Big Creek Campground
4.3214 reviewsBig Creek Campground, Forest Service Road 002, Austin, NV
Big Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Toiyabe Range, Big Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Nevada's high desert beauty. This charming retreat welcomes you with the gentle murmur of its namesake creek, which winds through groves of whispering water birch, stately cottonwoods, and silver-leafed Russian olives. Despite its cozy size, the campground's open layout and level sites make it surprisingly trailer-friendly, while the sparse vegetation ensures you'll never lose sight of the dramatic mountain vistas that define this special corner of the West.
Big Creek Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers. Primitive camping is possible in certain areas near the campground, and some group camping areas are also available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Nevada's mountain climate at Big Creek, where each season paints the landscape in entirely different hues. Summer days invite exploration with pleasant temperatures climbing to a comfortable 85°F, perfect for creek-side relaxation or canyon adventures. As autumn arrives, the cottonwoods burst into golden flames against crisp, clear skies. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, with freezing temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and hot morning coffee. Spring keeps you guessing with its mercurial moods, alternating between warm sunshine and surprise cold snaps that remind you of the mountains' wild heart.
ElevationPerched at the gateway to Kingston Canyon, Big Creek Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the Toiyabe Range's vertical wonders. From this strategic vantage point, you'll wake to panoramic views of rugged peaks that seem to scrape the Nevada sky, while the canyon mouth beckons with promises of higher adventures and hidden mountain lakes like nearby Groves Lake.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Creek transforms a simple campground into a living gallery of high desert ecology. The star of the show is the babbling creek itself, creating a ribbon of life that sustains a diverse cast of characters: graceful water birches that dance in the breeze, towering cottonwoods providing welcome shade, and exotic Russian olives adding their silvery accent to the palette. Beyond this riparian oasis, the raw beauty of the Toiyabe Range dominates the horizon, with Kingston Canyon carving a dramatic gateway into the heart of the mountains. It's a landscape that shifts from intimate to epic with just a turn of your head.
Geological RegionBig Creek Campground sits at a fascinating geological crossroads where the western flanks of the Toiyabe Range meet the valley floor. This prime location at Kingston Canyon's mouth tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient geological forces carved deep canyons and lifted mighty peaks. The creek has patiently sculpted its own microenvironment here, creating a lush corridor of water birch, cottonwood, and Russian olive that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding high desert terrain. Just beyond camp, Groves Lake waits like a sapphire jewel set high in the range, a testament to the geological wonders that make this region so captivating.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHigh-clearance vehicles are recommended for access due to rough road conditions. No specific features for accessibility for individuals with disabilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are described as relatively open and suitable for travel trailers.
Sites PrivacySites lack big vegetation and are fairly open, providing limited privacy.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creekside sites for proximity to water and better scenery. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the campground.
Best CampsitesStreamside campsites are commonly praised in user reviews, with many describing them as quiet and clean.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day
Stay Limit
14 days
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFairly open layout with limited vegetation. Streamside campsites are prominent.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May to late October, contingent on weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest that campsites are generally available even on holiday weekends, with options for boondocking nearby.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable; the site operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy access to day hikes, backpacking trails, fishing, and OHV road riding. Biking opportunities include both road cycling and mountain biking. The presence of a creek running through the campground makes it a popular fishing spot, with reports of large rainbow trout. Wildlife viewing is implicitly part of the experience, as the site is surrounded by natural vegetation and a canyon setting.
Hiking
Day hikes and backpacking are popular activities. Trails leading to Kingston Canyon and Groves Lake offer scenic experiences. Specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight for visitors. User James Fredette reports catching 'two-and-a-half-foot-long, 6 lb rainbow trout.' Both stream and lake fishing options are available.Biking
Road cycling and mountain biking are available, with OHV trails also accessible.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is likely given the natural surroundings, though no specific species are highlighted.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned but may be limited due to seasonal accessibility.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies stated; campers should adhere to standard safety procedures.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad conditions may deteriorate after rain, especially the gravel section. Wildlife, including predators like bears, may pose potential risks.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Austin-Tonopah Ranger District's Austin Office, 100 Midas Canyon Road, Austin, NV, Phone: 775-964-2671. Closest hospital or major emergency services are in Austin.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months (June-August) are likely the busiest and most weather-appropriate for camping.
Trash and recyclingNo information provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to a creek, and Groves Lake is located nearby.
Common complaintsSome user reviews report litter issues, including cigarette butts. Accessibility concerns due to road conditions following rain are also mentioned.
Campground Map
Big Creek Campground, Forest Service Road 002, Austin, NV
Driving directionsTake US 50 West from Austin. Approximately one mile from Austin, take the Big Creek Campground turnoff. Continue south for 11 miles on Forest Service Road 002.
High-clearance vehicles are recommended for site access due to road conditions. The first two miles are asphalt, followed by 11 miles of gravel road. Some sections, particularly the first mile of gravel, can become slippery following rain.Nearby places
Austin (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Austin (12 miles away) has the closest options for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.3
14 reviews
Big Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews of Big Creek Campground are positive, highlighting its natural beauty, quietness, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Common themes include the peaceful canyon setting, the creek running through the campground, and its suitability for both RV and tent camping.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praise the campground for being 'quiet, clean, and in the canyon,' its proximity to a creek with 'running water,' and the natural lighting on the surrounding mountains. Fishing and OHV...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers note that the road to the campground requires high-clearance vehicles, and there is occasional confusion due to a lack of signage. Littering, particularly cigarette butts, has been...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring plenty of water as there is no potable water on-site. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for easier access. Visitors interested in fishing or gold panning may find...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground seems less crowded on weekdays and off-peak seasons. Summer is highlighted for its warm days and cool nights, while Labor Day weekend is noted for its manageable crowds. Seasonal...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Campground is 5.5 miles off Hwy 50, on a good gravel road. Most campsites are creekside.' - Caren Teg
2. 'We stayed in our motorhome there for 6 days... couldn't believe these fish were two feet...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most campsites are creekside and described as quiet and clean. The exact site numbers are not mentioned, but users mention the availability of about 6-10 campsites.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited due to the need for high-clearance vehicles to navigate the road conditions.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific pet-related facilities are mentioned.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025