Hickison Petroglyph, near Austin, Nevada, is a unique camping spot that combines natural beauty with a touch of history. This area is known for its petroglyphs, which are just a short walk away, offering a glimpse into the past while you soak in the stunning views.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire at night. Clean pit toilets are available, and while there’s no drinking water, visitors recommend bringing your own supplies. One camper noted, “This free site was better than most state parks!” highlighting the quality of the amenities despite being a no-cost location.

For those looking to stretch their legs, there’s a short loop trail leading to the petroglyphs and viewpoints, perfect for a quick hike. Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, with one saying, “Absolute silence...other than coyotes howling at the moon!” It’s a great spot to unwind and recharge, especially after a long drive on the Loneliest Road in America.

While the campground can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, it offers a friendly vibe where fellow campers respect the quiet. If you’re passing through or just want a serene place to camp, Hickison Petroglyph is definitely worth a stop.

Hickison Petroglyph

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Austin

The Best Camping Near Austin, Nevada

Driving cross country from California, we were looking to pull off in the middle of nowhere Nevada. Every place we came across was packed to the gills. No vacancies in sight. Actually, there wasn’t much in sight really. We were smack dab in the middle of nowhere, slightly desert/ plain  like surroundings on America’s loneliest highway - Nevada’s Highway 50. We stumbled upon the petroglyphs. We pulled into the unmanned site , placed a bit off the main drag. It somehow managed to be in the middle of nowhere but tucked away all at the same time. Its bare bones , people. No fees, not much in the way of other people &amp; no amenities that we knew of., except a picnic table &amp; a fire pit/ring. That was fine by us. We had our minivan &amp; our dogs &amp; that’s all we needed. 
This was a totally fly by night camping adventure but that’s what made it so great! 
There are designated spots that actually had quite a bit of privacy from our fellow camper- not that we needed it but it’s what we look for most. It was sheer luck. 
We weren’t fully prepared for our detour so we had no wood. No problemo! We took to the plain , scouting the landscape for sagebrush &amp; pinecones. It added to the charm. 
We burned that all night &amp; it smelled like heaven. The night was warm, peaceful &amp; void of any biting insects. 
We slept crammed in the minivan van with all our windows open , sweet fresh night air flowing thru. It was dark &amp; desolate but somehow felt perfectly safe &amp; we slept like logs. 
We woke just in time for the most spectacular sunrise &amp; jack rabbits abound. It was glorious. 
The petroglyphs themselves were kind of an afterthought. We didn’t really see many &amp; were slightly underwhelmed. But the cliffs &amp; Rocks were pretty beautiful &amp; colorful. The dogs enjoyed climbing &amp; exploring. It was seemingly completely empty in the morning too. Not a soul around. It was kind of neat to feel like you had an entire campsite to yourself! 

Btw- bathrooms are disgusting. I imagine no one gets out there too often for maintenance. But it was no bother. Just suck it up &amp; pull up a nice piece of brush to squat in . You’ll live.  

We’d definitely find ourselves back here again. The peace &amp; sense of adventure was immeasurable. It’s a different kind of camping . Perfect for keeping things interesting! 

Worlds away..

Wow.  So I was wandering down the “loneliest road in America” and I’m so glad I read the review before me. The two campgrounds I stopped previously had already closed for winter despite their websites stating otherwise.  I continued driving in the dark and found this place.

When you enter from the highway a sign says “road not maintained enter at your own risk” but I found it to be a very easy drive to the site with my minivan.  Even getting into the camp sites was generous with trim arounds.  This is one of the best BLMs I’ve seen yet. Picnic tables and fire rings.   Absolute silence...other than coyotes howling at the moon!  I was the only camper which was a bit spooky but what a treat feel like it is just you and the wind in the trees.

Beautiful isolation, easy access!

Whenever we do our slice of Americana road  trips , we make sure to make this a pit stop. This is our first time out of our state of MN for a Vacay since the big shutdown &amp; this stop is always near &amp; dear to our hearts. 
Nothing has changed. It still is! Quiet, the very few people that are there are always friendly! Completely unmanned so you feel like a grown up not being babysat constantly. The people that do dare to venture here know how to police themselves from what we’ve experienced so far. It’s a place to rest, recharge &amp; take in natures beauty. It is not a loud music , drunken idiots kinda place that ruins it every time. 
If you’re on the lonely stretch &amp; feeling sleepy or just want to have something beyond quiet.. just stop here. You won’t regret it! 
FYI- it still snows in April! Lol. But it was mild &amp; it was gorgeous. 

Ps: please take care of this place! It is precious &amp; can stay open if we’re responsible towards it. Thank the BLM for maintenance! 

Another great stay!

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

Hidden gem

Stayed one night while passing through. We arrived Friday of Memorial Day weekend at 2pm. Filled up quickly with RVs by 3pm but two tent sites went unfilled. Sites vary in size, some large, some tight; some pull through and others back in; some level, some not. About half of the sites have a shade structure over the picnic table. Close enough to road to be easily accessible, but very quiet, no highway noise. Short, easy loop to petroglyphs and viewpoints. Amazing sunset. This is a place I'd enjoy for more than just a pass through stay. Everyone staying was very quiet, respectful and friendly.

Quiet

Excellent.   Great views, short hike to the top of the hill is so worth it.  

Had to take a break from the road. This was a nice place to let the kids take a walk and see some cool stuff in a short amount of time. 

Stretch your legs

This free site was better than most state parks! Drive in spots with picnic tables and fire pits, clean bathrooms, and cool petroglyphs. Be sure to walk to the top of the ridge at sunset for some incredible views. 

Incredible free campsite

Good for 2 days.  Trash, and pit toilets available.  No water so bring your own. Free for 14 days. AT&amp;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. 

Peaceful Camping

Stayed there several times, but not lately. Tried midweek in the fall but was full by 2pm. Actually made a cow pie fire there once!

Nice park

Easy to find and right off the road on our way to Lassen from Great Basin. Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper. Plenty of spaces even when we pulled in at 9pm on a Monday night 

Hammock-able!

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! &amp; 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. 


Everything we needed!

Great Spot to stop. The bathrooms and camp site amenities are great. 
There are a few spots a long trailer could fit into, but the road requires some very conscious maneuvering. 
That fact, and the flies compelled me to continue on the road. 

Rutted entrance road, narrow campground road

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. 

Nice Free Campground

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. 

Photos of Hickison Petroglyph

Real photos from real campers