The best camping near South Fork State Recreation Area
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next South Fork State Recreation Area adventure.
Find trophy trout fishing, water play, camping, and Ruby Mountain views at this northeast Nevada gem.
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The best camping near South Fork State Recreation Area guide
Overview
About
Located near Elko in northeastern Nevada, South Fork State Recreation Area stuns with a landscape of rolling hills and meadows with the scenic Ruby Mountains as a backdrop. The highlight is the 1,600-acre South Fork Reservoir, created when the south fork of the Humboldt River was dammed. Famed for its bass and trophy trout fishing, boating, padding, and swimming are also popular on the reservoir. The park also offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, seasonal hunting, and extensive wildlife, including waterfowl. Additional amenities include two boat ramps, picnic areas, and both develop and primitive campgrounds.
Notable campgrounds
The South Fork Campground offers sites for tents and RVs, along with picnic tables, grills, fire rings, restrooms with showers, and an RV dump station.
- Best for RVs: The East Campground offers six pull-in sites and power.
- Best for groups: Sites 1, 25, and Tomera Cove offer group camping.
- Best for water access: Open primitive camping is available along the southwest shore of the reservoir.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- All campsites are first-come first-served, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the day.
- Try visiting during the week and during off-peak and non-holiday times if your plans are flexible
- If traveling with a group, you can make reservations for the group camping spots.
When to go
The park is open year-round and offers outdoor recreation all year. Summers are ideal for water recreation on the reservoir. Spring and summer offer the best trout fishing, while late spring is better for bass. Fall colors can be spectacular, especially in nearby Lamoille Canyon. The campground is open from May to October, depending on the weather. Winter weather and snow can affect road and other access, though ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular activities over the winter.
Know before you go
- Drive only on established roads and park in designated areas.Hunting is permitted in season with a shotgun or archery only, and must be more than a quarter mile away from developed facilities.
- Campfires are only allowed in fire rings; ground fires are not permitted.
- Pets are welcome but must be kept on a six feet leash.
- A fishing license is required to fish at the reservoir; fishing regulations are also in effect.
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