Best Tent Camping near Austin, NV

Tent campsites near Austin, Nevada include several established options in the surrounding high desert and mountain terrain. Toquima Cave Campground offers tent-only sites with basic amenities and is accessible without high-clearance vehicles. Other options include San Juan Creek, which operates seasonally from May to November, and Tonkin Spring, both providing primitive tent camping experiences in the central Nevada landscape.

Most tent campgrounds in this area feature minimal amenities, with Toquima Cave Campground being an exception by providing pit toilets and established fire pits. San Juan Creek and Tonkin Spring lack basic facilities such as trash collection, showers, or drinking water. Campers should pack in all necessary supplies, including water, and be prepared for primitive conditions. Fire restrictions vary by location, with fires prohibited at Tonkin Spring but permitted at Toquima Cave Campground. The terrain typically consists of natural surfaces with little site development.

The tent camping experience near Austin offers solitude and natural surroundings characteristic of central Nevada's remote backcountry. A camper noted, "Getting here was super easy. Don't need high clearance vehicle. Lots of trees, two or more pit toilets. Great rocks structures and lots of fire pits." Toquima Cave Campground provides more shade than many areas in this arid region, with tree cover that offers relief during hot summer months. The area experiences dramatic weather patterns, including thunderstorms during monsoon season. Walk-in tent sites at Toquima provide a more secluded experience than drive-up locations. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout these camping areas, though visitors should practice proper food storage techniques. Most tent campgrounds in this region remain uncrowded even during peak season due to their remote location.

Best Tent Sites Near Austin, Nevada (3)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Austin, NV

45 Reviews of 3 Austin Campgrounds


  • Julia V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Hickison Petroglyph

    Everything we needed!

    Had a bunch of little sites all with fire rings, picnic tables, fire stoves, and shade!! Each site seemed to have some tree cover or a cabana over the picnic table (for those without trees). There were a couple vault/pit toilet houses all stocked with toilet paper (although I would still byo just in case). Overall had the best “facilities” for free dispersed camping that I’ve been to! & keep in mind there is no water so make sure to bring what you need

    Also want to note the flies are HORRIBLE right now- unsure if this is a seasonal thing or what but they were relentless.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Hickison Petroglyph

    No water, great sites for smaller rigs

    The campsite are small and fairly secluded for how closely they’re packed. Most of the pull ins are small and not to level. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site with out house and trash receptacles close by. Campsites in the sun have shades over the picnic tables.Petroglyph site nearby, no water available.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2021

    Hickison Petroglyph

    Hidden gem

    Hickison Petroglyphs Recreation Area is about 26 miles east of Austin Nevada on Highway 50. Highway was deemed Lonliest Highway by Life magazine about 20 years ago. There is a sign marking turn. If going towards Austin it will be on the right side of highway. After you make the turn road becomes gravel and there is a cattle guard. The road is in good shape and it is a short distance to Recreation Area. Several pit toilets no water. There are garbage cans spaced throughout the camp ground. Not all camp spaces have same equipment. There are sites with covered picnic tables fire pits and grills. There are tent sites small rv might be one pull through site. None of the sites are large and there are several small trees along the drive. Drive is One Way. First come first serve. We were here for three days and there was medium level of traffic. Breeze most of the time

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2022

    Hickison Petroglyph

    Peaceful Camping

    Good for 2 days. Trash, and pit toilets available. No water so bring your own. Free for 14 days. AT&T getting between 1-2 bars. Netflix, YouTube everything works pretty well. Petroglyphs about 100 yards away. About 20 or so spots available. Picnic tables, fire rings, bbq uprights in each spot.

  • Upscuz The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Hickison Petroglyph

    Nice BLM

    Pretty nice campground, not far off hwy 50. Campsites are very close for a BLM, but there's picnic tables, fire rings and vaulted toilets.

  • graham K.
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Big Creek Campground

    Great, developed but primitive campground in Nevada

    Nice little campground toward the mouth of Big Creek Canyon. The campground is right on the creek. Big Creek Canyon is beautiful about 15 miles from the town of Austin and is full of Aspens. There are probably about 10 sites in the campground with plenty of space between each site. Hunting season gets busy but I have never seen more than one or two groups in the campground at one time if it’s not hunting season. There is not a ton of privacy within the campground but there is plenty of space for each campsite. There are trout in the creek and easily accessible depending on how much snow the mountain range got the winter before. The road that goes through Big Creek Canyon is a decent BLM road that will take you to the summit of the range then down into Kingston which is a fun adventure. If you like camping in Nevada but don’t like dry camping or digging holes to use the bathroom, this place is awesome!

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Hickison Petroglyph

    Nice Free Campground

    Overnight stay traveling across Nevada. We came in around 3:30 PM on a Friday and was about 2/3 full. Sites are small. You can fit a van or pickup camper easily. Very small trailers would also fit but would have to park tow vehicle in main lot.
    There are pit toilets and trash cans. No water. No dump. You do get a fire pit and sheltered picnic table in each site. Fantastic free campground in a beautiful area.

  • Alexandria C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Hickison Petroglyph

    Just off 50, great amenities and FREE!!!

    Lovely little spot just off America’s loneliest highway route 50 with plenty of great camp each with a fire ring and several with shade structures. Bathrooms are pit toilets and there is no water, but this is a great little spot.

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Toiyabe National Forest Toquima Cave Campground

    Nice campground way up there

    Great national forest campground way up a long dirt forest road. Elevation like 7,000, so cooler. Various size sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Lots of trees provide privacy and wind screen too. Centrally located pit toilets.

    Campground is at the trailhead of a short hike to the Toquima Cave, which is well worth the walk even though the mouth of the cave is fenced off. You can still clearly see the amazing artwork on the cave walls. Beware of rattlesnakes. We ran into one right on the trail near the cave.

    Note there are also many free dispersed camping sites on this road up to and after the campground, plus all the dispersed sites at Spencer’s Hot Springs down below near the head of the forest road.


Guide to Austin

Tent camping near Austin, Nevada offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the rugged beauty of the region. With a variety of campgrounds available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Toquima Cave Campground, visitors can enjoy well-maintained pit toilets, ample fire pits, and a scenic environment surrounded by trees.

Some prices for tent camping are free

  • While specific pricing details are not available, the experience at San Juan Creek is accessible for those looking to camp without breaking the bank.

Explore local attractions and activities

  • Adventurous campers at Toquima Cave Campground can enjoy stunning rock formations and the thrill of experiencing dramatic weather, such as thunderstorms, while camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Austin, NV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Austin, NV is Toquima Cave Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

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