Washoe Lake State Park offers unsurpassed views of the Sierra Nevada, Carson, and Virginia mountain ranges from its scenic valley. Bald eagles soar overhead in this park located in a valley filled with bald eagles. The park is popular for hiking, camping, picnicking, water sports, and equestrian activities. It also has a wide variety of birds and waterfowl, including American white pelicans and Canada geese. The Sacramento Perch is a favorite food of channel and bullhead catfish anglers. White bass, wipers, and white bass are also available. Washoe Lake State Park provides year-round enjoyment to local residents and visitors between Reno and Carson City.
Washoe Lake State Park offers the following activities:
- Picnicking/Day Use: Day-use areas are located at the Wetlands, South Beach, Main Entrance, North Ramp, and Little Washoe. All areas have comfort stations and developed picnic sites. The main access location is the largest day-use area, with lawns, sandy beach areas, and shade trees.
- Boating: Boat launching ramps can be found in the main day-use area, North Ramp, and at Little Washoe. Boat trailer parking sites are provided.
- Equestrian Facilities: Equestrian areas are found at the Main Entrance Area and North Ramp. The main area facility includes an arena, corrals, a horse washing station, and a covered barbecue area with tables, a grill, a sink, counter space, power, water, and lighting. Camping is permitted for both tents and RVs with large parking areas for easy horse-trailer access. This area can be reserved for groups of up to 200. The North Ramp facility is day use only and provides restrooms, parking, and picnic tables.
- Hunting: Hunting with a shotgun only is permitted in specified areas during the hunting season, October through February. Hunting zone maps are available at the ranger station.
- Fishing: Both lakes contain channel and bullhead catfish, wipers, white bass, and Sacramento Perch. Little Washoe, South Beach, and North Ramp provide excellent shore fishing opportunities. See a Health Warning from the Department of Wildlife on the consumption of fish.
- Hiking: Trails are available throughout the park for motorized and non-motorized uses. Non-motorized trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders. Motorized trails are limited to the Virginia Range, east of the park. Maps are available at the park office and information kiosks throughout the park.
Washoe Lake State Park offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Camping: The park has 49 sites, each with a table, grill, and fire ring. The campground is open year-round and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites are equipped with shade structures. Two comfort stations, one with a shower, are available. Several sites can hold RVs up to 45 feet in length. Campground Loop A offers water and utility hook-ups at all 24 sites, and a dump station is available. The camping limit is seven days in a 30-day period.
- Group Area: The Group Area near the main day-use area and boat launch can be reserved for both day and overnight use. Facilities include a covered pavilion, restrooms, 20 picnic tables, barbecue grills, power, lighting, a sink, counters, a sandy volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.
American Discovery Trail: The American Discovery Trail is a great way to explore Nevada's beautiful and rugged backcountry and give you the chance to experience it at its best. It is estimated that this 6,800+ mile trail covers 500 miles of Nevada's unique landscape, traversing 14 mountain ranges and challenging its explorers with a total ascent of 34,000 feet on its Nevada portion! Using this route, you can reach six of Nevada's State Parks, including Washoe Lake State Park, which is one of the top attractions in the state. Stay with Nevada State Parks while you explore the American Discovery Trail!
Cost Details:
- 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) + $10.00 for sites with utility hookups
- Camp and boat: $20.00 per night (Non-NV Vehicles: $25.00 per night) + $10.00 for sites with utility hookups
- Bike in: $2.00 per bike
Policies:
- Practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles.
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- 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 when within 200 feet of a camping or picnic area.
- The use of drones or any remote-controlled aircraft is not allowed. Visit B4UFLY for more info.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of others.
- 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.
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
WASHOE VALLEY, NEVADA - Jumbo Grade Trail
LAKE TAHOE-NEVADA STATE PARK - Hobart Creek Reservoir Trail (via Carson City)
DAVIS CREEK COUNTY PARK - Rock Lake via Ophir Trail
Washoe Lake State Park does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Washoe Lake State Park for more information.