Big Creek Campground

4.38

33 reviews

Big Creek Campground, Forest Service Road 002, Austin, NV

Featured in:RV Camping Nevada Mountain Camping Nevada Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada +6 more

Quick Facts

6,768 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Mid-May to late Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Austin-Tonopah Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,768 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Mid-May to late Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Austin-Tonopah Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

775-964-2671

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 33 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwater

"Overall, reviews of Big Creek Campground are positive, highlighting its natural beauty, quietness, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Common themes include the peaceful canyon setting, the creek running through the campground, and its suitability for both RV and tent camping."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Creek Campground, Forest Service Road 002, Austin, NV

Big Creek Campground

Big Creek Campground, Forest Service Road 002, Austin, NV

Driving directionsTake US 50 West from Austin. Approximately one mile from Austin, take the Big Creek Campground turnoff. Continue south for 11 miles on Forest Service Road 002.

High-clearance vehicles are recommended for site access due to road conditions. The first two miles are asphalt, followed by 11 miles of gravel road. Some sections, particularly the first mile of gravel, can become slippery following rain.

Nearby places

Austin (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Austin (12 miles away) has the closest options for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Campground

Experience the full drama of Nevada's mountain climate at Big Creek, where each season paints the landscape in entirely different hues. Summer days invite exploration with pleasant temperatures climbing to a comfortable 85°F, perfect for creek-side relaxation or canyon adventures. As autumn arrives, the cottonwoods burst into golden flames against crisp, clear skies. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with freezing temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and hot morning coffee. Spring keeps you guessing with its mercurial moods, alternating between warm sunshine and surprise cold snaps that remind you of the mountains' wild heart.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season; warm days, cool nights and full access for hiking/fishing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn likely offers pleasant weather and cottonwood color; fewer crowds than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from mid‑May; spring access and conditions are weather‑dependent and limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid‑May to late Oct; winter access is not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months (June-August) are likely the busiest and most weather-appropriate for camping.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Mid-May to late October, contingent on weather conditions.

About Big Creek Campground

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Toiyabe Range, Big Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Nevada's high desert beauty. This charming retreat welcomes you with the gentle murmur of its namesake creek, which winds through groves of whispering water birch, stately cottonwoods, and silver-leafed Russian olives. Despite its cozy size, the campground's open layout and level sites make it surprisingly trailer-friendly, while the sparse vegetation ensures you'll never lose sight of the dramatic mountain vistas that define this special corner of the West.

Big Creek Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers. Primitive camping is possible in certain areas near the campground, and some group camping areas are also available.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Nevada's mountain climate at Big Creek, where each season paints the landscape in entirely different hues. Summer days invite exploration with pleasant temperatures climbing to a comfortable 85°F, perfect for creek-side relaxation or canyon adventures. As autumn arrives, the cottonwoods burst into golden flames against crisp, clear skies. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with freezing temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and hot morning coffee. Spring keeps you guessing with its mercurial moods, alternating between warm sunshine and surprise cold snaps that remind you of the mountains' wild heart.

ElevationPerched at the gateway to Kingston Canyon, Big Creek Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the Toiyabe Range's vertical wonders. From this strategic vantage point, you'll wake to panoramic views of rugged peaks that seem to scrape the Nevada sky, while the canyon mouth beckons with promises of higher adventures and hidden mountain lakes like nearby Groves Lake.

Natural Features and SceneryBig Creek transforms a simple campground into a living gallery of high desert ecology. The star of the show is the babbling creek itself, creating a ribbon of life that sustains a diverse cast of characters: graceful water birches that dance in the breeze, towering cottonwoods providing welcome shade, and exotic Russian olives adding their silvery accent to the palette. Beyond this riparian oasis, the raw beauty of the Toiyabe Range dominates the horizon, with Kingston Canyon carving a dramatic gateway into the heart of the mountains. It's a landscape that shifts from intimate to epic with just a turn of your head.

Geological RegionBig Creek Campground sits at a fascinating geological crossroads where the western flanks of the Toiyabe Range meet the valley floor. This prime location at Kingston Canyon's mouth tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient geological forces carved deep canyons and lifted mighty peaks. The creek has patiently sculpted its own microenvironment here, creating a lush corridor of water birch, cottonwood, and Russian olive that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding high desert terrain. Just beyond camp, Groves Lake waits like a sapphire jewel set high in the range, a testament to the geological wonders that make this region so captivating.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day

Stay Limit

14 days

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFairly open layout with limited vegetation. Streamside campsites are prominent.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not required.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest that campsites are generally available even on holiday weekends, with options for boondocking nearby.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable; the site operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityHigh-clearance vehicles are recommended for access due to rough road conditions. No specific features for accessibility for individuals with disabilities are mentioned.

Site SizeSites are described as relatively open and suitable for travel trailers.

PrivacySites lack big vegetation and are fairly open, providing limited privacy.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creekside sites for proximity to water and better scenery. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the campground.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy access to day hikes, backpacking trails, fishing, and OHV road riding. Biking opportunities include both road cycling and mountain biking. The presence of a creek running through the campground makes it a popular fishing spot, with reports of large rainbow trout. Wildlife viewing is implicitly part of the experience, as the site is surrounded by natural vegetation and a canyon setting.

HikingDay hikes and backpacking are popular activities. Trails leading to Kingston Canyon and Groves Lake offer scenic experiences. Specific trail details are not provided.

FishingFishing is a highlight for visitors. User James Fredette reports catching 'two-and-a-half-foot-long, 6 lb rainbow trout.' Both stream and lake fishing options are available.

BikingRoad cycling and mountain biking are available, with OHV trails also accessible.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is likely given the natural surroundings, though no specific species are highlighted.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions may deteriorate after rain, especially the gravel section. Wildlife, including predators like bears, may pose potential risks.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies stated; campers should adhere to standard safety procedures.

Emergency ServicesAustin-Tonopah Ranger District's Austin Office, 100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV, Phone: 775-964-2671. Closest hospital or major emergency services are in Austin.

Trash & RecyclingNo information provided about trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly adjacent to a creek, and Groves Lake is located nearby.

Weather at Big Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4

33 reviews

Recommended

Big Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews of Big Creek Campground are positive, highlighting its natural beauty, quietness, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Common themes include the peaceful canyon setting, the creek running through the campground, and its suitability for both RV and tent camping.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the campground for being 'quiet, clean, and in the canyon,' its proximity to a creek with 'running water,' and the natural lighting on the surrounding mountains. Fishing and OHV...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers note that the road to the campground requires high-clearance vehicles, and there is occasional confusion due to a lack of signage. Littering, particularly cigarette butts, has been...

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring plenty of water as there is no potable water on-site. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for easier access. Visitors interested in fishing or gold panning may find...

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground seems less crowded on weekdays and off-peak seasons. Summer is highlighted for its warm days and cool nights, while Labor Day weekend is noted for its manageable crowds. Seasonal...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Campground is 5.5 miles off Hwy 50, on a good gravel road. Most campsites are creekside.' - Caren Teg 2. 'We stayed in our motorhome there for 6 days... couldn't believe these fish were two feet...

Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most campsites are creekside and described as quiet and clean. The exact site numbers are not mentioned, but users mention the availability of about 6-10 campsites.

Based on 33 reviews