North Wildhorse Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Looking for a great new place to explore on your next RV adventure? Why not stop by Nevada's North Wildhorse Recreation Area? It's an amazing place to enjoy a relaxing getaway.
North Wildhorse Recreation Area is found near the small town of Elko, Nevada. A Bureau of Land Management property, this park and camping facility sits on the same premises as an important reservoir which is a popular fishing locale year-round.
An area that enjoys a moderate climate throughout the seasons, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy at North Wildhorse Recreation Area regardless of the time of year. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, waterskiing, and windsurfing. The winter months see people visiting to enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and photography.
Though North Wildhorse Recreation Area is home to a campground, it has been closed to the public for over a year now. However, several nearby state forests offer accommodations suitable for both RV and tent camping.
The Wildhorse Reservoir found on the premises was built to provide flood control protection. Constructed in the 1930s, the region was formerly referred to as Owyhee Meadows and was later renamed for the wild horses that once made the area their home. Today, wild horses are seen far less frequently on the grounds.
For a wonderful vacation spot in the heart of the Nevada desert, plan a trip to North Wildhorse Recreation Area. It's a fantastic place for your next RV vacation.
RV Rentals in North Wildhorse Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
Travel to North Wildhorse Recreation Area proceeds along State Route 225 just outside of the small town of Elko, Nevada. This highway is also commonly referred to as Mountain City Highway and consists of two lanes of paved construction. The route cuts through terrain that is flat and is relatively direct.
North Wildhorse Recreation Area is found directly off this main highway to the left. A left-hand turn at Gold Creek Road followed by a sharp right takes travelers to the park's entrance.
Parking
Parking can be found in a small lot just outside the entrance to North Wildhorse Recreation Area.
Public Transportation
There is currently no public transportation to North Wildhorse Recreation Area.
Campgrounds and parking in North Wildhorse Recreation Area
Campsites in North Wildhorse Recreation Area
Reservations camping
Angel Creek Campground
Angel Creek Campground offers year-round camping for RV and tent campers. Reservations are recommended.
Nestled at the base of the East Humboldt Mountains, this property is located just outside of the small town of Wells. The campground reaches 6,200 feet in elevation.
The on-site amenities include vault toilets and drinking water. Each of the campsites is complete with a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill. Firewood can be purchased on the premises.
A picnic area is found on the grounds.
Dogs are permitted here but must remain leashed.
The most popular activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
First-come first-served
Jack Creek Campground
Jack Creek Campground is found in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The area is surrounded by abundant tree cover, offering RV and tent campers lots of shade and privacy. An area with no trash collection, campers are required to take all of their garbage with them at the end of their stay.
Jack Creek Campground is open year-round for RV and tent camping. Campsites are obtained on a first-come, first-served basis. During heavy snowfall, access to the campsites is often restricted.
The on-site amenities include picnic tables and toilets.
Dogs are permitted on the grounds but must remain leashed.
South Fork State Recreation Area Campground
South Fork State Recreation Area Campground is open for RV and tent camping from spring through fall yearly. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are 25 campsites in total. Each of the sites is equipped with a table and a barbecue. Also found on the grounds is a bathroom with flush toilets and showers. There is also a waste disposal station on the grounds.
Stays are limited to a period of 14 days maximum.
There are two boat ramps on the grounds for public use. Other popular activities include picnicking and fishing. Dogs are permitted on the property but must remain leashed.
Seasonal activities in North Wildhorse Recreation Area
In-Season
Picnicking
Picnicking is an extremely popular activity at North Wildhorse Recreation Area. The property is home to a picnic area that is equipped with a number of picnic tables that are the ideal locale for enjoying a light lunch or snack on the grounds.
The picnic area is situated to provide excellent views of the Wildhorse Reservoir. Barbecues are also housed on the grounds for public use.
There are no concession stands at this park, so families will need to bring along drinking water and a packed lunch from home to enjoy.
Fishing
For those who truly love to fish, a trip to North Wildhorse Recreation Area is a must! There are a large number of fish species found in the waters of the reservoir including rainbow trout, German brown trout, wiper, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and catfish.
Fishing is popular year-round at North Wildhorse Recreation Area, though spring and fall are the seasons when the region is most heavily trafficked.
Weather conditions can range from extremely hot to extremely cold here, so all visitors must come prepared for changing temperatures.
Hiking
Hiking is sublime at North Wildhorse Recreation Area. There are several different hiking trails that lead through the park grounds and down to the banks of the reservoir. Each of these paths is short and is well-suited to those who enjoy moderate activity.
For those who enjoy more challenging terrain, there are many trails that travel through the park's grounds. Many of them pass through regions inhabited by game animals that make North Wildhorse Recreation Area their home.
Bring along good hiking shoes, lots of drinking water, and a camera for this expedition.
Northeastern Nevada Museum
The Northeastern Nevada Museum is an interesting place to visit during a trip to North Wildhorse Recreation Area. A building dedicated to preserving the history of past generations, the museum houses memorabilia which includes hatpins and stagecoaches.
There are several buildings on the grounds for the public to explore. There is a large resource of historical literature as well as a library with over 4,000 books on the premises.
Other popular attractions include the theater which seats 90 people and offers 360-degree views of the stage. Local productions are staged here, and the theater is also available for rent for other events.
To learn more about hours of operation and any fees, contact the museum's website.
Off-Season
Western Folklife Center
Western Folklife Center is a popular museum that pays homage to the culture and lifestyle of those who lived in America's Wild West. The museum's primary purpose is to keep alive the spirit of this unique period of history through exhibits and educational tools.
Among the things found on the premises are an exhibition suite, a theater of 300 seats, a period-style saloon, and a souvenir shop.
Western Folklife Center was first opened to the public in 1980.
The property is often used for public and private events.
For information about tours, hours of operation, and any associated fees, consult the center's website.
Photography
North Wildhorse Recreation Area is extremely picturesque, offering families the opportunity to capture some unique sights on film. The reservoir is particularly scenic with its sandy banks and rich tree cover.
Many species of wildlife make this region their home including such creatures as deer, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and many types of waterfowl.
The grounds themselves offer lush vegetation, varied terrain, and beautiful wildflower growth in season.
Good hiking shoes and lots of drinking water are a must for this type of adventure.
