Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area

This is a free FCFS BLM campground located approximately 3/4 mile off US 50. It was a washboard gravel road. At the end of the road you can go left to a picnic area which had a nice area to disconnect a vehicle or turn around. To the right was the actual campground. There are no hook ups of any type. There were bathrooms, but I did not use them so can’t comment on condition. There were trash cans located throughout the campground. Various types of sites including back in, pull through, or just pull off parallel to the road. Sites also various sizes. Several for larger rigs (camped in a 37 foot class A). Most of the sites did not appear level. Auto leveler on our RV would not work due to extreme side to side angle, needed blocks and to manual level. Campsite included a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. Despite being close to the highway, was very quiet campground. There were approximately 10 campers on this particular night. Had 2-3 bars of Verizon signal. Was able to stream videos, text, and search the internet.

I had high expectations for this place after reading the reviews, but ended up being disappointed upon arrival.

We stayed here on a Tuesday and had plenty of sites to chose from. However, as others have noted, this campground isn’t the best for larger rigs. The sites aren’t super level either, but we managed alright.

Most of the trash cans were overflowing. And there was some left-behind trash in our site and fire pit.

Perhaps the most disappointing part was the graffiti and destruction of the petroglyphs sites. It was rampant and very upsetting to see. People have literally carved their names over top of petroglyphs. 😢

Very nice BLM campground. Many of the sites are among trees which help provide much needed shade and wind protection. Other surrounding unshaded sites seem to be a bit larger. We managed to fit our 22 foot RV into one of the shady spots and was fairly level. The vault toilets were reasonably clean.
We arrived late in the afternoon (after 5:30) and saw many open sites. Entry road is gravel and washboard in many spots; about 1/4 to 1/3 mile to campground area.
Unfortunately we had to leave early so did not have time to see the petroglyphs.

I always like finding little interesting places in the middle of nowhere. We were doing a drive through from the west coast and saw this campground listed. It’s a free BLM site with good basics, pit toilets, picnic tables, BBQ fire boxes and some sites have sunshades. The pit toilets at the trailhead just at the entrance to the campground are much newer and cleaner. We came in late in the day and there were still two open spots. It’s basically all sand that’s pretty level. A small loop. Managing a big trailer in would be a bit tough and some of the sites are too small to accommodate a bigger rig but my little Sprinter van had no issues. The interpretive trail offered a nice .6mile walk in the morning before getting back on the road.

We were traveling back home (fleeing the covid chaos) and needed a spot between here and home (45 min west of Tahoe). Found this and was skeptical due to reviews, but I’m posting my review in my camp chair, so Verizon signal is fine. 1-2 LTE bars. Tad breezy but we are tucked in the trees and I’m in shorts. Only one other site taken by tent campers and our 22’ RV is nestled perfectly. Road in is easy, maybe an issue navigating camps with RV over 30’ but we love this place!!!! Fire ring and tables in every site with some having a shade cover. All garbage cans are empty with fresh garbage bags. Would absolutely come back!!!