Wild Horse

State Recreation Area

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About Wild Horse

Remote and remarkable, Wild Horse State Recreation Area is open year round. The reservoir near the park is a popular fishing site, with rainbow and German brown trout, small mouth bass, yellow perch and catfish awaiting able anglers. Cold winters make the lake an ideal location to ice fish and skate, or to explore on snowmobiles or skis. Extraordinary wildflowers blanket the park in the spring, and summers offer swimming, boating, camping and hiking. Although hunting is not allowed in the park, the campground is a popular base camp for hunting in the surrounding area. Wildlife includes pronghorn, mule deer and elk as well as a variety of waterfowl and upland game birds.

Park Detail

FACILITIES & AMENITIES

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.

Cabins: 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. Wifi 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.
  • View photos.

Picnicking/Day Use: The picnic area has a nice view of the reservoir and offers picnic tables and grills.

Boating: There is a boat ramp next to the day use beach.

Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity at Wild Horse. 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.

Hiking: 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.

Hours: Open seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Daily

 

FIELD NOTES

  • Drive only on established roads and park only in designated areas.
  • OHV use is restricted to established roads for the exit and re-entry of the park only.
  • Ground fires are allowed only in designated fire pits.
  • Removing, disturbing or damaging any historic structure, artifact, rock, plant life, fossil or other feature is prohibited. State and federal laws protect this area and its resources.
  • Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.
  • The use of drones or any remote controlled aircraft is not allowed. Visit B4UFLY for more info.
  • All vehicles are subject to the entrance fee.
  • Visitors are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations in effect. Detailed rules and regulations are posted at the park or may be viewed on the Park Rules page.
  • 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. We continually seek ways to provide recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and welcome any suggestions you may have.
  • The gift shop sells firewood and charcoal. 
  • View a list of frequently asked questions.

NATURAL RESOURCES/CLIMATE

The countryside around Wild Horse Reservoir is a treeless high and cold desert. The flora and fauna are typical of the Great Basin. Big sage dominates the landscape with patches of quaking aspen trees in the hills. Sub-alpine habitat can be found in higher elevations. Late spring, the latter part of May through June, brings beautiful wild flowers backed by towering snow-capped peaks, many of which are more than 8,000 feet in elevation. (READ MORE)


HISTORY OF WILD HORSE STATE RECREATION AREA – Established in 1979

In 1937, Wild Horse Reservoir was constructed and covered what was once Owyhee Meadows. The reservoir was named after the wild horses that roamed abundantly in the area at the time. Ranching has restricted the horses’ movement, so they may not be seen while in the park, however, but they can still be found on the Owyhee Desert west of Wild Horse. (READ MORE)

Park 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 (Non-NV Vehicles: $95.00 per night)

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