South Fork State Recreation Area Southwest Shores

Open — Open year-round for primitive camping. The main boat ramp is closed for winter season, but the southwest shore boat launch remains available for boats up to 15 feet. Limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.

About

South Fork State Recreation Area Southwest Shores provides primitive camping along the southwest shore of the 1,650-acre South Fork Reservoir in northeastern Nevada's Elko County. Unlike the developed East Campground with its 25 designated sites, the southwest shore offers open camping where visitors can choose their own spot along the expansive shoreline. The reservoir, completed in 1995, is renowned for its trophy-class trout fishing as well as abundant bass and catfish populations. The area is popular with float tube enthusiasts, and a boat launch accommodates vessels up to 15 feet in length. Surrounded by over 2,000 acres of meadowlands and rolling hills at the base of the snow-capped Ruby Mountains, the recreation area provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Mule deer, badgers, beavers, kit foxes, ducks, and geese are commonly spotted. The park offers year-round access for camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and seasonal hunting. The South Fork of the Humboldt River section within the park is designated as a trophy fishery with special regulations requiring artificial lures with single barbless hooks and a one-trout limit. Visitors to the southwest shore primitive camping area should be prepared for undeveloped conditions. The nearest facilities including flush restrooms with showers, an RV dump station, and the main boat ramp are located at the East Campground area off the north park access road. The park is approximately 20 miles south of Elko via State Route 228.

Directions

Located approximately 20 miles south of Elko, Nevada via State Route 228. Access the southwest shore primitive camping area from the park entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds