The last time we were up that way we came from Canyonlands NP and picked up 50 at Ely. S/E of Ely is a sort of out of the way place Called Great Basin NP. Campgrounds as I remember were basic, a space but no facilities for the sites, just for the campground. Pretty basic NP campgrounds. A very, very interesting place. Other than that I don't remember much about the area. I'd go again when we can stay longer.
As stated, the weather can be drop dead gorgeous, but cold or stormy as heck. After mid October you can have snow or need sunscreen and bathing shorts.
Late fall or early winter is too late for the wild horses e/o Mono Lake on 395. I don't know what this bumpy is on 395. We sold our home up there a couple of years ago and at that time it was one of the best highways in CA.