How much does camping cost at Bob Scott Campground?

Camping fees at Bob Scott Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Bob Scott Campground?

Bob Scott Campground is open No specific peak season pricing; entire open season from May 15 to October 15 is priced uniformly.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bob Scott Campground?

Bob Scott Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Bob Scott Campground?

Fire policies at Bob Scott Campground: Fire pits are available at each site, but user reviews mention seasonal fire restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Bob Scott Campground?

Cell phone service at Bob Scott Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bob Scott Campground have?

Bob Scott Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bob Scott Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bob Scott Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bob Scott Campground?

Bob Scott Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bob Scott Campground?

Popular activities at Bob Scott Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bob Scott Campground

Q: Is Bob Scott Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bob Scott Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews indicate it is rarely full, but some nights may require overflow parking outside camp gates.

4.13

119 reviews

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Scenic ViewsStargazing

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability 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

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USFS

Provider

775-964-2671

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Bob Scott Campground

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

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.

Weather at Bob Scott Campground

Current alert: Currently closed for renovations for Fiscal Year 24, including updates to water systems, RV pads, and restroom facilities.

Best Time to Camp at Bob Scott Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and comfortable conditions. Daytime highs typically reach 65–80°F, with nights cooling to 35–45°F at this elevation. The season runs mid-May through mid-October, when all facilities are open. Early and late in the window, expect cooler temperatures and possible snow. The high elevation keeps summer days far more pleasant than the lowland desert below.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer praised for reliable access, cool nights (35–45°F) and fewer bugs at 7,300 ft elevation.

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.

About Bob Scott Campground

Bob Scott Campground sits at 7,300 feet on Highway 50 in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, offering 10 first-come, first-served sites among pinyon pines and juniper. The campground costs $10 per night and operates mid-May through mid-October. Campers appreciate the quiet setting and dark skies, though road noise reaches southern sites and there's no potable water onsite.

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

Historical Significance

The nearby town of Austin grew from a 19th-century silver rush. Shoshone petroglyphs appear on rock faces in the area, evidence of indigenous presence that predates mining activity by centuries.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and comfortable conditions. Daytime highs typically reach 65–80°F, with nights cooling to 35–45°F at this elevation. The season runs mid-May through mid-October, when all facilities are open. Early and late in the window, expect cooler temperatures and possible snow. The high elevation keeps summer days far more pleasant than the lowland desert below.

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 campground occupies Bob Scott Summit in a transition zone where Great Basin sagebrush meets mountain forest. Pinyon-juniper woodland provides scattered shade, and the summit's position offers views of Highway 50 threading through distant valleys. Sagebrush releases its sharp scent after summer thunderstorms. The elevation keeps temperatures moderate compared to Nevada's desert valleys. Stargazing conditions are excellent on clear nights.

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.

Scenic Views"Stunning views of the Milky Way" and "ravishing sunsets" are frequent highlights. Some user reviews mention views of Bob Scott Summit and surrounding hills.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information available on cultural or educational programs.

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 with paved parking aprons, metal picnic tables, grills, and fire pits. Privacy between sites is fair but the open layout allows visibility. Some sites handle trailers over 30 feet. Ground is uneven at certain sites, which affects RV leveling and tent placement.

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.

Best CampsitesNorthernmost sites get less road noise from Highway 50. Reviews mention that site selection matters for both noise and levelness. Arrive early since the campground operates first-come, first-served.

Amenities available

Bob Scott Campground offers basic amenities suitable for both transient campers and longer stays. Located off the 'Loneliest Road in America,' Highway 50, the campground provides flush toilets and vault toilets for convenience. However, potable water is not available on-site, which can be a challenge for visitors who need to bring their own water supplies. Each of the 10 combined sites features picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, making it a comfortable option for campers seeking scenic views of the pinyon-juniper forest and Bob Scott Summit. Several user reviews highlight the clean amenities, but also mention occasional maintenance issues such as overflowing trash cans and dirty bathrooms.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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.

Cell CoverageCell phone service has been reported as excellent for Verizon and AT&T, offering 3 bars of service, according to user reviews. Some campers appreciated this connectivity as a 'mixed blessing,' enabling them to stay connected while camping.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

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

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

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

Accessibility Features

Limited wheelchair accessibility; no specific accessibility features mentioned in reviews.

Based on 119 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash. Coyotes are frequently heard at night, which may concern pet owners.

Based on 119 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Highway 50 road-trippers or stargazers who want a cheap, quiet base camp in the Great Basin. Northern sites like site 4 get the least traffic noise, nights cool to the 30s even in summer, and Verizon/AT&T users report solid cell signal.

Skip if

The campground is closed for FY24 renovations, so nobody should book a trip around it right now. When it reopens: no potable water onsite means hauling your own supply, and RVs needing easy leveling will fight some sites.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Big Creek Campground sits at 6,768 feet where Kingston Canyon meets the Toiyabe Range foothills in central Nevada. The campground has 8 sites alongside Big Creek, with vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water. Sites are open and level enough for travel trailers, though vegetation is sparse and privacy limited. Groves Lake lies higher in the range for visitors looking to explore beyond camp.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Kingston Campground sits at 7,100 feet in Peavine Canyon on the southeastern slopes of the Toiyabe Mountain Range. The 10 primitive sites spread along Kingston Creek offer vault toilets and picnic tables. Access roads are narrow. Smaller vehicles and tent campers fare best here.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.8

(18)

Toquima Cave Campground

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Toquima Cave Campground sits at 7,900 feet in the Toquima Range, a sky island ecosystem within Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Two primitive sites offer access to ancient Shoshone pictographs painted between 600-1300 CE. The campground is free, remote, and often empty. Reviewers warn that spaces are tight for full-size trucks, and vault toilets need repairs.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Bob Scott Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Bob Scott Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Accessible from U.S. Route 50. In an open setting with pinyon-juniper forest at Bob Scott Summit. Hunting for deer and elk in season. Fishing at Birch Creek, 8 miles from campground.</p><p>IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Bob Scott Campground will be renovated in Fiscal Year 24. In the meantime, potable water is not available for public consumption at the campground. The District has kept the flush restrooms open and serviceable. Renovations will include improved road access, longer and level RV pads, restroom replacement with vaulted toilet facilities and upgraded public water system.  These renovation improvements will afford easier access for variety of RV’s and campers with infrastructure that is updated and easier for maintenance. With improvements to the water system, the District can extend the open season. Funding for these improvements are from funding received from the Great Outdoors Act and Rural Schools Title II funds. </p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,300 ft. The campground, located next to US Rt. 50, is a single loop with a view of Bob Scott Summit. Mature Pinyon pine and Sagebrush are the primary vegetation. The entire campground is in the open and very good for transient campers - fair privacy between camp sites. One site is for a group, but if not reserved, is available for any camper. Another site may be occupied by a host.

Seasons & access

Open May 15 through October 15 - weather permitting

RV information

The parking aprons are paved.

Directions

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

National Forest: Toiyabe National Forest
Ranger District: Austin
Elevation: 7300
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: Mid-May – Late October