Lahontan State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Lahontan State Recreation Area in northern Nevada has 69 miles worth of shoreline on its reservoir and offers water recreation in the form of fishing, boating, canoeing, and water skiing. Visitors can also go hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, and picnicking. The reservoir here, later named Lake Lahontan, was created by the completion of the Lahontan Dam in 1915. The park officially became a state recreation area in 1971. Late spring through summer can get hot, but the area has mild daytime highs for much of the rest of the year.
Spring 47-76 F
Summer 59-90 F
Fall 32-57 F
Winter 20-53 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lahontan State Recreation Area
The park's developed campground is at Silver Springs Beach #7. There are 25 RV sites here. The campground does not offer water, electrical, or sewer hookups, but there's an RV dump station in addition to drinking water, showers, restrooms, grills, and picnic tables. Lahontan State Recreation Area also permits primitive camping right on the beach, except for near the boat ramp and day-use areas.
What to Do at
Lahontan State Recreation Area
Lahontan State Recreation Area is a great place to visit if you enjoy water-based activities. Take your boat or canoe out on Lake Lahontan, or go water skiing. Grab your rod and reel for some fishing; species include walleye and white bass. This is also a great place to spot birds and view the area's wildlife. Park rangers also host various programs during the year; check the park's website for scheduling. Some of the more popular programs are guided nature walks and demonstrations about how to cook over a campfire.
Fishing
Various species of game fish you can try angling for include catfish, hybrid wiper, white bass, and walleye. You can fish from your boat or right from the shore. The park also allows catch-and-release fishing. You will need your fishing license, and you can get one online before you arrive.
Nature Watching
Bald eagles nest in Lahontan State Recreation Area. Other birds you could see from the picnic areas and trails include hawks, herons, egrets, pelicans, and various songbirds.
Flora and Fauna
As much of the park sits below 4,000 feet in elevation, the plant community here features high-desert sagebrush, willows, and cottonwood trees. Some of the animals that frequent the park include wild horses, deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats.
Hiking
Most of the hiking trails follow the lake's shoreline, making these paths relatively flat and easy. Horseback riders also share these same trails; always yield to horses on trails.
Boating
The park has two boat launches as well as convenient parking for vehicles towing trailers. The Churchill Beach boat launch is about a mile west of the dam at the North Shore Marina. The park's day-use area features the Silver Springs boat launch.
How to Get to
Lahontan State Recreation Area
From Fallon, NV, take US-50 out of Fallon and head west for 16.4 miles. After this, the route involves a lot of twists and turns. When you reach Cadet Road, turn left and drive for 0.5 miles. Make a slight right and go for 0.6 miles. Make another right onto Lahontan Dam Road and drive for 0.4 miles. Continue on Karen Road for 2.1 miles. Turn right and go for 0.5 miles, and then make another right and drive for 0.7 miles. You'll then continue on Fox Sparrow Road for 0.8 miles. Make a right on Karen Road and stay on this route for 3 miles. Turn right and go for 2.6 miles, and then make another right and drive for 0.5 miles. Make another right and go for 0.2 miles, and you'll end up at the park's entrance.
Entering Lahontan State Recreation Area
The park stays open year-round. Parking is available near the entrance and at the boat ramp.
Lahontan State Recreation Area Entry Fee per vehicle (Nevada residents) : $5.0
Lahontan State Recreation Area Entry Fee per vehicle (non-residents) : $10.0
Lahontan State Recreation Area Entry Fee (walkers and bikers) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lahontan State Recreation Area
The park remains open all year. However, many people choose to visit in the spring for pleasantly mild temperatures and cool nights.
The park hosts several different bird and animal species. Depending on the time of year of your visit, you could see bald eagles, pelicans, herons, coyotes, wild horses, and bobcats.
The park has 25 RV sites in its developed campground. Note that none of these sites offer hookups. However, they each have a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
You can reserve a campsite, but it's not required. For vehicles registered in Nevada, the cost is $15 per vehicle per night. For non-Nevada vehicles, the cost is $20 per vehicle per night.
Yes, the state park welcomes pets. In keeping with park regulations, make sure your pet stays on a leash of no more than 6 feet in length. You are also responsible for picking up after your furry family members.