Searching for a dispersed campsite 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.
Nestled in the basin and range of central Nevada just outside Austin, Spencer Hot Springs remains a favorite for veteran and newbie soakers alike.
Guide
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.
RangerAbsolutely 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.
GuideBe 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!
GuideWe 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.
GuideDown 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!
LegendOnce 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!
TravelerWe 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.
GuideHad 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!
Guide
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. 
RangerFree/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
TravelerI 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideIf 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.
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.
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