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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Herzog Homestead

5 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Deeth, NV

Learn more about this land:This Ranch sits halfway between WELLS and Elko Nevada just off the I 80 if you go north of the next freeway exit 5 miles East of us (Exit 333 Deeth) you can drive north to Charleston or Jarbidge Nevada it’s about 50 miles to Charleston or northeast to O’Neil Basin, Taber creek, or 12 mile hot springs then to the south of us we have the Ruby Mountains and beautiful Lamoille Canyon they’re about 30 to 50 miles depending on the route you take if you go through Secret Pass and another 30 or so miles south you have the ruby marshes then we have south fork reservoir 15 miles south of Elko Wildhorse reservoir 60 miles north of Elko is Angel Lake about 40 miles away 8 miles south of Wells we also have Ruby Mountain Brewery just 15 miles south of Wells in Clover Valley plus many other beautiful places to visit

Ethereal Ranch

51 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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Mtn City Fishing Hunting camping

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Owyhee, NV

Thank you for checking out the Mountain City Hunters Camping Fishing site. This camping site is located just south of the border of Idaho by 16 miles and in the northern tip of Nevada. It's in an isolated location surrounded by 1000 of acres of BLM and Indian reservation land. The beautiful property sits directly on the Owyhee River with barbwire ole fencing required to keep the cattle out. Please cross over at your own risk when fishing on the 2 acres of open property. There are tons of trout available and we found the Fall to be one of the best times to catch them. We were there a few weeks ago 9/23 and picked up seven trouts in less than hours. Fun for all. There are tons of hunting spots in Idaho and Nevada in this area from Ducks, antelope, Deer, Elk, you call it! This site borders and just outside of the Duck Valley Reservation. We see hunters go up to Rio Tinto and across the Bridge to Nowhere, all within minutes of the Mtn city. The town of Mtn City is referred to as a Ghost town today. It was once busting with people back in the 1930's to 1977's with copper and silver mining in and and around the surrounding area. If you drive around, you will see ruined homes and mines that have been condemned now but it's certainly fun to take a hike or 4-wheel in the area and check it all out. Privacy, quiet, peace, and wild animals roam the area. Tons of hiking and off-roading trails everywhere can be found here. It's a quiet, peaceful area with a total of 14 very kind and helpful residents that live in town full-time. This camping area has a long 2 acres of running River along it for fishing. The water is low right now, FALL/WINTER 2023, because they are working on the dam which actually makes fishing better. Bring worms or even bacon. These fish are hungry. There is TONS of flat land on this site to serve several RV's and 1 POLE with 110 outlet, if needed. We have wifi for your convenience but once you leave the area, there is NO WIFI anywhere for many miles. A local small bar is located next to the property. It doesn't look like much from the outside but worth checking out. Great cold beer, whiskey, Bourbon just no wine can be found there. They also have a few slot machines and smoking is allowed inside. There is also food during the Late spring, summer, and early Fall after 5PM available for those who want a break. Rex runs this place and cooks the best. I recommend the Rex Burger. If you need a grocery store, gas, or even a few supplies, head north to Owyhee Reservation to the "Our Grocery or Ace Hardware". It is about a 15 min drive away. The closest city is Elko, 1.5 hours away, and or Boise 2.5 hours away. There is also a local health/urgent care in the town of Owyhee (Indian reservation) in case of emergency. Again, this is a very remote, private place many folks don't know about it. There is also several reservoirs with excellent fishing close by if you want to take a boat out there. Check out: Maning Reservoir Sheep Creek Reservoir Dry Creek Reservoir Wild horse Reservoir and many more. And the River is right on site. Please cross over the barbed wire on the property at your own risk. We are not responsible for getting yourself hooked up if that happens. There are spots you can pass through. Just be sure to leave the way it was when you leave, please. Well, we hope you consider this ole fun retreat and one more thing. The older building on the land is an old historic jail. We are working on it and in time we hope to Air B&B to use it. Give us another year for that. Enjoy, have fun, and be safe!

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.