Big Horn Campground At The Elbow

Open — Open year-round. Access via Sweetwater Road requires traveling 7 miles on a county-maintained dirt road. Limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.

About

Big Horn Campground at The Elbow occupies an unspoiled section of the East Walker River within Walker River State Recreation Area, part of Nevada's largest and newest state parks. Located at the Nine Mile Ranch unit, this primitive campground is fabled among anglers for its trophy trout fishery. The campground features nearly two dozen first-come, first-served sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The surrounding area provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and access to adjacent USFS and BLM lands for OHV exploration. The remote location requires traveling about 7 miles on a county-maintained dirt road from Highway 338, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a truly rustic camping experience. The campground is situated where the East Walker River makes a distinctive bend, known locally as "The Elbow." The Walker Basin Conservancy donated this land to preserve the river corridor and protect its sensitive habitat, ensuring this area remains pristine for future generations.

Directions

From Yerington, travel south on Highway 208 through Smith Valley and continue onto Highway 338. Continue south on Highway 338 for about 23.5 miles, turning east on Sweetwater Road. Continue east about 7 miles on county-maintained dirt road to reach the campground.

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