders of Golden Age, Golden Eagle, Access, Senior Annual or Senior Lifetime Passes receive 50% off. Reservation service fees apply.
About this campground
Perched high in the clouds at 10,000 feet, Wheeler Peak Campground beckons adventurers to discover Great Basin National Park's alpine wonderland. Here, where Engelmann spruce forests whisper ancient stories and mule deer graze in emerald meadows, you'll find yourself immersed in a world far removed from the desert below. Wake to crisp mountain air and breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak's granite face and the sacred Doso Doyabi, with some of Nevada's most spectacular trails beginning just steps from your tent.
Wheeler Peak Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with no electricity or water hookups. "Sites at Wheeler Peak Campground may be reserved up to one month in advance, generally between Memorial Day and Labor Day."
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable landscape has captured imaginations since long before Great Basin National Park's designation, with the enchanting Lehman Caves serving as the area's first protected treasure in 1922. Today, guided tours through these underground galleries reveal a hidden world of limestone formations, connecting modern visitors to millions of years of geological artistry and the pioneering spirit of early explorers who first marveled at these subterranean wonders.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings a delightful escape from the heat, with refreshing daytime temperatures hovering in the comfortable 60s while nights invite you to bundle up under star-filled skies. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through like clockwork, painting dramatic scenes across the peaks—so pack your rain gear and embrace nature's daily performance. As snowmelt gradually reveals hidden trails throughout the season, each week offers new adventures to explore before the campground bids farewell to visitors in late September.
ElevationRising nearly two miles above sea level, this alpine sanctuary offers a rare Nevada experience where summer feels like spring and the air carries the pure essence of mountain wilderness. At 10,000 feet, you'll discover a natural air conditioning system that transforms scorching desert summers into perfect hiking weather, placing you at the doorstep of some of the state's highest peaks and most rewarding high-elevation adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where sprawling alpine meadows burst with wildflowers beneath towering Engelmann spruce sentinels. Come autumn, quaking aspens transform the landscape into a shimmering golden tapestry that dances in the mountain breeze. Above treeline, permanent snowfields and ancient icefields cling to weathered quartzite cliffs, creating a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure. Keep your camera ready—curious mule deer often wander through camp at dawn, while wild turkeys strut across the meadows, adding life to this pristine mountain ecosystem.
Geological RegionDiscover Nevada's best-kept secret in the heart of the Great Basin, where Wheeler Peak Campground claims its throne at nearly 10,000 feet above the surrounding desert valleys. This remarkable elevation creates an island of alpine splendor, complete with verdant meadows and dense Engelmann spruce forests that seem impossibly lush for the Silver State. Here, the ancient forces that lifted these mountains from an prehistoric seafloor have created a unique ecosystem that feels more like the Rocky Mountains than the Nevada most people imagine.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides some accessibility features such as paved parking spurs, accessible trails, and well-maintained vault toilets. A reviewer noted: "Great hiking opportunities including a wheelchair accessible hike that was beautiful and much appreciated."
Sites SizeCampsites at Wheeler Peak Campground are described as spacious and well-laid out. One reviewer mentioned: "Large with generally good privacy," and another noted, "Campsites all had a pad with a table, fire pit and bathrooms close by."
Sites PrivacyCampers frequently noted the privacy of the sites, with comments like, "The campgrounds are spread apart to give everyone privacy" and "Sites are pretty spaced out and private."
Total Campsites37 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite 15 is pull-through and ideal for pop-up campers. Sites near the creek like 36 offer serene water sounds. Site 23 is noted for its meadow views and deer sightings.
Best CampsitesSites 3, 21, 36, and 37 mentioned positively for proximity to trails, privacy, and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Groups
No specific group camping areas or descriptions are provided for Wheeler Peak Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout37 sites spaced far apart for privacy. Layout includes paved parking spurs, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with possible delays due to heavy winters.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on prior reservations, but there is mention of frustration with sites being reserved but not used. Walk-up availability is not clearly described.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the date of arrival. Fees apply: $10 cancellation fee and any reservation fees. Late cancellations subtract the first night's fee from any refund owed. Late cancellations are defined as cancellations made starting midnight 1 calendar day before check-in.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Wheeler Peak Campground offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Some reviewers specifically highlighted the excellent access to trailheads: "The nighttime stars were excellent, the campground was lovely and we enjoyed our stay. The Bristlecone Pine and Alpine Lakes Loop trails are easily accessible from the campground."
Hiking
The campground is a gateway to some of the most popular trails in Great Basin National Park. The Bristlecone Trail and Alpine Lakes Loop Trail start just outside the campground entrance. A reviewer noted: "The Bristlecone Pine Grove hike were fairly easy hikes, the hike to Wheeler Peak is a cardio tester!" These trails range from accessible nature paths to challenging summit routes.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in and around the campground, with frequent sightings of mule deer and chipmunks. One reviewer mentioned: "Mule deer came through quietly each day." Another stated: "Lots of chipmunks too."Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned for Wheeler Peak Campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned for Wheeler Peak Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires and charcoal grills are prohibited, despite the presence of new pits and grills.
- Quiet hours are 8 pm to 8 am.
Hazards
General hazardsThunderstorms at this elevation bring high winds and close proximity to lightning strikes. Wildlife such as Mule Deer frequent the area.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 12, 2025 - September 01, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site and are well-maintained. A reviewer stated, "They kept the bathrooms clean and the garbage picked up," reflecting general satisfaction with these amenities.
Proximity to water featuresCreeks and streams flow near the campground, with sites like 37 offering water-side camping.
Common complaints'Only drawback was prohibition of campfires and propane fire rings.' 'Reservation process is a mess.' 'Vault toilets lacked running water.'
HostDan is frequently praised as an excellent camp host.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 6 & 50, turn south on Nevada State Highway 487 and travel 5 miles to Baker, NV. In Baker turn west on Highway 488 and travel 5 miles to the park.
'Neither towing nor towed vehicles exceeding 24 feet in length are accommodated along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive or at Wheeler Peak Campground.' Seasonal closures may occur due to heavy winters.Camper Reviews
4.6
93 reviews
Wheeler Peak Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground’s natural beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to trailheads. However, some common complaints include the lack of potable water and issues with the reservation system.
Review Summaries
Based on 93 reviews
What Campers Love
Common themes in positive reviews include the cleanliness of facilities, spacious and private campsites, cool temperatures at high elevation, and excellent starry night views. Many users also...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water, difficulty with the reservation system, and issues with locked restroom doors. Some users mentioned concerns about the unevenness of tent sites...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing sufficient water due to the lack of potable water on-site. They also advise making reservations well in advance and being prepared for high-altitude conditions, including...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer (June to September) is the peak camping season due to favorable weather. Reviewers noted cool temperatures and excellent hiking conditions during this period. However, some users observed that...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The most beautiful campground in the national park system. The scenery is breathtaking." - Jaq Lee. "Fabulous location, clean and well-stocked vault toilets, and quiet campground." - Corinne M. "The...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Several users highlighted specific campsites. For example, campsite 36 was praised for being close to the Wheeler Peak trailhead, while campsite 23 was noted for its proximity to a meadow and...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features such as accessible trails and vault toilets were appreciated. A reviewer mentioned: "Great hiking opportunities including a wheelchair accessible hike that was beautiful and...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and under supervision. However, pets are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry. One user stated: "Pets must be secured in a vehicle or on a leash of no...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025