Lahontan State Recreation Area Silver Springs Group Use Area

Open — Open year-round for reservations. Park winterization in effect October through April. Boat ramps may be pulled due to low water levels. A 14-day camping limit within any 30-day period is enforced.

About

Silver Springs Group Use Area is part of Lahontan State Recreation Area, a desert oasis located on the Lahontan Reservoir along the Carson River in western Nevada. Named after an ancient lake, the reservoir was originally built as part of the Newlands Project, one of the first irrigation projects under the 1902 Reclamation Act. The recreation area features 69 miles of shoreline with scattered willows and cottonwoods, making it one of Nevada's most popular destinations for water-based recreation. The group use area offers developed camping facilities with restrooms, tables, and grills, operating year-round alongside the individual sites at Silver Springs Beach #7. The reservoir is renowned for fishing, with anglers targeting walleye, white bass, hybrid wiper, catfish, and trout. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, though boat ramps may be pulled during periods of low water. The park sits in high desert sagebrush country below 4,000 feet elevation, with riparian zones along the Carson River supporting diverse wildlife including wild horses, bobcat, coyote, deer, and numerous bird species. Lahontan is one of the few nesting sites for bald eagles in Nevada, and migratory waterfowl, pelicans, herons, and hawks are frequently observed. The recreation area is accessible from multiple points off U.S. Highway 50 near the town of Silver Springs, located 18 miles west of Fallon and 45 miles east of Carson City. Park winterization is in effect from October through April. A 14-day camping limit within any 30-day period is enforced throughout the park.

Directions

Located off U.S. Highway 50 near Silver Springs, 18 miles west of Fallon and 45 miles east of Carson City. Multiple park entrances provide access to different areas of the recreation area.

Nearby Campgrounds