Lahontan State Recreation Area Campground

Open — Open year-round for camping and recreation. Park winterization is in effect October through April. Boat ramps are currently pulled due to low water levels. Maximum stay limit is 14 days within a 30-day period.

About

Lahontan State Recreation Area encompasses Lahontan Reservoir, originally built as part of the historic Newlands Project in 1905, one of the first irrigation projects under the Reclamation Act. The park features 69 miles of shoreline lined with willows and cottonwoods, making it one of Nevada's most popular destinations for water recreation. Silver Springs Beach #7 offers developed campground facilities with restrooms, tables, and grills, while primitive beach camping is permitted throughout the park except in day-use and boat ramp areas. The reservoir provides excellent fishing for walleye, white bass, hybrid wiper, catfish, and trout using both catch-and-release and traditional techniques. Boaters can launch from paved facilities or directly from beaches with four-wheel drive vehicles when conditions allow. The park is situated below 4,000 feet elevation in high desert terrain, where wild horses, bobcat, coyote, fox, and deer roam alongside diverse bird populations including migratory waterfowl, pelicans, herons, egrets, and hawks. Lahontan serves as one of the few nesting sites for bald eagles in Nevada. Equestrian facilities and extensive trail systems offer additional recreational opportunities, with access to trails along the Carson River.

Directions

From Silver Springs, Nevada, take U.S. Route 50 west to Lahontan Dam Road. Follow signs to the park entrance.

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