Rye Patch State Recreation Area Campground

Open — Open year-round, seven days a week. A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced.

About

Rye Patch State Recreation Area is situated along a 22-mile long reservoir with 72 miles of shoreline in Nevada's Great Basin. The park features two distinct camping areas: a river campground below Rye Patch Dam with 22 units and a westside campground on the reservoir with 25 units. Both locations offer modern amenities including restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, making this an accessible desert camping destination. The reservoir provides excellent opportunities for fishing, particularly for white bass, wipers, channel catfish, walleye, and crappie, with spring and early summer being the prime seasons. A double-lane boat ramp and dock are located next to the westside campground. The park's diverse landscape supports abundant wildlife including hawks, eagles, owls, great egrets, antelope, deer, and fox, with trails throughout for wildlife viewing. Rye Patch serves as a popular base camp for off-road vehicle enthusiasts accessing adjacent federal lands, as well as those interested in ghost town exploration and gold prospecting. The area hosts the annual Rye Patch Nugget Shoot, attracting metal detecting enthusiasts from across the country. With its year-round access and combination of water recreation and desert exploration opportunities, the park appeals to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Directions

Located 22 miles north of Lovelock and 50 miles southwest of Winnemucca. From Interstate 80, take Exit 129 to Rye Patch Road and head west for two miles to the park entrance.

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