Top Free Dispersed Camping near Austin, NV

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Austin? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Austin, NV (3)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Austin

13 Reviews of 3 Austin Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Beautiful views and nice soak!

    We’ve been here several times. Sometimes we camp here, sometimes we soak, then head to nearby Bob Scott campground. There are several pools. We usually try to find an empty one. Beautiful views and love the Burro visits at dusk. No facilities but some rock fire rings. Please pack it in/pack it out!! I wish people didn’t set up their camp right on top of tubs! There is plenty of space to spread out a little and it makes for a much more pleasant soaking experience.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Great spot!

    Absolutely beautiful spot although it is is definitely not a completely hidden gem… there were several camper cars that looked like they were staying for an extended period of time surrounding the main springs. Nice people but good to know if you plan on relaxing in the hot springs. As for the springs, not the most rustic but cool nonetheless.

  • Erich J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Very cool hot springs

    Be careful before you hop in the lower spring had, what I really hope was, burro scat floating around. Don't fear there are more to find! I found a great spot to share with some truely wild asses! Great views. Well worth the stop!

  • April C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Dispursed Camping with Donkeys?

    We showed up as the sun was setting. Our friends found the site. While in bed we heard coyotes, which was pretty cool. Then we heard wild burrows, one after another. We were all giggling in our rooftop tents. We woke up to the sound of wild burrows and coyotes. It was probably the funniest experience camping. It helped to have 4WD, so we didn't camp next to others. There are no toilets, water, or trash, on sites, and no trees. Please leave no trace. Enjoy the sunset and sunrise.

  • TC A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Mar. 14, 2022

    Spencer Hot Springs

    What a gem

    Down a decent dirt road. Little washboard in places. The upper tub was not warm enough for me 97*. The lower however was 107* which I loved. Didn’t see any burro. However one gentleman said they are further up if you like hiking. The people were nice. No one was at the lower one because of the soft scum that naturally grows. The upper tub had a new bin. I had the lower one to myself. There is a nice post with hooks for towels there. Verizon is 3-4 bars!

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Dispersed, hot springs, donkeys. What more could you want?

    Once you get past the fact that this is truly dispersed, with no toilets, water, or trash, and no real established sites and no trees, you then remember, this place has wild hot springs and wild burrows. WILD BURROWS!! WILD HOT SPRINGS!! So, you roll up to this big open area with tons of“roads” cut in everywhere(careful, there are some deep ruts, holes, and deep sand) and pick a place to park for the night. Pitch your tent or set up your rig. Then go sit in one of the hot springs(there are 3 or 4). One is really deep and you can jump in. One has a large plastic tub wading pool that spills out into two more shallow pools. At sunset, kick back in your chair or in the hot spring and watch and listen to the wild burrows come in from the desert to drink and graze. Not too shabby. BUT. It is a popular place to camp as a result. So beware that some campers are lacking in their LNT principles- there is trash, broken bottles, cans, and feces scattered about. The roads are a mess. There is no one to pick up after you, so camp clean and be kind!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Aug. 10, 2021

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Great spot, Weird people

    We came here (2 female campers) and were amazed by the views and the hot springs! There were plenty of spots, 4wd would be nice to get up to the higher ones. The hot springs are clean and fun to hang out in. We did encounter a pretty creepy older guy and he made us feel very uncomfortable. We ended up not staying the night because he hung around. Don’t go alone! But it’s a great spot.

  • Trenton S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    May. 16, 2021

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Great time

    Had no real issues here, I purposely parked in a spot I thought I'd have the best view and I got what I wanted. Was a little rough of a drive for my 2013 ford focus hatchback, but there is almost always a second way to get anywhere if you drive around for a little.

    Was on the top of a hill so as to be expected it was never not windy, made PBnJs because I didn't want to deal with my grill even. Had an amazing view where I could see donkeys roaming, jackrabbits hopping about and various other desert like critters. Could also see the all 3 hot springs from my spot, so I would know whenever one opened up, even if it was quite the walk. It was well worth it at the 2nd pool. The first one was a little blue kiddie pool like thing that was WAY too hot mid-day. Unless you like feeling like you're being cooked alive... The 3rd one wasn't useable and had a bunch of fish in it, witch was cool to look at and that seems to be where the donkey drink from. Water was clean as it could be and it never seemed to be too busy while I was there.

    Didn't think places like this existed, hope to be back!

  • Jody S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Feb. 14, 2021

    Spencer Hot Springs

    A man and his dog BoomerZ go hot tubbin

          Spencer’s Hot Springs. What a treat. Though a long way out in middle of nowhere land which is awesome this trip was worth the dip. Spent a week here exploring the hot springs, the gold  mines in the local area (do not go in though), and the Toquima Caves with ancient Pictographs about 8 miles further up the same service road I came in on 001 next to Toquima campground. 
          Their are 4 different soak areas at Spencer’s Hot Springs ranging from 104-115 degrees in the tubs currently and one has gold fish in the overflow. If you are the only one their you may have to drive/walk around and look low to the ground to find the tubs except the main big one which is in the ground. Their is a hill if you need to you can walk to top and you will see them all if you look carefully. Be clean and be aware of the random wind gusts and local Donkeys that will visit you at night. Yup. Face to face. It happened. Lol. 
          ATT cell service was good whole time. Bring extra and a smidge more food water gas. It’s a ways out their down the loneliest road in America. 
  • Ariel & John  W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Swim with the donkeys!

    Free/dispersed only.

    Great dispersed camping on BLM land, right next to hot springs. One of our favorite dispersed sites as well as hot springs. There are 5-6 different springs within close proximity and at different temperatures so look around and try them all. The abundant wild donkeys and pronghorn also use the cooler warm springs as a drinking hole which makes an interesting soak. The spots around the springs fill up but there are lots of hills and land around to get some space. No amenities of any kind, dispersed/boondocking only.

    Between towns of Austin and Eureka on 50. When we were there, these little towns and few others on way to Tonopah believed COVID-19 was a hoax and many businesses & restaurants shunned mask use or social distancing (see photo).

    The hot springs are easier to find first time if you come in off 376 rather than 50.

    Plus code: 85F5 84GR+P3

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Could not find, no cell service

    I went to the coordinates provided in the Dyrt app, and nothing was there except a mine. I had absolutely zero cell service (not even 1x) in this valley with Verizon. I’m pretty confused what the other comments about because I didn’t see anything. If you attempt, definitely download maps offline in advance.

    Edit: I moved on to another site but now, looking at the coordinates in the Dyrt app and the location when searching Google Maps, they are very different. Perhaps the Google Maps location is where it actually is.

  • Kevin W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    Jul. 1, 2020

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Remote relaxing hot springs

    This place is definitely in the middle of nowhere along Highway 50. I was a little sketched out driving down the dirt road without cell service but the hot springs were easy to find and seemed clean. There were a few other groups there and everyone shared the tubs. Clothing optional! Have plenty of water and take precautions, but highly recommend.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Spencer Hot Springs
    May. 19, 2020

    Spencer Hot Springs

    Hot Springs off the beaten path

    If you take the road off Hwy 50 there is an area with hot springs and a place to camp. No covered areas but set up fire pits so may be best for camper van/ RV style trips. Hot spring at the top has a silt bottom but very relaxing, and cell phone service! Drive in was packed gravel and got muddy when we were coming in because of rain but our campervan had no issues.



Guide to Austin

Camping near Austin, Nevada, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV.

What to do:

  • Explore Petroglyphs: Check out the ancient rock carvings at Hickison Petroglyph. Campers love the proximity to these historical sites, with one reviewer noting, "Petroglyphs about 100 yards away."
  • Soak in Hot Springs: Visit Spencer Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful views and love the Burro visits at dusk," making it a great spot to unwind after a day of hiking.
  • Hiking and Biking: The area around Big Creek Campground is perfect for outdoor activities. A reviewer shared, "Tons of trails to explore on dirt bikes and quads," highlighting the variety of terrain available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at Hickison Petroglyph. One user said, "Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Scenic Views: Many enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Big Creek Campground. A visitor noted, "The campground is right on the creek," making it a serene spot to relax.
  • Affordable Camping: Campgrounds like Bob Scott Campground offer great value. One camper mentioned, "At $10 a great one night stay," making it budget-friendly for travelers.

What you should know:

  • No Drinking Water: Many campgrounds, including Hickison Petroglyph, do not provide drinking water. A reviewer cautioned, "No water so bring your own," so plan accordingly.
  • Flies Can Be Annoying: Be prepared for pesky flies at some sites. One camper at Hickison Petroglyph warned, "The flies are HORRIBLE right now," so bring some bug spray.
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Spencer Hot Springs have no facilities. A visitor advised, "Please pack it in/pack it out!!" to keep the area clean.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Facilities: Look for spots like Bob Scott Campground that have flush toilets and picnic tables. One family shared, "Flush toilets, some shade, BBQ grills and picnic tables," making it easier for families to enjoy their stay.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, it's wise to pack extra supplies. A camper at Hickison Petroglyph suggested, "I would still byo just in case," emphasizing the need for preparedness.
  • Plan for Activities: Keep kids entertained with nearby activities. One reviewer at Big Creek Campground mentioned, "Great overnight spot," perfect for family adventures.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow roads, so be cautious. A reviewer at Big Creek Campground noted, "The road is narrow and it would be an issue to meet someone on the road pulling your RV."
  • Be Ready for Tight Spaces: RV parks like Austin RV Park have close parking. One visitor said, "Tight parking spaces," so be prepared for cozy accommodations.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, check out places like Austin RV Park that offer full hookups. A camper mentioned, "Full hook up," which can make your stay more comfortable.

Camping near Austin, Nevada, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Austin, NV?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Austin, NV is Spencer Hot Springs with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Austin, NV?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Austin, NV, with real photos and reviews from campers.