Toquima Cave Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Generally operates mid-May through late October as weather and conditions allow. First-come, first-served with no reservations.

About

Toquima Cave Campground is a small, primitive campground located in the Toquima Range of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at 7,900 feet elevation. This free, first-come, first-served facility offers a quiet base camp for visitors interested in Native American history and high desert exploration. The campground's primary draw is the Toquima Cave Trail, a half-mile path with stone steps leading to a rock shelter adorned with pictographs in red, yellow, black, and white, painted by ancient Shoshone people. Archaeological findings, including projectile points dating to 600-1300 CE, provide insight into the area's cultural heritage. The campground features basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables, but no potable water is available, so visitors must bring their own supply. The rough 12-mile access road from Highway 50 or State Road 376 requires careful driving. Nearby Spencer's Hot Springs on BLM land offers a popular soaking destination with naturally heated 192-degree water in developed tubs and below-ground pools. The remote location provides exceptional solitude and dark skies, with light usage reported throughout the season.

Directions

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. From Tonopah: Follow US 6 east 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.

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