Be sure to add the 65-acre reservoir at Echo Canyon State Park to your Nevada camping excursion. You won't want to miss hiking, camping, fishing, and biking during your visit. The highest elevation is 5,200 ft, so you might experience the snow-capped mountain in the middle of your summer trek.
Echo Canyon State Park is open year round with peak season June - August. Most campgrounds are first come first served, but you can always call ahead to make sure that your RV rig will be accommodated. The north campground houses 33 sites with 20 sites being full hook-up overlooking Dry Valley.
Bring along your boat and experience fishing at its finest. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, crappie, and largemouth bass to name a few. Once you are done fishing, you can hike along one of the many trails along the valley rim or to Ash Canyon.
If you are planning your visit in October, be sure to join the Park to Park Pedal Extreme biking race. You can join a 40, 60 or 100-mile bike tour through three states parks, including Echo Canyon State Park.
Your young trekker can also tag along and earn their Junior Ranger badge. Check in at the visitor station for more details. Each of the state parks has activities that can be completed towards earning this elite badge.
There are multiple parking areas. There is easy access from State Route 322. You will want to check out routes beforehand as some roads may be more narrow than others. During colder months there could also be snow in various areas. Larger rigs may have some difficulty.
There are multiple parking areas throughout the park, however, it is advised to bring an additional mode of transportation for some of the areas that might have tighter parking areas. Park your RV at your campsite and venture out from there.
Currently, there are no public transportation options.
Echo Canyon State Park has 33 sites with 20 full hook-up. This campground is first come first served, so it is important to plan accordingly. A maximum of two weeks in a 30 day period is enforced.
There are three other RV parks nearby if you want to experience another campground. The campground is open year round, but keep in mind during winter months there may be snow as the elevation is around 5,200 ft.
Ever wanted to watch a movie under the stars? The state campground has an outdoor amphitheater with a screen for movie viewing and other events. An experience you will surely not forget.
Plan to bring your bike and experience the terrain to its fullest. If you plan your trip during the month of October, check out the Park to Park Pedal Extreme state park tour. You can venture on a 40, 60 or 100-mile tour of three state parks including Echo Canyon State Park.
You can trail ride or take the road to view all that the state parks have to offer. There are also skills trails to test your abilities. All trails are labeled so that you can mix and match your trek.
Ash Canyon trail will lead you into the park's back woods area so that you can share in the vast expanse of the state park. The Ash Canyon trail is approximately two and a half miles across the upper rim and then descends into the canyon. It runs along the paved road that leads back into the state campground for easy access.
There are many trails in and around Echo Canyon State Park. You can also check out Cathedral Gorge State Park which is nearby for additional hiking trails. Cathedral Gorge is approximately 12 miles from Echo Canyon State Park. Cathedral Gorge boasts massive clay and ash structures that tower over the trails.
Be on the lookout as coyote, bobcat and mountain lions do frequent the area, however they are a bit shyer than the hikers around them.
The primary attraction to Echo Canyon State Park is the massive reservoir in which the park is settled on. The park is 12 miles east of Pioche, Nevada at the beginning of the Dry Valley area.
All areas of the reservoir are accessible by vehicle and shore-fishing is the most popular activity for visitors. Due to lake levels, you may want to check into conditions before venturing out as there are times when the lake can be too shallow for boating. Canoes and small fishing boats are recommended and preferred. The lake is regularly stocked with large mouth bass, and black crappie. A Nevada fishing license is required.
When you aren't hiking the terrain, check out the old Thompson's Opera House. Open May - October, you will step back in time in this old Western theater and opera house.
Listen to local talent before they hit the big time. Thompson's Opera House has a full event list. Don't want to check out a show? No worries, visit the opera house anyway to see history firsthand. The docent will give you a tour and share fun facts about the building and the area. A must see during your visit.
Bird watching is another highly sought-after activity in the area. Make sure to pack you binoculars to get the best views. You will most likely see Great Blue Heron, pelicans, cormorants and the occasional swan.
Golden eagles often nest in the cliffs and you will occasionally see some bald eagles swooping in to catch their morning and afternoon feasts. Depending on the time of year you visit, other migratory birds will be present. Be sure to check out a local bird guide and migration patterns to find your ideal time to visit.
Though there are no specific trails for your equine friend within Echo Canyon State Park, within 25 miles there are numerous trails that you will want to check out. Varying in difficulty levels, you will experience the desert terrain like no other.
Be sure to check the trail maps before bringing along your four legged friend to make sure trails are accessible during your visit. You will also want to check with the local campgrounds to make sure the horse trailer can be accommodated. Trail guides are available online and at local visitor stations.
