Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Locations for the people tired of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. Usually all you want to do after a few days in Vegas is get away from the constant dinging of the slots.
For us we need the quiet and serenity of a good boondocking location and while Nevada has a lot of BLM land some of it is not hospitable. Enter the Basin and Range National Monument and the boondocking options it supplies.
If you’re looking for a sight to see while traveling through Nevada, the Basin and Range National Monument is the place to go. Truthfully, it is one of the most expansive and remarkable landmarks you’ll ever come across. From valleys to mountains to forests, the most beautiful of terrains you would want to see can be found all year round!
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Every piece of it is completely untouched, making it so naturally beautiful. There’s also a wide range of outdoor activities to explore such as camping, hiking, boondocking, cycling and climbing. With that, there are also activities for everyone that both children and adults can enjoy. Knowing this much, the real question here is why wouldn’t you want to visit?
History of the Basin and Range National Monument
In 2015, the Basin and Range National Monument was created under proclamation, making it the second made national monument in Nevada. For years, the Basin and Range was fought to be protected for a multitude of reasons that went just beyond its natural beauty. It served as a home to wildlife that was only found to be native to the terrain.
There were also landmarks and artifacts of Native American history that were being fought to be preserved. The protection of the basin served as a huge example of protected public territory and would have an immense impact. Had it not been for the proclamation which created the national monument, it would have likely been used for controversial purposes and claimed as a means of creating a route for a nuclear waste repository. This was very likely true as it had set back these original plans.
12 Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Locations
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1. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Locations – Cherry Creek Campground
Address
Alamo, Nevada
GPS: 38.15349, -115.62531
Elevation: 6686′
Management: National Forest Service
Cherry Creek Campground is open end of May thru September (pending snow and accessibility). The maximum RV length at Cherry Creek Campground is 25 feet.
Best Review:
I really liked it here, It was beautiful seclusion. But …it was extremely out of the way and maybe a little dangerous. I took the road from Rachael. A strong 4×4 is required. One way steep winding hilly dirt roads (where you cannot see anyone coming) turn into rock mud and water crossings. There are also some cliffy drop offs.
2. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Sites – Pahroc Wash
Address
Little Boulder Road
Hiko, Nevada
GPS: 37.783887, -115.059307
Elevation: 4665′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The maximum RV length at Pahroc Wash is 18 feet. This free campsite is located within the Bureau of Land Management N/A District. The road into this Basin and Range National Monument boondocking area is dirt.
Best Review:
None
3. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Spots – Little A’Le’Inn
Address
Old Mill Street
Alamo, Nevada
GPS: 37.6463, -115.7454
Elevation: 4824′
Management: Private
The road into this Basin and Range National Monument free campsite area is Gravel and 0.1 miles miles from a paved road. Little A’Le’Inn is open Year-Round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay Few nights is fine. Ask at the Inn for more. at Little A’Le’Inn.
Best Review:
We stayed two nights in the free lot across the street from the Little Ale-Inn. The staff there was so hospitable and welcoming, the food was great, as befits the best greasy spoon diner, and they knew all the movie pop culture references we threw about. Verizon signal was ROCKING. If we were going to be there longer, we would probably purchase space in the actual RV park area. We liked it so much we might buy a house and start hunting graboids…
4. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Locations – Gap Mountain
Address
Unnamed Road
Ely, Nevada
GPS: 38.328073, -115.05092
Elevation: 5456′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Gap Mountain is open all year. Some wind and road noise (the highway is right there) but peaceful otherwise with miles of nothing in every direction. Perfect for an overnight with great Verizon coverage. The road into this Basin and Range National Monument boondocking area is dirt.
Best Review:
Beautiful location. Was 22 degrees outside so completely secluded, no sign of humans other than dirt road and fire pit. We showed up on dry night, no snow after dark and had no issue getting into the spot off well paved dirt road. Very close to 318.
5. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Sites – Dave Deacon Campground
Address
Ely, Nevada
GPS: 38.388571, -115.13401
Elevation: 5207′
Management: Fish and Wildlife Service
The road into this Basin and Range National Monument free campsite area is Gravel and 7 miles from a paved road. Dave Deacon Campground is open Year Round. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 30+. You may stay 8 Days at Dave Deacon Campground.
Amenities:
Drinking Water
Dump Station
Fire Ring
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Best Review:
I go out of my way to stay here. Hot Creek, nice clean sites and vault toilets and water spigots. Coyotes calling for my dog to come out so that they could “eat” I mean play with her. Really easy to find. North entrance road was better than the south this year.
6. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Spots – ET Highway Rest Area
Address
Crystal Springs, Nevada
GPS: 37.529718, -115.2243
Elevation: 3822′
Management: Rest Area
The road into this Basin and Range National Monument boondocking area is Paved. ET Highway Rest Area is open year round. The maximum RV length at ET Highway Rest Area is unlimited. You may stay overnight at ET Highway Rest Area.
Best Review:
None
7. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Locations – Hopkins Rest Area
Address
Alamo, Nevada
GPS: 37.43999, -115.378423
Elevation: 5476′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Basin and Range National Monument free campsite area is dirt. Free camping anytime -> no reservations.
Best Review:
Stayed with motorcycle and tent. Soft soil but doable on touring bike. Quiet. Lots of stars. Trash bins.
8. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Sites – Area 51 – BLM Land Just Outside the Unofficial Back Gate
Address
(37.594062282145764, -115.89873095741495)
Nevada
GPS: 37.594062, -115.898731
Elevation: 5089′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in isThe road into this Basin and Range National Monument boondocking area is Gravel and 10 miles from a paved road. Area 51 – BLM Land Just Outside the Unofficial Backgate is open Year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 days at Area 51 – BLM Land Just Outside the Unofficial Back Gate.
Best Review:
Attempted to camp here during raid area 51 2019. Sheriff asked for us to leave because they wanted to use the area for their staging area. He agreed to let us stay the night. Being it is blm land I wanted to argue the fact of first come first serve but I did not. So we stayed the night. It was eerily quiet.
9. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Spots – Chief Mt West
Address
Unnamed Road
Caliente, Nevada
GPS: 37.664588, -114.754044
Elevation: 4879′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
This free campsite is located within the Bureau of Land Management N/A District. The road into this Basin and Range National Monument boondocking area is dirt.
Amenities:
Restrooms
Best Review:
Lots of ATV, side-by-sides and motor cycles noise and buzzing around. Gun shooting at targets. Can be loud by campers around the camp fire. Four covers over picnic tables, camp fire rings, charcoal grill.s About 4 miles off the highway on a dirt sometimes very rough road. Two pit toilets, two small trash cans. Practice track for OHV’s. Bands of mustangs.
10. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Locations – Lunar Crater
Address
Tonopah, Nevada
GPS: 38.394516, -116.070744
Elevation: 5870′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Basin and Range National Monument boondocking area is Gravel and 9 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 14 at Lunar Crater.
Best Review:
We came in from the a road to the east of the “main” access road (they’re all dirt roads off the highway but some are “less bad” than others!) which went south of Lunar Lake then northwest to Lunar Crater. It was a bit long, dusty and bumpy. That said, there are plenty of places to “dispersed camp” in that area. We were able to camp right at the rim of Lunar Crater. Cool place to hike into.
11. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Sites – Stampede Campground
Address
Montgomery Cabin Road
Pioche, Nevada
GPS: 37.977598, -114.537135
Elevation: 6175′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Basin and Range National Monument boondocking area is gravel and Two miles miles from a paved road. Stampede Campground is open All year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 at Stampede Campground.
Amenities:
BBQ Grill
Fire Ring
Picnic Tables
Best Review:
Great large camp ground with covered picnic areas, fire rings and expansive views! Two miles north of Pioche, turn west at Silver State ORV Trailhead. ( don’t follow other directions from Google maps, it gave us a “shorter” route but it was just a trail, not for RV’s) No services or hookups
12. Basin and Range National Monument Boondocking Spots – Pahranagat NWR Campground
Address
Upper Lake Access Road
Alamo, Nevada
GPS: 37.298787, -115.120912
Elevation: 3373′
Management: Fish and Wildlife Service
Pahranagat NWR Campground is open Year Round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 30+. You may stay 14 days at Pahranagat NWR Campground. The road into this Basin and Range National Monument boondocking area is dirt.
Amenities:
BBQ Grill
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Trash Cans
Best Review:
Stopped and stayed here 1 night during Thanksgiving. My friend and I were in an SUV so it was easy getting in and out. Saw a few large rigs. It was windy during the day and cold af and windy at night. We went down by the shore and the winds stopped when we were by the reeds. Great spot.
The top 10 Hiking Trails Near the Basin and Range National Monument
With the wide variety of hiking trails at the Basin and Range, why not look at the best ones to visit? These hiking trails can range from easy to rather hard, but can still be accessible to all skill levels, beginner or pro!
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #1. Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake
This hike includes a lake and has a beautiful Mountain View to see. It’s also a rather difficult one as it’s 8.2 miles long, especially gearing towards the end of the trail. Around the last half mile is when it proves itself to be hardest! Regardless of this, it will still be a fun trail so long as you come prepared!
Length: 8.2 mi
Elevation gain: 2,906 ft
Route type: Out & back
Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Scramble, Snow, No dogs
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #2. Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail
If you’re looking for an easier trail to start off with, this is also a great one to look at! It’s 4.5 miles long and has plenty of wildlife from plants to birds to see. The Bristlecone trees are a sight to see for themselves!
Length: 4.5 mi
Elevation gain: 1,059 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Forest, Lake, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, No dogs
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #3. Alpine Lake Trails
A great beginner trail being about 2.7 miles long! This one is highly recommended to visit closer to winter time, as it looks beautiful when it snows! There are also lakes to see and more wildlife to come across.
Length: 16.7 mi
Elevation gain: 4,360 ft
Route type: Out & back
Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Dog friendly, Forest, Lake, River, Views, Waterfall, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #4. Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop
This trail is also fairly easy, being about 5.7 miles. The Bristlecone Pines are also viewable on this trail hence the name! It’s amazing, isn’t it? Just imagine hiking by a 3,000 year old tree! You’ll be able to on this hiking trail. The Rock Glacier is also great to be able to see towards the end.
Length: 5.3 mi
Elevation gain: 1,020 ft
Route type: Loop
Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, Views
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #5. Lehman Cave
This trail is very easy and short only spanning 0.4 miles in comparison to the other trails on this list. The cave tours are great and offer a very nice and easy walk with beautiful formations and wild flowers to see! It’s especially fun to go on tours as you’ll get to learn a lot of new things along the way. However, it is only accessible by tours and will have to be booked in advance, though it’s definitely worth it! This one is definitely the easiest of them all if you’re looking for an easygoing yet very scenic tour!
Length: 0.4 mi
Elevation gain: 45 ft
Route type: Loop
Kid friendly, Walking, Cave, Partially paved, Views, Wildflowers, No dogs
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #6. Teresa Lake
Also a fairly easy trail, the Teresa Lake is 1.5 miles long. The Alpine Lakes are nice and clear, and there’s been snow which is just enough to see, but still easy enough to hike through!
Length: 1.5 mi
Elevation gain: 305 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #7. Stella Lake Trail
This trail is 2 miles in length and is a perfect trail for nature trips! The Stella and Teresa lakes are beautiful sights, as are the aspens. You’ll also be able to view the Wheeler’s Peak! There’s also a chance you could come across deer or elk!
Length: 2.1 mi
Elevation gain: 442 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #8. Wheeler Peak Trail via Alpine Lakes Trail
This is another harder trail, spanning at 7.8 miles in length. It’s not so much the length that makes it so strenuous, but the winds, and protection from the cold is definitely encouraged! The meadows, pines, aspens, and the views from the summit are what make this trail much worthwhile.
Length: 2.1 mi
Elevation gain: 442 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #9. Baker Lake Johnson Lake Loop
One of the longest trails here is 12.9 miles long! It may seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, can be a very fun trip! If it snows, there are chances that you’ll see different animals tracks such as bunnies, deer, or elk. At the top of Pyramid Peak, you’ll find there are great views from above!
Length: 12.9 mi
Elevation gain: 4,366 ft
Route type: Loop
Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Nature trips, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, River, Views, Wildlife, Rocky, Scramble, No dogs
Basin and Range National Monument Hiking Trail #10. Lexington Arch Trail
This one is pretty moderate, being 6.3 miles long. There are plentiful wild flowers, and also one of the most beautiful and notable sights is the Lexington Arch itself. In comparison to the other trails, this one can be quite warm, in which case, be prepared and stay hydrated!
Length: 6.3 mi
Elevation gain: 1,430 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Cave, Views, Wildflowers, Washed out, No shade
Things To See and Do At the Basin and Range National Monument
There are many activities to explore, admire, and learn from at the Basin and Range. From hiking, to camping, to taking tours, here are some of the things you can experience during your adventure at the monument.
Lehman Caves
The Lehman Caves tour is one of the most popular places to be at when visiting the Basin and range, and for good reason! These caves were formed from the formation of the mountains and waters seeping through the rocks, turning them into nature made works of art! These tours will take you through the different types of cave formations, the structures they take, and how even today they’re still slowly changing! You’ll get to learn a lot about geology while you’re there.
Astronomy
The sights and beauty don’t just stop with the earth’s crust either, you can also experience the skies and the universe around you during the nighttime! The National park of the Basin Range has also become a tourist attraction for stargazers. During the night, planets and the stars can all be visible even to the naked eye.
Hiking
There is a wide range of hiking trails for you to explore, and a variety of places to see depending on what you want to experience! Whether that be lakes, forests, mountains or hills, it’s practically endless what you could see on your travels!
Especially along the hiking trails, you’re very likely to find animals along the way! Bird and animal watching is a very fun activity for this national park. There are many different types of animals that you can come across such as wild turkeys, lizards, bobcats, elk, deer, rabbits, and squirrels.
Camping
With all the proper preparations and planning done, boondocking can also be a fun experience out in the Basin and Range. The roads are fairly easy to drive through and provide a scenic experience along the way. There are five different developed campgrounds within the territory, as well as two different primitive campgrounds. Just make sure that you know your entire plan before attempting!
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for someplace new, or if you’re traveling through Nevada and need to know where to visit, the Basin and Range National Monument is definitely the way to go! You’re guaranteed to learn something new, and see sights which you’ve never seen before. In which case again, the question must be asked, why wouldn’t you go to the Basin and Range National Monument?
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