Toquima Cave Campground

4.25

18 reviews

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada

Quick Facts

7,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Mid-May to late Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Austin-Tonopah Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Mid-May to late Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Austin-Tonopah Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Toquima Cave Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for reserving campsites at Toquima Cave 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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 18 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

"Reviews emphasize the campground’s remoteness, primitive nature, and historical significance. The pictographs at Toquima Cave and nearby Spencer’s Hot Springs are major highlights. Several reviewers note the lack of potable water and the poor condition of vault toilets."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Toquima Cave Campground

100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310

Driving directionsTo access the campground from Austin: Follow US 50 east of the State Road 376 junction. Turn right and continue south for about 0.1 mile, look for a Nevada State shaped sign. Turn onto this road and continue east for approximately 12 miles to the campground. To access the campground from Tonopah: Follow US 6 east from Tonopah to the State Road 376 junction. Turn left and continue north for approximately 100 miles to the Nevada State shaped sign, about 0.1 mile south of the US 50 and State Road 376 junction. Turn right onto this road and continue approximately 12 miles to the campground. To access the campground from Ely: Follow US 50 west to the State Road 376 junction, and turn left. Continue south for approximately 0.1 mile to the Nevada State shaped sign. Turn left onto this road and continue for approximately 12 miles to the campground.

The road leading to the campground is unpaved and requires driving approximately 12 miles on a dirt road after leaving the paved highways. There are no indications of seasonal closures, but the remote location may pose challenges for larger vehicles. User reviews mention tight spaces within the campground, making maneuvering difficult for full-sized trucks or towing vehicles.

Nearby places

Austin is 12 miles away

Tonopah is approximately 100 miles away.

Nearby supplies

Austin, NV, located 12 miles from the campground, is the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Toquima Cave Campground

Perched at 7,900 feet, this high-elevation retreat experiences dramatic seasonal shifts that shape each visit differently. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland where temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a pristine but challenging environment for hardy campers. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days perfect for exploration, though nighttime temperatures can still dip surprisingly low, reminding visitors to pack layers even in July. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with crisp air and changing colors painting the high desert in stunning hues.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and quiet in summer; reviewers report camping in July with few others.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

High‑elevation seasonal shifts noted; likely scenic but fewer explicit reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Season opens mid‑May; early spring may be snowy or muddy but late spring is usable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground typically closed winter; winter usability unclear and not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May through late October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Mid-May to late October, as weather and conditions allow.

About Toquima Cave Campground

Hidden deep within the Toquima Range of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Toquima Cave Campground offers adventurous souls a rare glimpse into ancient history without the crowds. This free, primitive campground serves as your basecamp for exploring sacred Native American pictographs that have adorned nearby cave walls for over a thousand years. With just a handful of sites equipped with basic amenities—vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings—this remote sanctuary attracts those who value solitude and authentic wilderness experiences over modern conveniences.

The campground offers primitive camping options with no fees required. "Remote and primitive campsite nestled in a pinyon and juniper forest," described Greg Daggett.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you follow ancient footsteps to Toquima Cave, where indigenous Shoshone artists left their mark between 600-1300 CE. These remarkable pictographs, painted in natural pigments that have survived centuries of desert weather, tell stories we can only imagine. The cave serves as a powerful reminder of the deep human connection to this landscape, transforming a simple camping trip into a journey through living history.

Weather and SeasonsPerched at 7,900 feet, this high-elevation retreat experiences dramatic seasonal shifts that shape each visit differently. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland where temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a pristine but challenging environment for hardy campers. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days perfect for exploration, though nighttime temperatures can still dip surprisingly low, reminding visitors to pack layers even in July. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with crisp air and changing colors painting the high desert in stunning hues.

ElevationAt nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, this mountain campground delivers the thin, crystal-clear air that makes stars seem close enough to touch. The significant elevation brings refreshing relief from desert heat in summer, but also demands respect—altitude can affect some visitors, and weather can shift from balmy to biting with little warning. Snow may dust the ground well into late spring and return early in fall, adding an element of high-country adventure to your stay.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by aromatic pinyon pines and ancient junipers that twist toward the sky, the campground feels like a secret garden in the sky. The short trail to Toquima Cave winds through this fragrant forest, building anticipation for the archaeological treasures ahead. For those seeking additional natural wonders, the legendary Spencer Hot Springs bubble up from the earth just a drive away, where 192°F waters have carved natural soaking pools that offer the perfect end to a day of exploration.

Geological RegionThe Toquima Range rises like an island from Nevada's basin and range country, creating a sky island ecosystem where pinyon-juniper woodlands thrive in splendid isolation. This rugged mountain landscape within the vast Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest harbors not just Toquima Cave's ancient artwork, but a complex geological story written in limestone cliffs and volcanic formations. The interplay of elevation, exposed rock, and high desert climate has created perfect conditions for both the preservation of archaeological sites and the growth of hardy, aromatic forests that provide shade and shelter for modern visitors.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Check-out

Open 24 hours.

Stay Limit

No specific stay limits are mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No information provided about guest limits per site.

Groups

No specific group camping facilities are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSmall and primitive layout with tight spaces and limited sites (2).

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required as the campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis. User reviews repeatedly highlight the remote and often solitary nature of the campground.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is provided.

AccessibilityThe campground offers rustic amenities and does not explicitly provide features catering to accessibility needs.

Site SizeSpaces are described as small, with tight configurations making it difficult for larger vehicles such as full-size trucks or RVs. Review by Tom Ware states, "Small spaces. Trees tight. Could barely fit my full-size truck through the camp.

PrivacyHighly secluded and quiet, as noted by multiple reviewers. "Stayed there for 2 nights in July 2021. Had the whole place to ourselves," wrote John Xie.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest bringing a sufficient water supply and avoiding larger vehicles due to tight spaces.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The primary attractions include hiking to the nearby Toquima Cave, viewing ancient Shoshone pictographs, and visiting Spencer's Hot Springs located on nearby BLM land. Hunting is also available. "Great little campground with good views and outstanding archeological site just a short quarter-mile hike away," noted Charles Ballard. Hiking and cultural exploration dominate recreational opportunities.

HikingHiking is a primary activity, with accessible trails such as the half-mile Cave Trail beginning in the campground. "Short easy hike from campground to cave," wrote Sandro Huizar.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsViewing ancient Shoshone pictographs at Toquima Cave offers a unique cultural and educational experience.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews note biting gnats during warmer months and the remoteness of the campground, which requires thorough preparation, especially regarding water supply.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned, but the campground does feature fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned in official sources.

Emergency ServicesAustin-Tonopah Ranger District's Austin Office, located at 100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV 89310. Phone: 775-964-2671.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in either authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesLocated near Spencer Hot Springs, which features a developed tub and below-ground pool.

Camp HostNo information provided about campground hosts.

Weather at Toquima Cave Campground

Reviews

4.3

18 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviews emphasize the campground’s remoteness, primitive nature, and historical significance. The pictographs at Toquima Cave and nearby Spencer’s Hot Springs are major highlights. Several reviewers note the lack of potable water and the poor condition of vault toilets.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

- Proximity to Toquima Cave for viewing ancient Shoshone pictographs - Remote and secluded for peace and quiet - Fire rings and picnic tables available - Historical and cultural significance - Views...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of potable water - Poor vault toilet conditions - Tight campsite configurations limiting space for larger vehicles

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring all water and supplies, as none are provided on-site. - Vault toilets may require cleaning or repairs. - Ideal for history enthusiasts and those seeking solitude.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are quiet with few visitors, based on reviews. "Camped from 7/7 to 7/9/2021 and no one else camped there," shared Andy. Winter usability is not clear due to the campground’s seasonal closure...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Short easy hike from campground to cave," - Sandro Huizar "Quiet campground, looks like it's been there a long time," - Sonja Blazewick "Remote and primitive campsite nestled in a pinyon and juniper...

Based on 18 reviews