FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Pitchfork Ranch

The century-old Pitchfork Ranch, located near Yerington, Nevada, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with 7 miles of the celebrated East Walker River open for exploration. Visitors are invited to experience camping, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing in an idyllic country setting.

Getting Here: From Yerington, head south on Hwy 208 and turn left on East Walker Road. You will see a brown road sign that directs you to Walker River State Recreation Area. Continue for 4 miles to the giant arch entrance of the Pitchfork Ranch. Follow signs to the Visitor Center. 

From Hwy 395, take the 208 turn off and go through Wellington, NV. When you get through Wilson Canyon, take the 208 turn off. In approximately 4.5 miles turn right on East Walker Rd. You will see a brown road sign that directs you to Walker River State Recreation Area. Drive 4 miles on a dirt road and look for the giant arch entrance to the Walker River State Recreation Area.  

Camping: The Riverbend campground has 16 sites suitable for travel trailers, motorhomes or tents. Quail Run Campground has 19 sites with RV hook ups. Campsites include a table and fire ring, and shade ramada. Restrooms and showers nearby both campgrounds. An RV dump station is nearby. A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced.

Group Campground: The group campground offers 6 RV campsites with water and power hookups. Subject to use by reservation only.

RV Camping: RV sites with power and water hookups are available at the Quail Run Campground.

Cabins: Situated approximately 1.5 miles passed the main entrance on East Walker Rd. Cabins drop down into their own private meadow campground with stunning views of the river corridor, easy access to the nature trail, and river access. View cabin photos.

• A covered front deck, eating area with table, chairs, full-size refrigerator, microwave, cooktop (no conventional oven), bathroom, heating, and air conditioning. Wi-Fi is not available. No linens or towels provided, visitors should bring their own.
• All Cabins - 1 bedroom/1 bathroom (walk-in shower, toilet, sink) plus an additional bunkroom with 2 twin bunkbeds and living room with full size sleeper sofa can comfortably accommodate up to six occupants. View Cabin Floorplan

  • Cabin #1: Prairie Falcon (Handicap Accessible)
    Cabin #2: Bald Eagle
    Cabin #3: Horned Owl
    Cabin #4: Red Hawk

Floating: Kayakers and floaters will enjoy miles of floating along the Walker River. Ask park staff or refer to the Water Trail Map to learn about current river conditions and put-in/take-out locations.  

Hunting: Hunters will find rich opportunities along the Walker River, from big game such as deer, antelope and Big Horn sheep, to water fowl and upland game such as chukar and dove. Hunting is allowed only during seasons established by the Nevada Division of Wildlife and in hunting zones established by the Nevada Division of State Parks. The administrator of the Nevada Division of State Parks may change the hunting zone boundaries or close hunting zones periodically to protect and preserve the park’s resources. Refer to the hunting zone maps and boundary descriptions for more detailed information.

Group Day-Use Area: The group area will accommodate up to 60 persons for group picnicking.

Picnicking: A day-use area is available near the river.

Visitor Center: The Visitor Center offers exhibits telling the colorful history of the Walker River State Recreation Area. 

Programs: Information about program scheduling may be obtained from either park staff or kiosks. Upon request, special presentations can be arranged for groups.

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

Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Closed Mondays and state holidays.

The Elbow

This unspoiled section of the East Walker River is fabled among fishermen and will remain rustic and undeveloped to retain its allure to devout anglers and seekers of the truly serene.

Getting Here: From Wellington on Hwy 208, travel south on the Wellington Cutoff to Hwy 338. Continue south on Hwy 338 for about 23.5 miles, turning east on Sweetwater Road. You will see a green sign that says “Hawthorne 38 miles” and below it a brown road sign that directs you to “The Elbow” at the Walker River State Recreation Area. This is a County maintained dirt road. From here, continue east about 7 miles to reach the Bighorn Campground at the Elbow. 

From Yerington, travel south on Hwy 208. Go through Smith Valley and continue onto Hwy 338. Continue south on Hwy 338 for about 23.5 miles, turning east on Sweetwater Road. You will see a green sign that says “Hawthorne 38 miles” and below it a brown road sign that directs you to “The Elbow” at the Walker River State Recreation Area. This is a County maintained dirt road. From here continue east about 7 miles to reach the Bighorn Campground at the Elbow. 

From Hawthorne, head north on Hwy 95. Turn left on Hwy 95 Alt towards Yerington, NV. When you reach Yerington, travel south on Hwy 208. Go through Smith Valley and continue onto Hwy 338. Continue south on Hwy 338 for about 23.5 miles, turning east on Sweetwater Road. You will see a green sign that says “Hawthorne 38 miles” and below it a brown road sign that directs you to “The Elbow” at the Walker River State Recreation Area. This is a County maintained dirt road. From here continue east about 7 miles to reach the Bighorn Campground at the Elbow. 

Camping: The Bighorn Campground has campsites that include a table and fire ring. Sites cannot be reserved and there are no hook-ups. Restroom facilities are available. A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced.

Fishing: The Walker River is home to trophy fisheries, including the fabled “Elbow” at the Nine Mile Ranch. Fishing enthusiasts will find world class angling at various locations along the river corridor. 

Picnicking: A day-use area is available near the river.

About the Walker Basin Conservancy 

The Walker Basin Conservancy works to restore and maintain Walker Lake by increasing the flows of the Walker River. The Conservancy works with ranchers and farmers to acquire water rights to protect the lake, and the State Park properties were acquired to protect the flows and sensitive habitat of the Walker River.

FIELD NOTES

• Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings, barbecues or approved portable stoves. Visitors should supply their own firewood.
• Please remember to respect the area when using your OHVs and UTVs. Use only trails and designated areas for these types of recreation. If you are unsure where you can use these, please speak with a member of the Park Staff.
• 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.
• Motor vehicles are permitted only on designated roadways and parking areas.
• 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.
• A fishing license is required for anglers 12 or older. Visit ndow.org for more information.
• 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.
• View a  list of frequently asked questions.