Wild Horse State Recreation Area
Wild Horse State Recreation Area Overview
Wild Horse State Recreation Area is a public recreation area located on the northeast shore of Wild Horse Reservoir, approximately 67 miles north of Elko, Nevada.
The 120-acre park is a popular destination for fishing, and especially ice fishing, on the reservoir, which was created in 1937 and enlarged to cover 2,830 acres with the creation of a new dam in 1969.
In addition to year-round fishing, the park offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing.
Address
- HC31 Box 265 – Elko, NV 89801
- 775-385-5939
- whsra@parks.nv.gov
How to Get to Wild Horse State Recreation Area
- 32 miles south of Owyhee, Nevada via NV-225 S
- 67 miles north of Elko, Nevada via NV-225 N
Hours Open
Open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Fees
- Day use entrance fee: $5.00 per vehicle (Non-NV Vehicles $10.00 per vehicle)
- Boat launch: $10.00 (Non-NV Vehicles: $15.00)
- Camping: $15.00 per vehicle, per night (Non-NV Vehicles: $20.00 per vehicle, per night)
- Camp and Boat: $20.00 per night (Non-NV Vehicles: $25.00 per night)
- Bike in: $2.00 per bike
- Cabin: $90.00 per night
How to Get to Wild Horse State Recreation Area
Situated at the south end of the park, with stunning views of Wild Horse Reservoir and the surrounding mountains, the park has three cabins available for rent year-round.
Cabins feature:
- A covered front deck, living room with sleeper sofa, eating area with table, chairs, mini-fridge, microwave (no cooktop or conventional oven), bathroom, heating and air conditioning.
- Wi-Fi is not available and AT&T is the only cellular network that services the area.
- Cabins 1 and 3 – 1 bedroom/1 bathroom (toilet and sink) plus an additional bunkroom, can accommodate up to six occupants.
- Cabin 2 – 1 bedroom/1 bathroom (toilet and sink), is designated as ADA accessible, can accommodate up to four occupants.
- Cabins are not equipped with showers; however a shower building is located roughly 300 yards from the cabin sites.
Hiking at Wild Horse Recreation Area
The park offers trails leading down to the lake for a short hike.
More adventurous hikers can find miles and miles of game trails to explore on the vast expanse of adjacent public land.
Camping
The campground has 34 sites with a table, shade, a fire pit and a camp pad at each.
There are no hookups, but restrooms and showers are available year round.
Centrally located water faucets and a dump station are available during summer months only.
Pull-through sites will accommodate large RVs, and there is a stay limit of 14 days in a 30-day period.
Boat Info
There is a boat ramp next to the day use beach.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Wild Horse State Recreation Area.
Most visitors pursue rainbow trout. German brown trout, small mouth bass, wiper, yellow perch and catfish are also in the reservoir.
Fishing is often best during the spring and fall. Ice fishing is also popular and can be quite productive in the winter months. Fishermen should be prepared for extreme cold and harsh winter conditions.
Winter Activities
In addition to ice skating and sledding, visitors also enjoy snowmobiling and skiing.
Picnics
The picnic area has a nice view of the reservoir and offers picnic tables and grills.
Dog-Friendly
Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.
Accessibility
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 the Nevada State Parks division office.