The best camping near Rye Patch State Recreation Area

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

A Nevada park offering reservoir access, water play, and camping.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rye Patch State Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Rye Patch State Recreation Area

River Campground

22 sites · RVs, Tents In Rye Patch State Recreation Area

from

$14

/ night

Westside Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Rye Patch State Recreation Area

from

$14

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Rye Patch State Recreation Area

89%

(66)

Havens Ranch

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents154 acres · Winnemucca, NV

Havens Ranch is a 154 acres in the Humboldt river valley just 10 minutes outside of Winnemucca, NV. We have a small outdoor wedding venue, and only rent our spaces when we are not hosting an event. You are welcome to utilize the grounds and facilities, which include a beautifully landscaped lawn, historic buildings and modern plumed bathrooms. We also provide access to fresh well water and use of our large fire pits! **Please note that our bathrooms are not insulated and so we winterize the plumbing the in the colder months and will instead be providing a porta-john. There will still be potable running water available at the spigot. ** The river is a short walk away, and our longhorn cattle will most likely be grazing in the adjacent field. We have incredible sunsets and a variety of wildlife living on the property. This is a great space to get away from the city for a weekend, or camp for a night on your way through town. We have both a guest suite and several camping spaces available. It's a large property and we love to share it! If you are looking for outdoor activities, we are just minutes away from the Winnemucca Dunes OHV area (also great for hiking!), Water Canyon rec site, the Bloody Shins mountain biking trail system, and about an hour away from the Paradise Valley rock climbing area. We are 10 minutes from Winnemucca, about half way between Reno and Elko.

Booked 1 time

Magical Great Basin Camp

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Unionville, NV

Escape to the High Desert: Serenity & Adventure Awaits! Discover a hidden gem in the high desert of Northern Nevada, where breathtaking views and wild adventures await! Nestled on a private ridge overlooking the stunning Buena Vista Valley, this unique property offers an unforgettable escape into nature. Highlights - Wild Horse Sightings: Experience the magic of wild mustangs roaming freely in their natural habitat—an awe-inspiring sight right from your doorstep. - Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the valley from your private hilltop, perfect for sunrise coffee or sunset cocktails. - Nearby Salt Flats: Explore the mesmerizing salt flats just a short drive away. The unique landscape is perfect for photography, hiking, and discovering the intriguing local geology. - Relaxing Hot Springs: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating soak in nearby natural hot springs, where you can unwind and connect with the serenity of the desert. - Wildlife Galore: Immerse yourself in nature with abundant local wildlife—spot everything from deer to soaring birds as you explore the property. - Seasonal Creek: Listen to the soothing sound of the seasonal creek flowing nearby, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of your stay. - Historical Unionville: Just a stone's throw away, visit the historic ghost town of Unionville, once frequented by Mark Twain. Wander through remnants of the past and soak in the rich history of this charming area. - Outdoor Activities: Hike, bike, or simply relax—there's something for everyone in this stunning landscape. - Stargazing: At night, the clear desert skies transform into a celestial canvas—perfect for stargazing enthusiasts! What to Bring: - Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags) - Food and drinks - Hiking shoes - A sense of adventure! Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Northern Nevada. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this high-desert oasis is your perfect getaway. Book now for an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature! **Note:** Please respect the local wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of this incredible landscape.

98%

(168)

Rockin' N Ranch Buena Vista Valley

5 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Unionville, NV

**Please follow arrival instructions on your site. Please arrive before sunset. It was November 2018 we found this 80 acre property, unlike the hundreds we looked at, this one had a taste of the Wild West, settlers, Signs of ocean presence, shells, fossils. It was a chilly December week 2018 we came to see what it would be like to live here in the winter. We stayed a week in a aluminum horse trailer waking up to amazing sunrises, making awful coffee over a fire. Making an evening campfire to cook, bbq and making cocktails sitting on logs. I gathered all the geographical data I could to build what is now 120,000 sq ft horse rescue facility completely off grid accept with minimal generator help to run well pumps. Why Hipcamp? We loved the breathtaking scenery that almost doesn't look real with frosted tip of mountains, the smell of with sage in the cool breeze. We carved out our camp sites in the very same spot we stayed in the horse trailer to share that experience with others! Our campsites are now lightly graveled, mostly level, with rock firepits made from rocks gathered on the property and each spot has tree rounds to sit on from our Ca. Ranch. Book and come experience serenity ! Learn more about this land: For your best experience, we highly recommend arriving during daylight and follow the directions we have provided, your mapping app and GPS will mislead you. The Rockin’ N Ranch is located on 80 acres in the picturesque Buena Vista Valley of Pershing County, and backs to 600 acres of BLM land. Boasts 360 degree views of the Humbolt, East, and Stillwater Mountain Ranges. Bring your OHV’s, horses, hiking boots, binoculars, and telescopes! Thousands of miles of trails, abundant wildlife and night skies like you have never seen before.This is an opportunity to disconnect with the fast pace of day to day life and push the refresh button surrounded by nature.Located 11 miles from Star Peak the highest and most ¬¬--topographically prominent mountain in both the Humbolt Range and Pershing County. We are also approximately 11 miles from historic Ghost Town, Star City, a silver mining boom town. In the mid 1860’s Star¬¬¬¬¬¬ City was home to 2 hotels, 3 general stores, a Wells-fargo branch, a church and more than a dozen saloons with a population of 1200. Today you can explore the ruins of the past and enjoy the gorgeous views. Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary is just 9.2 miles down the road. Safe Haven is home exotic animals requiring lifetime rehabilitation and sanctuary and offers tours. Kyle Hot Spring is just 8.2 miles down the road where you can take a soak and watch the sun dip behind the Humbolt Mountain Range. Thunder Mountain Monument is located 22.2 miles from the Rock’ N Ranch and was built by Chief Thunder, Frank Van Zant. Rye Patch Reservoir is just 44 miles east on Hwy 80 for all your water, fishing, boating. Or simply explore the beauty of the diverse terrain of Buena Vista Valley. Find wild sage fields, the dry lake bed, or head higher up in the elevation. Wild life abounds! Wild horses have been seen just 7 miles away from the Rockin’ N’ Ranch. This is truly where the antelope and the deer play. You may even see a golden eagle soar.The Rockin’ N’ Ranch is also home to The Medicine Horse Project a horse rescue and sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and when possible rehoming of horses that have suffered abuse, abandonment, neglect or displacement. MHP partners these animals with humans seeking hope, healing and resilience, through our H.I.G.H. (Horse Inspired Growth and Healing) programs. We facilitate programs with veterans, first responders, women’s groups and at risk youth.The Rockin’ N. Ranch owners Morgan and Chris have a host of activities they can offer you. Tour the horse rescue, help with morning or evening feeding, treat yourself to a H.I.G.H. session or get some coaching on your partnership with your own horse. Just ask for a menu of ranch activities. Bring your tent or RV for dry camping. Don’t leave your horses at home, bring them along with your portable corral and feed, we can supply them some water. We have a lighted round corral for evening enjoyment and you certainly don’t want to miss an evening sunset ride. (The Rockin’ N Ranch does not offer horses for riding or rent). *Land owner's reserve the right to revoke entrance, passage, and accomodations without cause. #2023 annular solar eclipse #2024 eclipse path of totality

The best camping near Rye Patch State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Between Lovelock and Winnemucca, Rye Patch State Recreation Area is home to the 11,000-acre Rye Patch Reservoir. Stretching for 22 miles, with 72 miles of shoreline, the reservoir offers fantastic water recreation, including boating, paddling, water skiing, and swimming, while anglers flock here to fish for bass, catfish, and walleye. Hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and gold prospecting are also popular activities, while off roading and ghost towns are nearby. Two developed campgrounds offer more than 40 sites for tents and RVs (including some hookup sites), while primitive campsites can be found around the reservoir.

Notable campgrounds

Best for boaters: The West Side Campground is located next to a double lane boat ramp and dock.
Best for recreation: The River Campground is close to horseshoe pits and volleyball.
Best for tent campers: The River Campground offers campsites with more shade.

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.
If traveling with your boat, you can access the primitive campsites around the reservoir.

When to go

The park is open year-round and offers outdoor recreation all year. Summers are the most popular time for visitors, who flock here for water recreation on the reservoir. Spring and early summer offer the best bass, crappie, walleye, and wipers fishing, while fall is better for catfish. The Rye Patch Nugget Shoot is held every September. Temperatures can dip below freezing in winter, though it rarely snows.

Know before you go

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 Nevada fishing license is required. Bait is not usually available in the area, so it’s best to bring your own.
Due to high levels of mercury, visitors should limit how many fish they consume from the reservoir.