Wild Horse State Recreation Area HC 31, Box 26 Elko, NV 89801 (775) 758-6493 whsra@rtci.net As of April 30, 2008, the ice is completely off the lake and boating access is great.    Wild Horse State Recreation Area is located on the northeast shore of Wild Horse Reservoir.   The 140 acre recreation area is an excellent focal point when visiting Wild Horse.   Visitors to the area enjoy camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing and boating.   Facilities include campgrounds, a trailer dump station, boat launch and ranger station. The park is open year-round, but access may be hampered by extreme cold and snow in winter months.   Wild Horse Reservoir commonly boasts the state's lowest winter temperatures.   The park is located 67 miles north of Elko on State Route 225. See Map Park Layout (PDF file) Facilities & Amenities Camping Group Camping Dump Station Showers Picnicking Group Picnicking Boat Launch Trails Nature Study Swimming Fishing Hunting Winter Sports

Park Origin and History In 1937, Wild Horse Reservoir was constructed covering what was once Owyhee Meadows.    The reservoir was named after the wild horses that roamed abundantly in the area.   Ranching has restricted the horse's movement but they can still be found on the Owyhee Desert west of Wild Horse. The stored irrigation water is for agriculture in the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.   The original dam was found to be weak and a new one was constructed in 1969. This doubled the size of the reservoir.   When full, the reservoir has a surface area of 2,830 acres and hold 73,500 acre feet of water.    The spillway elevation is 6,205 feet above sea level. Natural Resources The countryside around Wild Horse Reservoir is a treeless high and cold desert.    The Flora and fauna is typical of the Great Basin. Big sage dominates the landscape with patches of quaky aspen trees in the hills.   Sub-alpine habitat can be found in higher elevations.    Late spring, the later part of May and through June, brings beautiful wild flowers backed by towering snow capped peaks.   Many of them over 8,000 feet. Climate Summer time is a favorite for many visitors.   Day time temperatures are moderate with cool nights.   Although the park is open year round, winter can be harsh.    Abundant snow and ice provide good recreation but temperatures reaching -20°F can be common and sometimes reach -40°F.   Spring and fall are very unpredictable with the threat of winter weather at any moment. Facilities User fees are charged for day use, boating, and camping.    Click here for all individual park fees by region. The campground has 33 sites each with a table, fire pit, and camp pad.   There are no hookups but restrooms are available year round.   Showers, centrally located water faucets, and a dump station are available during the summer months.   Pull through sites will accommodate large RV's.   There is a stay limit of 14 days in a 30 day period. The picnic area has a nice view of the reservoir and offers some extra day use parking.   Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. The boat ramp provides good access to the reservoir.    A small day use beach is located next to the boat ramp. Activities Fishing is the most popular activity at Wild Horse.   Most visitors are after rainbow trout or yellow perch.    German brown trout, small mouth bass, and catfish are also in the reservoir.   Fishing seems best during the months of January, May, September, October, and November.    Ice fishing is popular and can be quite productive in the winter months.    Fisherman should be prepared for extreme cold and harsh winter conditions.    During the summer months, fish can be cleaned at the fishing cleaning station behind the shower building. Hunting is abundant in the Fall.   Pronghorn, mule deer, grouse, chukar, water fowl, and many other game can be pursued.   Although hunting is not allowed in Wild Horse Recreation Area, the campground makes a great center point for hunting the surrounding area. Snowmobiling and skiing are also popular winter activities on the treeless rolling hills along Gold Creek Road and Sunflower Flats. For more information during your visit, stop in at the visitor center.   Hours will vary. Reminders: The Nevada Division of State Parks has developed this area for your benefit and enjoyment.    To make your visit and the visit of others more enjoyable, please observe the following rules:   Drive only on established roads and park only in designated areas.   Snowmobiles are restricted to designated trails.   Ground fires are allowed only in designated fire pits.   Pets must be on a leash.   All vehicles are subject to the entrance fee. You are responsible for knowing all rules and regulations.    Current rules and regulations are posted in the park. Current fees are posted at the park entrance. Nevada Division of State Parks prohibits discrimination in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap or age.

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