Skip to Content

Wild Horse State Recreation Area

Wild Horse State Recreation Area

Wild Horse, Nevada, rec 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.

Resources Used

Wild Horse State Recreation Area