Bob Scott Campground

4.21

119 reviews

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Stargazing

Featured in:Desert Camping Nevada RV Camping Nevada Forest Camping Nevada +6 more

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season is May 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season is May 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bob Scott Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping fees are $10 per single site per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount, applicable only to the...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 119 reviews

111 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews of Bob Scott Campground highlight its beautiful scenery, quiet environment, and convenient location off Highway 50. However, some campers noted maintenance issues such as dirty toilets, overflowing trash cans, and uneven sites for tents and RVs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Bob Scott Campground

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Driving directionsFrom Austin, NV, take US Rt. 50 east 6.1 miles to the campground sign. Turn left at the sign into the campground.

Accessible from U.S. Route 50, also known as the 'Loneliest Road in America.' The road is paved and provides direct access to the campground. Seasonal weather conditions may affect accessibility as the site is open May 15 through October 15.

Nearby places

Austin (6.1 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car).

Nearby supplies

Austin (6.1 miles away) provides potential access to groceries, fuel, and general camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Bob Scott Campground

From mid-May through mid-October, Bob Scott Campground awakens to welcome visitors with the gentle climate only found at 7,300 feet. Here, summer days bring comfortable warmth without the scorching heat of the desert valleys below, while evenings cool to sweater weather perfect for campfire conversations. The elevation creates a microclimate where afternoon breezes whisper through the pines and morning air carries a refreshing crispness. As winter approaches, snow blankets the summit in peaceful solitude, closing the campground until spring's return brings wildflowers and renewed life to the high desert landscape.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 15–Oct 15; summer praised for comfortable days, cool nights and fewer bugs.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into October; reviewers note pleasant fall but increasing cold and possible early snow.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Early spring often closed or snowy; reviewers reported closures before mid-May opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Seasonal closure mid-Oct to mid-May; winter use limited/closed.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season pricing; entire open season from May 15 to October 15 is priced uniformly.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is May 15 through October 15, weather permitting.
Current Alerts: Currently closed for renovations for Fiscal Year 24, including updates to water systems, RV pads, and restroom facilities.

About Bob Scott Campground

Tucked away just off Route 50, Bob Scott Campground offers a serene escape along America's Loneliest Road. This intimate campground invites travelers to pause their journey and discover what outdoor enthusiast Geoffrey Herman called a 'beautifully sited and very quiet' retreat. Ancient Pinyon pines and weathered juniper trees create natural canopies throughout the grounds, their twisted branches telling stories of countless seasons at Bob Scott Summit. Whether you're crossing Nevada on an epic road trip or seeking a peaceful night under the stars, this hidden gem provides the perfect respite from the open highway.

Bob Scott Campground provides basic camping facilities, ideal for tent camping, RV camping without hook-ups, and group camping.

Historical SignificanceThe lands surrounding Bob Scott Campground echo with centuries of human history. Just down the highway lies Austin, one of Nevada's most storied mining towns, where silver fever once drew thousands of fortune seekers to these remote mountains. But the area's story begins much earlier – ancient Shoshone petroglyphs etched into nearby rock faces serve as timeless reminders of the indigenous peoples who first called this region home. Modern travelers often discover these rock art galleries during their stay, connecting with a cultural heritage that spans millennia and adds profound depth to any camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through mid-October, Bob Scott Campground awakens to welcome visitors with the gentle climate only found at 7,300 feet. Here, summer days bring comfortable warmth without the scorching heat of the desert valleys below, while evenings cool to sweater weather perfect for campfire conversations. The elevation creates a microclimate where afternoon breezes whisper through the pines and morning air carries a refreshing crispness. As winter approaches, snow blankets the summit in peaceful solitude, closing the campground until spring's return brings wildflowers and renewed life to the high desert landscape.

ElevationPerched at 7,300 feet where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly, Bob Scott Campground offers a true high-desert camping experience. This elevation places you nearly a mile and a half above sea level, where the atmosphere itself feels different – cleaner, crisper, more invigorating. The altitude naturally moderates temperatures, creating an oasis of comfort when valley floors simmer in summer heat. Stargazers particularly appreciate this elevation, as the thinner air and minimal light pollution reveal a breathtaking tapestry of stars, planets, and the luminous band of the Milky Way stretching across the Nevada sky.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape at Bob Scott Campground unfolds like a living painting of the Great Basin. Aromatic sagebrush carpets the ground between groves of pinyon and juniper, releasing its distinctive fragrance after summer thunderstorms. From various vantage points throughout the campground, panoramic views reveal the ribbon of Highway 50 winding through distant valleys and over neighboring ridges. But it's the sunsets that truly steal the show – as day surrenders to night, the western sky erupts in brilliant oranges, purples, and golds, painting the surrounding peaks and creating moments that linger long in memory.

Geological RegionBob Scott Summit stands as a testament to the powerful forces that shaped Nevada's basin and range country. Part of the expansive Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the campground occupies a unique transition zone where Great Basin ecology meets mountain environments. The pinyon-juniper woodland here represents one of North America's most distinctive forest types, adapted over millennia to thrive in this land of extreme temperatures and limited rainfall. The summit itself serves as a natural dividing line between watersheds, offering camping among geological features carved by ancient seas, volcanic activity, and the relentless sculpture of wind and weather.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in times mentioned.

Check-out

No specific check-out times mentioned.

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights

Groups

One site is designated for group camping, accommodating multiple campers. If not reserved, it is available for any visitor.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop layout with fair privacy between sites. Sites include paved parking aprons, metal tables, grills, and fire pits.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not available; sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews indicate it is rarely full, but some nights may require overflow parking outside camp gates.

Cancellation PolicyNo information provided on cancellation policies.

AccessibilityLimited accessibility options; wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.

Site SizeStandard to large sites. Some sites can accommodate trailers over 30 feet.

PrivacyFair privacy between campsites, but the open layout increases visibility between sites.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesNorthernmost sites are recommended for less road noise, and group sites may offer better space and privacy.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Bob Scott Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities centered around its scenic location and nearby natural features. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, fishing, and hunting. The campground is an excellent spot for stargazing due to minimal light pollution.

HikingHiking trails are accessible in the surrounding hills. Day hikes and backpacking options are available, offering views of pinyon-juniper forests and nearby landscapes.

FishingFishing opportunities are available at Birch Creek, approximately 8 miles from the campground. Reviews do not specify fish types or quality but mention it as an activity.

BikingRoad cycling and mountain biking are popular activities with trails located close to the campground.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing has been noted as an enjoyable activity, with coyotes frequently heard at night and bats visible during stargazing. Ground squirrels are also common.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include uneven campsite terrain, occasional road noise from Route 50, and proximity to active wildlife, such as coyotes. User reviews also suggest issues with site leveling for RVs.

Active AlertsCurrently closed for renovations for Fiscal Year 24, including updates to water systems, RV pads, and restroom facilities.

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

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at each site, but user reviews mention seasonal fire restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned, but reviews highlight the quiet ambiance, interrupted occasionally by road noise or coyotes.

Emergency ServicesAustin-Tonopah Ranger District's Austin Office, 100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310. Phone: 775-964-2671. Operating hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, closed on federal holidays.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash collection services are available on-site, requiring visitors to pack out their waste. Overflowing trash cans have been reported in the past by users.

Water FeaturesNo natural water features directly within the campground. Birch Creek is located 8 miles away and offers fishing opportunities.

Camp Host"One site may be occupied by a host," but detailed information about services or availability is not provided.

Weather at Bob Scott Campground

Reviews

4.2

119 reviews

Satisfactory

Bob Scott Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Bob Scott Campground highlight its beautiful scenery, quiet environment, and convenient location off Highway 50. However, some campers noted maintenance issues such as dirty toilets, overflowing trash cans, and uneven sites for tents and RVs.

Review Summaries

Based on 119 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's clean sites, stunning night skies for stargazing, and peaceful setting. Visitors also appreciated the proximity to hiking trails and wildlife sightings.

Based on 119 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road noise from Highway 50, occasional dirty bathrooms, and lack of water availability. Several users also noted that some sites are uneven, making it challenging for RVs...

Based on 119 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water due to lack of potable water onsite and arriving early to secure a site, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Northern sites are...

Based on 119 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer months, the campground is praised for its cool nights and fewer bugs due to the high elevation. Fall and spring reviews mention freezing conditions and closures due to snow or...

Based on 119 reviews

Camper Quotes

"My traveling partner Eric and I enjoyed a one-night stay here. The campground is beautifully sited and very quiet. No light pollution at night so we enjoyed the full display of the Milky Way!" -...

Based on 119 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 4 and northern-most sites are preferred due to lesser road noise. Group site is available when not reserved. Some sites are uneven, particularly for larger RVs.

Based on 119 reviews