Columbine Campground

4.93

16 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat Hiking

Featured in:Forest Camping Nevada Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada Mountain Camping Nevada +4 more

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Mid-May to late Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Austin-Tonopah Ranger District's Austin Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Mid-May to late Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Austin-Tonopah Ranger District's Austin Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Columbine Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required at this campground.

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

4.93

Top-Rated

Based on 16 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shade

"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)."

Read all reviews

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.'

Best Time to Camp at Columbine Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Columbine. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dipping to a crisp 16°F and snow blanketing the aspens. Spring brings renewal as the creek swells with snowmelt. Summer offers perfect camping conditions with temperatures reaching a comfortable 78°F under brilliantly clear skies—ideal for hiking and stargazing. Fall paints the campground in stunning golds and ambers as the aspens put on their annual spectacular show. Note that winter access can be challenging during heavy snow or rain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open in summer; creek still running late summer and hiking access is excellent.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in NV

Multiple reviews: 'Fall colors are amazing' and fall is particularly recommended.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal opening depends on snowmelt; spring conditions variable at 8,600 ft.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

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

Planning Tips

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

About Columbine Campground

Nestled in a serene grove of quaking aspens along the babbling waters of Steward Creek, Columbine Campground offers an intimate escape into Nevada's high country. This hidden gem features just 7 primitive camping sites, perfect for those seeking solitude and authentic wilderness experiences. As the gateway to adventure, the campground sits right at the doorstep of the Columbine Trailhead, where the legendary Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail and the pristine Arc Dome Wilderness await exploration.

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 SignificanceStep back in time as you explore this historically rich region. County Road 21, which provides access to the campground, traces the path of the legendary Austin-Grantville Stage Route, where stagecoaches rumbled through these mountains from 1861 to 1866, carrying fortune seekers, mail, and tales of the Old West.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Columbine. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dipping to a crisp 16°F and snow blanketing the aspens. Spring brings renewal as the creek swells with snowmelt. Summer offers perfect camping conditions with temperatures reaching a comfortable 78°F under brilliantly clear skies—ideal for hiking and stargazing. Fall paints the campground in stunning golds and ambers as the aspens put on their annual spectacular show. Note that winter access can be challenging during heavy snow or rain.

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 SceneryImagine waking to the gentle whisper of quaking aspens dancing in the mountain breeze, their leaves creating nature's own symphony. The melodic sounds of Stewart Creek provide a constant, soothing soundtrack as it tumbles past select campsites. In autumn, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise as the aspens burst into brilliant shades of gold, creating a canopy of color against the deep blue Nevada sky. The blessed shade these trees provide makes even warm summer days comfortable for camping.

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.

Best Campsites

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Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Groups

There is no information about group sites at Columbine Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout7 primitive camping units arranged in an open setting with some sites near Steward Creek.

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

AccessibilityThere is no specific information about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities in the official sources or user reviews.

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.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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).

HikingHiking is one of the primary activities at Columbine Campground. The site is adjacent to Columbine Trailhead, which provides direct access to the Arc Dome Wilderness and Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail. User reviews praise the hiking trails: "Great hiking from the campsite" (Ali Butler Glenesk, 2020) and "Great place to camp if you are planning hiking up Arc Dome" (Bill Burnham, 2022).

FishingFishing is available in Stewart Creek, which runs near some campsites. "Sites on the Northern side abut a creek..." (Bill Burnham, 2022). However, detailed information about fish species or fishing quality is not provided.

BikingRoad cycling is listed as an activity, although user reviews do not provide specific insights into biking trails or terrain.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Weather at Columbine Campground

Reviews

4.9

16 reviews

Top-Rated

Columbine Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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

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