Lahontan State Recreation Area Dispersed Campgrounds

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Primitive on-the-beach camping permitted in all areas except day use and boat ramp zones. Limited to 14 consecutive days per 30-day period. Park winterization in effect October through April.

About

Lahontan State Recreation Area provides primitive dispersed camping opportunities along 69 miles of reservoir shoreline, allowing visitors to camp directly on the beach in most areas except designated day use and boat ramp zones. Named after an ancient lake, the reservoir was built as part of the historic Newlands Project irrigation system. The park features high desert sagebrush communities interspersed with native cottonwoods and willows along the shoreline. Visitors can enjoy year-round camping with access to boating, fishing for walleye, white bass, catfish and trout, water skiing, and horseback riding. The area is home to diverse wildlife including wild horses, bobcat, coyote, fox, deer, and numerous bird species such as migratory waterfowl, pelicans, herons, egrets, and hawks. Lahontan is also one of the few nesting sites for bald eagles in Nevada. The park sits below 4,000 feet in elevation with ancient volcanic rock formations visible in the surrounding mountains. All dispersed camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day limit per 30-day period. Sanitary dump stations are available near both park entrances.

Directions

Located 18 miles west of Fallon and 45 miles northeast of Carson City. Main address: 16799 Lahontan Dam Road, Fallon, NV 89406. Two main entrances provide access to North Shore and South Shore areas.

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