Eagle Valley Reservoir
Located in Spring Valley State Park, Eagle Valley Reservoir is a Serene location for family picnics, camping, fishing, and exploring the rich history of Nevada.
Eagle Valley Reservoir Overview
Eagle Valley has amenities for all sorts of uses, with over 37 campsites including tables, grills, bathrooms, and plenty of shade it is a great destination for summertime camping on the water.
Fishing is also abundant at Eagle Valley Reservoir with an abundance of rainbow, tiger, and German brown trout.
The abundant wildlife attracted to the water source makes it a great destination for enthusiasts to get amazing views of animals such as hawks, songbirds, ravens, coyotes, deer, and roadrunners are just a few of the amazing animals you might see while staying in the park!
There is something for everyone to do in this 59-acre reservoir and surrounding state park.
How to Get to Eagle Valley Reservoir
From Pioche Nevada take State Route 322 into Spring Valley State Park.
Fees
Day use entrance fee: $5.00 per vehicle
Bike in: $2.00 per bike
Boat launch: $10.00
Camping: $15.00 per vehicle, per night
Camp and boat: $20.00 per night
Hours Open
Open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Quiet hours in the park are from 10 p.m. – 7 a.m
Eagle Valley Reservoir Weather
January
43° / 8° |
February
47° / 14° |
March
54° / 20° |
April
61° / 24° |
May
70° / 30° |
June
82° / 35° |
July
89° / 43° |
August
86° / 41° |
September
79° / 33° |
October
67° / 23° |
November
54° / 14° |
December
44° / 8° |
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Best Time of Year to Visit
While Eagle Valley Reservoir is open year-round we recommend visiting between June-early September to avoid ice and snow, and enjoy the hanging out by the water with beautiful weather.
However Eagle Valley Reservoir is a very popular ice fishing destination during the winter months.
Stone Cabin Trail at Eagle Valley Reservoir
There is an approximately 3.4 mile round trip trail starting at a now fully restored cabin built in the 1870s leading to a beautiful overlook of the Valley.
Dog-Friendly
Leashed dogs are allowed in Spring Valley State Park which includes the Eagle Valley Reservoir
Kid-Friendly
Eagle Valley Reservoir is a great place for families.
As a child I and my family used to come here often and between the fishing and sprawling open area there is plenty to keep your kids entertained.
Restrooms at Eagle Valley Reservoir
Both campgrounds and picnic areas have restrooms available for use by visitors.
At Horsethief Gulch there are even two showers available to campers.
Camping
Camping at Eagle Valley Reservoir is not something you are going to want to miss. There are two major campsites in the State Park.
- Horsethief Gulch Campground is the main site that is right off of the water with 37 sites including Restrooms, Showers, and Water. These sites also include Picnic Tables, Grills, and Shade Ramada. We recommend trying to get into this campground if possible and with 37 sites available your chances are good!
- 2 miles north of the water is Ranch Campground which has 7 sites available. While this campground has a beautiful view the amenities and access to the lake are not ideal. These sites still have primitive restrooms and water, but no showers are available. These campgrounds also include picnic tables and grills.
Fishing
It is very hard to beat fishing in Eagle Valley Reservoir.
This reservoir is a put-and-take fishery meaning that it is stocked by the NDOW to keep up with the demand for the area.
The lake has an abundance of trout including rainbow, tiger, and German brown trout.
The best time for fishing is between April to June and September to October, and ice fishing is popular during cold winters.
With a nice dock on the south side of the reservoir it is easy to launch onto the water for the best fishing experience.
Also available are fish cleaning stations available at the campground to quickly and easily clean the trout they have caught.
NDOW reports and average of 4 to 6 fish per day averaging from 10-11 inches in size.
With these averages there are few places better to relax and enjoy some fishing.
Drones at Cave Lake
The use of drones is prohibited in Nevada State Parks unless in an area designated for that use by a park supervisor, and a commercial use permit is in effect.
All applicable FAA regulations apply.
First Aid
While a ranger station is found near the campground it is recommended to bring your own first aid kit for small injuries.
Check our First Aid Kit Guide for what you should bring for your personal pack.
Plants to Watch for in the Area
There is a variety of vegetation throughout the park! Some of the most common plants you will find are the pinyon pine, Utah juniper, and big sagebrush.
Down in the flood plains you will find rabbitbrush, big sagebrush, and several kinds of grass. In the meadow, springs, and streams you will find cattails, sedges, and grasses.
Points of Interest
Near Eagle Valley Reservoir you will find an old Cabin built in the 1870s.
This cabin has been restored to its original beauty so visitors can see it as it was.
Wildlife
This beautiful reservoir draws in all sorts of wildlife into the area including waterfowl, shorebirds, and many species of lizards and mammals.
Bird enthusiasts will be blown away by the varieties of creatures you can spot here Eagles, hawks, songbirds, ravens and roadrunners can be seen throughout the park.
While on the water you will find more beautiful mallards, teals, herons, avocets, and if you are very lucky you may even spot the rare trumpeter swan.
More common animals found in the park include squirrels, cottontails, jackrabbits, coyotes, deer, skunks, and bobcats.
Eagle Valley Reservoir Snakes
The North American Rattlesnake can be found in Eagle Valley Reservoir during warmer months.
While they are rare and often keep to themselves be sure to keep an eye on children and dogs when walking around the park
Stargazing at Eagle Valley Reservoir
With the closest town Pioche having a population just over 1,000 there is very little light pollution in Spring Valley State Park making it an excellent spot for stargazing.
Places to Eat
After enjoying your time in the park be sure to stop in Pioche and check out the Historic Silver Cafe for a look into Nevada history all while enjoying some tasty diner-style food.
Eagle Valley Reservoir Picnics
Eight, day-use picnic areas are available near the boat launch including tables, grills, restrooms, and fish cleaning stations.
Wheelchair Accessibility
From http://parks.nv.gov/
Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks.
If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call Nevada State Parks at (775) 684-2770.
We continually seek ways to provide recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and welcome any suggestions you may have.
Resources Used
- http://parks.nv.gov/parks/spring-valley
- http://parks.nv.gov/learn/natural-resources-climate/natural-resources-and-climate-of-spring-valley-state-park
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