Best Campgrounds near Austin, NV
Camping options near Austin, Nevada include several Forest Service campgrounds and dispersed areas along Highway 50 through the high desert. The region includes developed sites like Bob Scott Campground and Hickison Petroglyph, which accommodate both tent and RV camping, as well as more primitive options such as Spencer Hot Springs where dispersed camping is permitted. Most established campgrounds in the area are managed by Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and provide basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while RV parks in Austin town offer full hookup options.
Road access varies significantly by location, with some campgrounds directly accessible from Highway 50 and others requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. The camping season at higher elevation sites like Bob Scott and Big Creek campgrounds typically runs from May 15 to November 1, while lower elevation areas remain open year-round. Summer temperatures can be extreme in this high desert environment, while higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler temperatures. Winter access may be limited by snow at higher elevations. Campground fees range from free to approximately $10 per night at Forest Service sites, while in-town RV parks charge more for full hookups. As one camper noted about Big Creek Campground, "Nice little campground toward the mouth of Big Creek Canyon. If you like camping in Nevada but don't like dry camping or digging holes to use the bathroom, this place is awesome!"
Several visitors mentioned the excellent views and natural settings available at campgrounds throughout the area. The Hickison Petroglyph campground maintains consistently high ratings for its cultural significance and desert landscape views. Sites near water, such as Big Creek Campground, are particularly popular. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Campsites backup to big creek which is nice to sit and listen to the sound of the water rushing." Cellular service varies by location but is surprisingly strong at certain sites—Bob Scott Campground was noted for excellent connectivity despite its remote location. Campgrounds closer to Austin provide convenient access to town services, while more remote sites offer greater solitude. During hunting season, campgrounds like Big Creek may see increased usage, but outside these periods, campers often report having few neighbors even during summer months.
