The best camping near Wild Horse State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Wild Horse State Recreation Area adventure.

Remote high desert Nevada park offers excellent fishing, camping, and year-round outdoor recreation

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Community favorites near Wild Horse State Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Wild Horse State Recreation Area

Wild Horse Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents In Wild Horse State Recreation Area

from

$14

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Wild Horse State Recreation Area

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Ethereal Ranch

50 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Osino, NV

22 miles from the city of Elko, remote enough to enjoy the peace and quiet, while just a short car ride to the town of Ryndon that can provide you with all of your essentials. Hundreds of acres of land to keep you busy with incredible outdoor activities. Set up your camp and enjoy your stay! Stunning views of the ruby mountain range in addition to being home to the state's only population of mountain goats, the Rubies are also home to Nevada's largest mule deer herd. All funds go to our animal sanctuary under the Ethereal Ranch Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, ranch operations and development. Animals are free-ranged and may include but not limited to livestock, domestic and exotic rescued animals.

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Cottonwood Ranch

17 sites · RVs, TentsJackpot, NV

Situated in the heart of Nevada’s Great Basin, Cottonwood is a fifth generation working horse and cattle ranch. For the last two decades the Smith family has opened their doors to guests from around the world. The wide-open space affords visitors the opportunity to set aside their busy lifestyles and reconnect with themselves and nature. Throughout the years Cottonwood Ranch has undergone many changes. Recently we have decided to step back from the dude ranch structure and provide a place for guests to camp and enjoy the surrounding environment on their own. It is a family operated ranch so young and the old can be found around the ranch engrossed in varies activities. Horses, dogs, cows, and a wide variety of birds are a given to be seen but you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of antelope, mule deer, elk, or even a moose.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent at Cottonwood Ranch in O'Neil Basin. Family owned and operated the 30 mile long dirt driveway is well worth the trip. The RV and campsites are located adjacent to the barnyard area. It is a very laid back, non- fancy, rustically ranch atmosphere. We invite you to share in what we call home and make your self at home during your stay. There are full service RV spots and available camping sites to pitch a tent. RV sites are $40/night and camping $20/night. The headquarters of the ranch is surrounded by private meadows used for livestock and wildlife throughout the year. Cottonwood Creak meanders along side the corral down through the heart of the meadows. Irrigation ditches run close by the camp sites which makes for a fun splash pad for the kiddos. Access to the wilderness trail-heads varies upon direction of drive, the longest perhaps a 1 1/2 hr drive to the boundary looking out across the Jarbidge Peaks. There is also miles upon miles of 2-track roads that traverse the foothills ideal for ATV use.Horses are usually wrangled out of the meadows everyday for various ranch work but you would have a chance to view the horses while in the corral. Upon inquiry during your stay there might be other activities going on such as helping feed orphaned calves, pet a horse, livestock sorting, etc.Dogs are a big part of the ranch. Most of the resident dogs are working livestock dogs border collie mix type dogs. They are all very friendly.

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Post 6 Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Ocala, NV

2.07 acres with private river access to the humboldt river. Surrounded by the beautiful Ruby mountains and 9 local hot springs with miles and miles of hiking and atv trails. Unit 1 block 4 of the river valley ranches with private river access for fishing, hunting with proper permits okay as well. Beautiful area. * Very primitive!! No lights on property, no signs as of yet. Two acres of uncleared land, with River access. Please be prepared to camp.

The best camping near Wild Horse State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Located in northeastern Nevada, Wild Horse State Recreation Area is a remote park located at the northeast shore of the 2,800-acre Wild Horse Reservoir, which offers two swim beaches and a boat ramp. Well stocked with different species, including trout, bass, perch, and catfish, fishing (including ice fishing in the winter) is one of the top draws here. The park is also known for its wildflower displays, wildlife, and plentiful winter recreation. The park offers plentiful wildlife and excellent stargazing at night. One campground offers 34 sites across two loops, with picnic table, shade, fire pit, and a camp pad. Three cabins are also available.

Notable campgrounds

Best for water access: The sites on the south loop of the campground offer the closest access to the reservoir.
Best for large RVs: Several spacious back-in sites and pull-through sites can accommodate large RVs.
Best for comfort: Three cabins, include one ADA-accessible cabin, are available year-round and offer beds, restrooms, heat and air conditioning, mini-fridge, microwave, and electricity

Tips for snagging a campsite

Arrive early in the day, especially during peak periods, since all campsites are first-come first-served.
If your travel plans are flexible, try visiting during the week and during off-peak and non-holiday times.
The cabins in the park can be reserved up to six months in advance.

When to go

The park is open year-round and offers recreational opportunities in all seasons. Visit in the late spring to see a dazzling display of wildflowers. Summers are a popular time to visit for swimming, boating, and hiking. Fishing is best in the spring and fall. In the winter, the reservoir ices over, offering ice fishing and ice skating, while the rest of the park can be explored on skis, sleds, and snowmobiles. The campground, restrooms, and showers are open year-round.

Know before you go

Bring everything you need with you, as the park offers very limited amenities. The closest town is Mountain City, 20 miles away, while the nearest gas station is 35 miles away at Owyhee.
Drive only on established roads and park in designated areas. OHVs must stay on established roads.
Hunting is not permitted inside the park.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash.