Rye Patch SRA

rob easton

If you have never camped at Rye Patch reservoir you are missing a very remarkable spot. Before the reservoir was constructed the Humbolt river was part of the immigrant trail and Big Meadows (Lovelock) was a major stopping point before crossing the 40 mile desert or heading north on the Oregon trail. The Humbolt River was also a vital resource for steam locomotives on the transcontinental railroad, completed on May 10, 1869. This monumental project connected the existing eastern rail network to the West Coast, drastically reducing cross-country travel time from months to about a week and fostering American expansion and trade. The dam and reservoir were completed in the 1930's. Rye Patch became a Nevada State Recreation Area in 1971 after being operated by Pershing County’s Water Conservation District and Parks Department. If you are not from the area, I would consider camping here very rustic. Also, the climate can change from warm and sunny to cold and cloudy during the spring and fall. Summers are very warm so the lake offers great boating opportunities. Fising can be really good on both the river and at the reservoir. There are also endless miles of off roading, gold prospecting, hiking and hunting opportunities (chukar, duck, turkey, quail, pheasant). No hunting is allowed in the State Park. You can make reservations online with the State of Nevada Parks Department. There are two separate campgrounds, one on the Humbolt river below the dam called the River Campground and another next to the boat launch called the West Side Campground. They do a great job of keeping the campgrounds and restrooms clean. The bathrooms have flush toilets and several camp sites offer power and water and one with full hookups. There is also a nice dump station with plenty of access. Lovelock is only 20 miles away if you need groceries or you can order pizza at Gold Diggers Saloon down the road and get fuel, ice and drinks at the Chevron truck stop about 5 miles away. If you get bored, there is plenty to explore in the surrounding hills. The old mining town of Unionville is about a 45 minute drive and worth exploring. Samuel Clemens, later known as Mark Twain briefly lived there and prospect for gold in 1862. He and his brother Orion bought a small claim in Unionville, but it was not successful. Twain later recounted his mining experiences in his book "Roughing It". Sandra Bullock is rumored to have spent some quiet time in Unionville in one of the beautiful properties situated along Big creek. Not far from Unionville is the Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary which spans 320 acres and is home to a diverse range of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, bobcats, and various bird species. The facility offers educational programs and tours to the public, aiming to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the challenges faced by exotic animals.

Tammy Hoffman

Very beautiful lake, campground, and swimming areas. We had fun fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding. They kept the bathrooms clean and have on demand hot showers. The campground was quiet even though it was full, everyone was very respectful. Dogs need to be kept on leash or rope, but I would walk down away from people and let them run free and play in the water. Will definitely go back!

Don

My friend was the only one to catch one, small mouth bass, I didn't catch any thing, think my friend caught the only fish in the lake lol. From Reno to Rye patch reservoir took 1 hour 20 minutes to get there, and the same back of course, but it was fun and hot 🔥 🥵.

Brandon Blomfield

Arrived without a booking on a Saturday afternoon, the gentlemen that met us at the entrance had three sites available and let us know the nicest spot. Spacious site with some shade, plus a nice dam reservoir to swim and boat in. $20 per night without hookup (less for locals). There is a dump station, RV water and even a small number of hot showers. Well organised and popular spot.

David J Haines sr

It's nice, it's also clean.We had a senior center lunch. Plenty of picnic tables. All under cover. It was hard to get to the bathroom. The lake was a nice back drop, but to hard for us old folks to walk down. I would come back for more.