Peavine Creek Campground

3.56

20 reviews

Peavine Creek Campground, Monitor Valley, Nevada

Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

6,260 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Austin-Tonopah Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,260 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Austin-Tonopah Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Peavine 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

775-482-6286

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What Campers Say

3.56

Mixed Reviews

Based on 20 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlocation

"User reviews paint a picture of a remote, peaceful campground with minimal amenities and breathtaking natural beauty. However, accessibility issues are frequently cited, such as rough roads and minimal infrastructure. Reviews are polarized regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Peavine Creek Campground, Monitor Valley, Nevada

Peavine Creek Campground

Peavine Creek Campground, Monitor Valley, Nevada

Driving directionsTo access the campground from Austin: Follow US 50 East to the SR 376 junction. Turn right onto SR 376 and continue south for approximately 60 miles to the Peavine Campground turnoff. Turn right and continue west for approximately nine miles to the campground. To access the campground from Tonopah: Follow US 6 East to the SR 376 junction. Turn left and continue north for approximately 40 miles to the Peavine Campground turnoff. Turn left and continue west for approximately nine miles to the campground.

Road access involves traveling 9 miles on a dirt road. User reviews mention, '7 miles deep on a gravel road.' It is described as 'rough' and 'challenging for RVs,' with one reviewer noting 'bushes scratching vehicles and a small river crossing.' However, the road is 'maintained' and accessible for cars according to user reviews.

Nearby places

Tonopah (40 miles, approximately 1-hour drive), Austin (69 miles, approximately 1.5-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Tonopah offers supplies including groceries, camping provisions, and fuel. It is approximately 40 miles away, equating to roughly a 1-hour drive.

Best Time to Camp at Peavine Creek Campground

The high desert climate at Peavine Creek delivers dramatic temperature swings that seasoned campers have come to cherish. Sun-drenched days give way to crisp, star-filled nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and campfire stories. Winter months bring a hushed tranquility to the canyon, with occasional snow dustings transforming the landscape into a pristine wonderland. Summer welcomes warm, golden days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though the arid climate means rain remains a rare visitor. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot—comfortable days for hiking and refreshingly cool evenings around the campfire.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid‑May–Oct; creek flows in August; hot days and crisp nights with great stargazing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens and crisp nights imply attractive fall conditions and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from mid‑May; early spring access likely limited and variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside its mid‑May to late‑October season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly stated, but peak usage likely aligns with mid-May to late October opening times.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-May through late October, weather permitting.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned in the authoritative content.

About Peavine Creek Campground

Tucked away in Nevada's rugged backcountry, Peavine Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This remote sanctuary strips camping down to its essence—just you, the stars, and the soothing sounds of a babbling creek. While amenities are refreshingly minimal, what Peavine Creek lacks in modern conveniences it more than makes up for in raw natural beauty. Here, in this unexpected desert oasis, a perennial creek breathes life into a stunning canyon, creating a haven where solitude and serenity reign supreme.

Peavine Creek Campground accommodates both tent and primitive camping, with no fees required. It is first-come, first-served, and especially suited for those seeking a remote experience. Several reviewers highlight the barebones nature of the sites, with one calling it 'basically boondocking.'

Historical SignificancePeavine Creek Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Arc Dome Wilderness, where ancient peaks tell stories written in stone over millions of years. The legendary Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail passes nearby, offering ambitious hikers access to one of America's premier high-elevation routes. While the campground itself may not host specific historical monuments, its location places you at the doorstep of Nevada's spectacular central highlands, where generations of explorers, miners, and outdoor enthusiasts have sought adventure among these timeless mountains.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate at Peavine Creek delivers dramatic temperature swings that seasoned campers have come to cherish. Sun-drenched days give way to crisp, star-filled nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and campfire stories. Winter months bring a hushed tranquility to the canyon, with occasional snow dustings transforming the landscape into a pristine wonderland. Summer welcomes warm, golden days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though the arid climate means rain remains a rare visitor. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot—comfortable days for hiking and refreshingly cool evenings around the campfire.

ElevationPerched at 6,260 feet above sea level, Peavine Creek Campground offers a true mountain camping experience. This elevation brings welcome relief from desert heat while painting nights with an extra brush of alpine chill. The thin air adds sparkle to already brilliant stars, but also means temperatures can plummet once the sun dips behind canyon walls. During shoulder seasons, be prepared for surprise snowfalls that can transform your campsite into a winter wonderland overnight. The elevation creates perfect conditions for those seeking cooler temperatures and clearer skies than found in the valleys below.

Natural Features and SceneryA ribbon of cottonwoods and shimmering aspens traces the path of Peavine Creek through this hidden canyon, creating a lush corridor of green in an otherwise austere landscape. The year-round creek—a rarity in this arid region—provides a constant soundtrack of flowing water that lulls campers to sleep and awakens them to nature's rhythms. Towering canyon walls frame intimate campsites, while the rustling leaves of ancient trees provide natural shade and shelter. Previous visitors consistently describe this spot as a place of renewal, where the combination of water, trees, and stone creates an almost magical atmosphere for restoration and reflection.

Geological RegionPeavine Creek Campground occupies a privileged position along the eastern flanks of the Toquima Mountain Range, where Monitor Valley's vast expanses meet vertical canyon walls. This dramatic setting showcases Nevada's geological diversity—from the creek-carved canyon that cradles the campground to the soaring peaks of the nearby Arc Dome Wilderness. The life-giving waters of Peavine Creek have carved this sanctuary over countless millennia, creating a riparian corridor where cottonwoods and aspens thrive against all desert odds. Access to the renowned Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail places you at the heart of central Nevada's most spectacular mountain country, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty and solitude.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Not explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Groups

No group campsite details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo detailed layout of the campground is provided.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are applicable for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. User reviews confirm no reservation system is in place due to 'extreme low level of use.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system exists due to low usage rates.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

PrivacyUser reviews describe a remote and isolated camping area with low usage, contributing to privacy.

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest dispersed style camping from the road on the left side, while accessing the main camping area requires specific turns at forks.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Peavine Creek Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, as confirmed by official sources. User reviews highlight the serene environment and dark skies perfect for stargazing, with one stating, 'This campground does have one of the darkest skies at night' and another describing it as an 'awesome place to get away from it all.'

HikingThe campground provides trails leading to the Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail, suitable for day hikes and backpacking.

FishingFishing is available in Pine Creek, as mentioned in authoritative sources.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include 'rough roads,' 'snakes,' and 'black widows,' according to user reviews. Pit toilets are said to harbor 'mice and spiders.'

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned in the authoritative content.

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

Fire PolicyNo explicit fire policies are mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours are mentioned.

Emergency ServicesAustin-Tonopah Ranger District's Tonopah Office, located at 1400 S. Erie Main Street, Tonopah, NV 89049. Phone: 775-482-6286. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST (Closed on federal holidays).

Trash & RecyclingUser reviews and authoritative sources emphasize 'Pack in, pack out' policies. Trash facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesA creek flows year-round through the campground, offering potential fishing opportunities.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.

Weather at Peavine Creek Campground

Reviews

3.6

20 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Peavine Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a picture of a remote, peaceful campground with minimal amenities and breathtaking natural beauty. However, accessibility issues are frequently cited, such as rough roads and minimal infrastructure. Reviews are polarized regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful, scenic location; clean vault toilets; dark skies ideal for stargazing; free camping; excellent getaway for solitude.

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Difficult accessibility; no potable water; pit toilets with mice and spiders; rough, unmaintained roads; snakes and black widows; limited infrastructure.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water; plan for 'pack in, pack out'; expect rough roads; take a right at the fork and then a left to access the main campsite with the restroom.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate the creek has sustainable water levels in early August, and stargazing is optimal during moonless nights. Cold nights and hot days are cited during certain summer months.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to camp and BBQ.' 2. 'No running water, rough road going in.' 3. 'Awesome place to get away from it all!' 4. 'A moonless night would be the ideal time to go and experience the night...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

'If you wish to access the main part of the campsite with the restroom, take a right when you reach a fork and then the next left.' Some dispersed-style camping is possible from the road on the left.

Based on 20 reviews