Backcountry Camping

 

All backcountry users are expected to know and comply with all backcountry regulations in Great Basin National Park.

Registration

A registration permit for backcountry camping is free but mandatory for the Baker Creek trailhead to Baker Lake, past Johnson Lake, and down to the Snake Creek Drainage area of the park. Please refer to the Superintendent's Compendium for more details.

In all other areas where backcountry camping is allowed, permits are free and voluntary but strongly recommended, especially during the winter. A registration permit not only allows the park to monitor backcountry use, but also provides critical information in the event of an emergency. Stop at any open visitor center to register and obtain a copy of backcountry camping regulations.

Backcountry Camping

Most of the backcountry/wilderness area of the park is open to backcountry camping. Backcountry camping is not permitted within the Wheeler Peak or Lexington Arch day use areas, in bristlecone pine groves, on the Osceola Ditch trail, or within 1/4 mile of any developed site (i.e. road, building, campground, etc.). Camping is prohibited in all parking areas, at trailheads, and on or along all other roads within the limits of the national park boundary.

Campsites must be as far off the nearest designated trail as possible and at least 1/2 mile apart. Campsites must also be a minimum of 100 feet away from a flowing stream, spring, lake or other natural body of open water, and at least 500 feet from any obvious archeological site (such as historic mine sites, cabins, rock shelters, pictograph sites). Camp on mineral soil if possible, and avoid camping in the treeless alpine zone. The maximum continuous stay at any campsite is 14 days.

Group Size Limits

Group size in the backcountry is limited to 12 persons and/or 6 pack animals. Larger groups must split into smaller groups within these limits and must camp and eat at least 1/2 mile apart. Larger groups may request an exception to these limits from the Superintendent under the terms of a Special Use Permit.

Fires in the Backcountry

In the backcountry, fires are prohibited above 10,000 feet. Backcountry users may only use portable stoves above 10,000 feet. Note that both Baker and Johnson Lakes, popular backcountry destinations, are above 10,000 feet and fires are not allowed.

Below 10,000 feet, fires may only be constructed upon and in areas of bare soil or in a shallow snow pit clear of vegetation. The clearing around the fire must have a diameter of at least 10 feet to prevent escape and damage to resources. Clearing of vegetation is prohibited. Metal fire pans or fire blankets may also be used in such areas for additional protection. Fires must not exceed two feet in diameter.

It is illegal to leave any fire unattended. Upon departure, all fires must be rendered completely out and cold by dousing it with water, and all ashes must be widely scattered. Construction of stone fire rings is prohibited.

Only dead and down wood may be collected for campfires. Collecting Bristlecone pine wood is strictly prohibited.

Human Waste Disposal Requirements

In backcountry and other undeveloped areas, the disposal of human body waste is prohibited within 100 feet of any water source or developed trail. Human waste and toilet paper can be buried in a hole 4-6 inches deep in mineral soil.

Additional Regulations

Pets are not allowed in the backcountry or on any trail in the park. The only exception is on the Lexington Arch Trail, where pets must be leashed.

Bicycles are allowed only on designated roadways and are prohibited on all trails.

The use of ATVs/OHVs are allowed only on designated roadways. Vehicles must be properly registered and street legal. Off-road travel is strictly prohibited. Please email us or call [phone] for more information.

You may cache food and water supplies in the backcountry for use on extended backcountry trips. All caches must be clearly marked with the date when they were deposited. Unmarked caches or caches left in excess of 30 days may be removed by park staff.

In accordance with recent changes in federal law, the possession of firearms is allowed in Great Basin National Park under certain circumstances. Please visit our Firearms Regulations page for more information .

All trash must be packed out.

Persons who wish to smoke while hiking or riding in the backcountry must stop and remain in one location until they have extinguished their smoking material. All smoking material must be packed out and disposed of in an appropriate trash receptacle.