Peavine Creek Campground
3.5313 reviewsPeavine Creek Campground, Monitor Valley, Nevada
Peavine 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
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews describe a remote and isolated camping area with low usage, contributing to privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest dispersed style camping from the road on the left side, while accessing the main camping area requires specific turns at forks.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are identified as the best.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo detailed layout of the campground is provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through late October, weather permitting.
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.
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.'
Hiking
The campground provides trails leading to the Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail, suitable for day hikes and backpacking.Fishing
Fishing is available in Pine Creek, as mentioned in authoritative sources.Winter Activities
No winter activities have been noted.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No explicit fire policies are mentioned.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 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 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).
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated, but peak usage likely aligns with mid-May to late October opening times.
Trash and recyclingUser reviews and authoritative sources emphasize 'Pack in, pack out' policies. Trash facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresA creek flows year-round through the campground, offering potential fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include the rough road and narrow single-lane sections, spider and mice presence in pit toilets, and challenges posed by isolation such as limited vehicle access.
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
3.5
13 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 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Peaceful, scenic location; clean vault toilets; dark skies ideal for stargazing; free camping; excellent getaway for solitude.
Based on 13 reviewsCommon Concerns
Difficult accessibility; no potable water; pit toilets with mice and spiders; rough, unmaintained roads; snakes and black widows; limited infrastructure.
Based on 13 reviewsPro 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 13 reviewsSeasonal 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 13 reviewsCamper 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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility features were explicitly reviewed or mentioned.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025