Can I see photos of campsites at Columbine Campground before I book?

Yes! Columbine Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Columbine Campground?

Columbine Campground is open Mid-May to late October, weather permitting.. 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 Columbine Campground?

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

How many campsites does Columbine Campground have?

Columbine Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Columbine Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Columbine 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 Columbine Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Columbine Campground?

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

Columbine Campground

Q: Is Columbine Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Columbine Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews recommend arriving early to secure a spot as there are only 7 sites.

4.31

16 reviews

Top 14% in NVFall

Featured in:Hiking Camping Nevada Forest Camping Nevada Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada +7 more

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Mid-May to late Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Mid-May to late Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Columbine Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are required at this campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

775-964-2671

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Columbine Campground

38.9002, -117.3765

Driving directions1. Follow US 50 one mile west of Austin to State Route 722. 2. Turn left, continue on 722 for seven miles to Route 21's junction, and turn left. 3. Take Route 21 to the Yomba Indian Reservation, and turn left on to Forest Service Road 119 for 10 miles.

Condition of access roads varies; user reviews indicate a 'bumpy path' and 'rutted out in some places,' but accessible to small trailers and vehicles like Subarus and 4x4 Sprinters. One user warns: 'Do not attempt to drive this road if it has rained, is raining, or is threatening rain.'

Weather at Columbine Campground

Best Time to Camp at Columbine Campground

Fall is the standout season. Aspens peak in late September through early October, and daytime temperatures in the mid-40s to low-60s°F make for comfortable hiking. Nights drop into the 20s and 30s. Summer reaches 78°F under clear skies. Winter brings snow and temperatures around 16°F, though access becomes difficult or impossible depending on conditions. Spring sees the creek swell with snowmelt. The seven sites fill quickly on fall weekends despite the rutted access road.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in NV

Fall is the standout season; reviews highlight 'amazing' fall colors and peak late Sept–Oct.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Mid-May to late October, weather permitting.

About Columbine Campground

Columbine Campground sits in a grove of quaking aspens at 8,600 feet on the western slopes of the Toiyabe Range, where Steward Creek tumbles past select campsites. The seven primitive sites occupy the Columbine Trailhead, the starting point for routes into Arc Dome Wilderness and along the Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail. The road in is rough and impassable when wet.

Columbine Campground offers primitive camping in a rustic setting. Official sources describe it as "Primitive sites in an open setting with views of the canyon." User reviews further describe the campground's layout and accessibility: "This campsite has six spots, with two relatively small..." (Kaylin Xie, 2021). The campground is not suitable for trailers, as noted by one user: "This place is not advised for trailers, as there is a bumpy path to come in" (Kaylin Xie, 2021).

Historical Significance

County Road 21, the access route to the campground, follows the old Austin-Grantville Stage Route. Stagecoaches carried mail, passengers, and miners along this path from 1861 to 1866.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Aspens peak in late September through early October, and daytime temperatures in the mid-40s to low-60s°F make for comfortable hiking. Nights drop into the 20s and 30s. Summer reaches 78°F under clear skies. Winter brings snow and temperatures around 16°F, though access becomes difficult or impossible depending on conditions. Spring sees the creek swell with snowmelt. The seven sites fill quickly on fall weekends despite the rutted access road.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,600 feet above sea level, Columbine Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and summer temperatures remain delightfully cool. This high-altitude haven provides breathtaking vistas and the kind of pure mountain air that rejuvenates the soul.

Natural Features and SceneryAspens dominate the campground, their leaves flickering in the breeze and providing shade even on warm afternoons. Steward Creek has carved through ancient rock here, and its sound carries through camp. The creek runs close enough to northern sites that you can hear the water from your tent. In fall, the aspens turn gold against the high-desert sky. The Toiyabe Range rises to the east, with the crest trail running along its spine.

Geological RegionColumbine Campground claims a prime location on the western slopes of the majestic Toiyabe Range, where Steward Creek has carved its path through ancient rock. This strategic position at the Columbine Trailhead makes it the perfect basecamp for exploring two of Nevada's crown jewels: the rugged Arc Dome Wilderness and the epic Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail, which stretches along the spine of the range offering endless adventure possibilities.

Scenic ViewsUsers mention beautiful views of the canyon and surrounding aspen trees. "Fall colors are amazing," says one camper.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs in the official sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe seven sites spread through an open aspen grove. Some sit near the creek, others farther back and more exposed. Spacing varies.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews recommend arriving early to secure a spot as there are only 7 sites.

Site SizeUser review indicates that the campground has six spots, two of which are relatively small.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary as some campsites have creek access, while others are more exposed. For example, "Sites on the Northern side abut a creek" (Bill Burnham, 2022).

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a spot, especially near the creek. Avoid visiting after heavy rains due to road conditions.

Best CampsitesSites on the northern side sit right next to Steward Creek. Two of the seven sites are notably smaller than the others.

Amenities available

Columbine Campground offers basic amenities in a rustic and open setting. Officially, the campground is equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, and stationary outdoor grills. Potable water is explicitly noted as unavailable. "Restrooms are available at this site" confirms the presence of vault toilets. "Picnic tables are available at this site" highlights the availability of tables for campers. User reviews provide further insight into the amenities: "Vault toilets, tables and grills" (Dick Weed, 2023). Another camper noted: "Vault toilet and water" (Bill Burnham, 2022), although the official source contradicts the availability of potable water.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Columbine Campground

Columbine Campground facilitates a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, and cycling. The site provides direct access to the Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail and the Arc Dome Wilderness. User reviews emphasize hiking opportunities: "The hike into the wild along established trails is exceptionally good and rewarding" (John Xie, 2021). Other activities such as hunting and fishing are mentioned in user reviews, though one camper rated hunting poorly: "For a hunting place, 0/5" (Kaylin Xie, 2021).

Hiking4.0/5

Site is the Columbine Trailhead with direct access to Arc Dome Wilderness and Toiyabe Crest NRT.

Fishing3.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Road cycling is listed as an activity but user detail is limited.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, 8,600 ft elevation and dirt-road access suggest dark skies and good viewing.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions can be hazardous after rain, and users have advised against using the road during or after precipitation. Wildlife may be present as it is adjacent to wilderness.

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

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

16 reviews

Recommended

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

Overall, user reviews are positive, highlighting the campground's natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and unique setting near Stewart Creek. "Beautiful camp at the end of a dirt road in the aspens. Great hiking from the campsite" (Ali Butler Glenesk, 2020). Some reviews note challenges with the access road: "Do not attempt to drive this road if it has rained" (Dick Weed, 2023).

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's scenic setting among aspens, proximity to Stewart Creek, and access to Arc Dome Wilderness trails. "Beautiful aspens flickering in the breeze, blessed shade...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints center around the rough access road, which requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle in certain conditions: "Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle on the road to campground" (Bill Burnham, 2022).

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews mention that the northern sites are near a creek, providing added scenic value. "Sites on the Northern side abut a creek..." (Bill Burnham, 2022). Two sites are described as relatively...

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend following official USFS directions instead of Google Maps for arriving at the campground: "Don't follow Google maps directions - follow USFS directions and logic" (Ali Butler...

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly recommended for its vibrant colors: "The Fall colors are amazing" (John Xie, 2021). However, the campground's accessibility diminishes during rainy weather, as noted by multiple...

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful camp at the end of a dirt road in the aspens." (Ali Butler Glenesk, 2020). "Do not attempt to drive this road if it has rained, is raining, or is threatening rain." (Dick Weed, 2023)....

Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash as per official regulations.

Based on 16 reviews

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Columbine Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are required at this campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

775-964-2671

Go if

Backpackers and day hikers headed into Arc Dome Wilderness or the Toiyabe Crest Trail, especially in late September when the aspens go gold. Grab a northern site for creek sound. Bring all your water; none on-site.

Skip if

Any rain in the forecast makes the access road genuinely dangerous, and multiple reviewers say not to chance it. Two-wheel drive in wet conditions is a real gamble. Seven sites fill fast on fall weekends, and there's no reservation option.

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