Great Basin National Park RV Vacations
Some say that Great Basin National Park is one of the best spots to view the night skies and see the multitudes of stars shining brightly above. The solitude of this desert landscape, the fresh smell of the world after an afternoon thunderstorm and the beauty of the caves – all combine to make this an astounding destination for an RV vacation.
RV Vacations to GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK
Whether you are coming from the north of Nevada or from a location to the south, there is an El Monte RV Rental location where you can pick up an RV camper and head to this beautiful park. When you arrive at Great Basin National Park on the eastern edge of Nevada, you will find the best campground for RV motorhomes, Lower Lehman Creek Campground, is open year round, with a limited number of pull-through sites. All campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-served.
When this is Your First Trip to Great Basin National Park
You’ll discover an abundant choice of outdoor recreation and natural wonders at Great Basin. Find all your favorite activities, from hiking and wildlife watching to exploring caves or archeological sites. Winter sports are also available if you come during that time of year. There won’t ever be a lack of busy activity, unless you want to stop and just absorb the quiet surroundings.
This diverse area has a lot to offer visitors. There is a wide array of living things that fascinate and inspire. Spot mountain lions and jackrabbits. You will be impressed by the colorful alpine wildflowers abloom in the spring and the ancient bristlecone pines. Explore rock formations, creeks, springs and perhaps a glacier. The elevations within the park range from 5,000 to 13,000 feet, so there are diverse landforms and plants.
Learn more about the cultural and natural resources of the park by joining in the park ranger programs. You can get a ranger-led tour of the Lehman Caves, take part in an evening campfire program or learn all about the bristlecone pine trees by having lunch and a walk with a ranger. For kids, programs geared just for them help them get even more fun and excitement from a visit to Great Basin National Park.
The spring offers an explosion of hues with Indian Paintbrush, Prickly-Pear Cacti and Globe Mallow dotting the desert with all shades of color. The rushing streams and springs attract park wildlife. Then in summer, the animals that hibernate the rest of the year come out to soak up the rays. See Yellow-bellied Rock Marmots sunning on the rocks.
This basin has been inhabited for more than 12,000 years, first by the Paleo-Indians and later by the Fremont Indians. Settlers of all backgrounds came to this area to ranch and farm. It is a place that will forever be marked in history, and a place now to come and enjoy the desert like you can enjoy it nowhere else.
Things to Do
There are fun things for all ages at Great Basin. Besides enjoying the wildlife, fishing and picnicking, here are some places of interest:
- Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive: If your motorhome is no longer than 24 feet, you can experience this scenic route. View the mountains and valleys as you follow the narrow and winding path.
- Lehman Caves: Nature has created an artwork in these caves with ornate stalagmites, stalactites and other rare formations. You can take a guided walk with a ranger to learn more and visit wondrous places within Lehman Caves.
- Mountain View Nature Trail: This self-guided trail takes you through an amazing pinyon-juniper forest where the smell of the woods is enticing.
- Bristlecone Pine Trail: This hike is only 2.8 miles round trip and you can see some of the oldest living organisms in the world. If you carry on a bit further, you will get a glimpse at Nevada’s only glacier.
- Baker Archeological Site: Here is where the Fremont Indians lived and you will see a village that has been excavated. This is more than just stepping back in history. It is more like reliving it.
Where to Find More Information
Browse the Great Basin National Park website for more information on visiting this incredible park. You will find a full list of all the hiking trails you can enjoy in the park on the Great Basin National Park hiking trails page by the National Park Service.
El Monte RV Locations Closest to Great Basin
Coming from the south? You can pick up an RV rental at the Las Vegas El Monte RV location, only 17 miles from the McCarran International Airport (LAS).
If coming from the north, stop at the Reno El Monte RV location to get your RV motorhome rental. Fly into Reno / Tahoe Airport (RNO) and reach El Monte RV to get your RV in less than ten minutes. Call us today at (888) 337-2214 to reserve your RV home and have us help you plan your trip.