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Washoe Lake
Overview
Washoe Lake State Park offers a serene getaway in the heart of the Washoe Valley, providing a starkly beautiful landscape for travelers exploring Northern Nevada. Known for its sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada and Virginia Ranges, this state park is a year-round destination that showcases the rugged charm of the high desert. Whether you are looking for a quiet stopover or a basecamp for outdoor recreation, the park provides a spacious environment where the sky meets the sagebrush in a dramatic display of natural beauty.
Location & Surroundings
Conveniently situated between Carson City and Reno, the park sits at the foot of the mountains, offering a unique geographic transition from alpine peaks to valley floor. The Washoe Valley is famous for its afternoon breezes and the frequent sight of wild horses roaming the periphery of the park. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by wide-open vistas, with the lake serving as a focal point for the local ecosystem and a mirror for the surrounding granite peaks.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Washoe Lake State Park consists of 49 sites, many of which are designed to accommodate modern travelers. While much of the park retains a natural feel, several sites provide utility hookups for power and water, making it comfortable for those in varied rig sizes. Guests have access to a sanitary dump station, hot showers, and modern restrooms. For those traveling with animals, the park features specialized equestrian facilities, including a corral and specialized trails tailored for horseback riding enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Recreation is the primary draw here, with the lake being a hub for windsurfing and kiteboarding when the valley winds pick up. Anglers often frequent the shoreline, while hikers can explore miles of multi-use trails that wind through the dunes and wetlands. Just a short drive away, you can explore the historic streets of Carson City or take a trip back in time to the legendary mining town of Virginia City. The northern end of the lake is also a designated area for birdwatching, attracting migratory species throughout the year.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts who prefer a rustic, scenic atmosphere over the hustle of a commercial RV resort. It is a fantastic choice for active retirees and families who enjoy hiking and water sports. Because of its proximity to major highways yet secluded feel, it serves as an excellent base for those wanting to explore the history of the Comstock Lode while returning to a peaceful, starry night by the campfire.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
User Reviews
Anna
What a beautiful SP. LOVE having all of the wild horses. Nice showers.
Marion MacGillivray
We spent hours searching for wild mustangs and found two herds of them at Washoe State Park. The horses come down from the surrounding hills for the lake water and the green grass. Avoid scaring them away by being very quiet and sitting still in one place. Drive in very slowly. No sudden noises and don't try to get too close - they are not your barn horses and will spook and run away.
Kelly L
We did not stay the night, only visited as a detour from long drive. It was worth the stop. Beautiful grounds with plenty of shade. It had a boat ramp and a "kids beach". Clean restrooms. And an abundance of song birds, quail, pelicans and butterflies. Popular area for road bikes. Also noted paragliders across the road. Park personnel were friendly.
Minda Beckwith
Washoe Lake State Park campground has 2 loops. Loop A has electric amd water hookup. Loop B has no hookups. It has covered picnic tables, fire rings, level parking, flush toilets, and pay showers. There are also day use areas. The lake is shallow. There is lots of sagebrush ehic makes it smell sweet. The stars are amazing. There are sites for equestrians. Camping for tents, and RVs.
Dawn
Love this campground, it's energy is chill, we were able to witness baby birds being fed by their parents , there nest was in part of the structure of the cover over the picnic table. Trying to figure out how to describe that, LOL
Steve Johnson
I do like this park because of the spaciousness between sites, the wide open natural grass terrain and surrounding Mountain views. The current long-term Campground Hosts on A Loop are super available and do a great job. The wide meadow beauty and camper safety seems at risk sometimes because of the campfires combined with frequent strong breezes or winds and high temperatures. I'm surprised campfires were even allowed at all in late May within 95 plus degree heat and wind warnings (which is even more of a problem if people move their fire pits out into the grass). Perhaps the hosts or rangers (not sure there are any of the latter), could check on camp fires (and pit locations) in the late afternoon, eves and up until quiet time. People in campgrounds periodically leave their fires to burn out unattended (which seems unsafe) as well. We appreciated the Clean bathrooms, grounds, and prompt trash pickup! Be nice when the second ranger is hired so there can actually be some coverage especially evenings - given the park "day use" access never closes so visitors come in at all hours.
Kaen Vandeslice
Lovely well kept park. Level sites, many pull through. 50 amp & water. Only concern was no one at check in, kiosk for securing ff site, and must give at least 72 hours in advance for reserving a site. Fine for locals,but thought for tourists just passing through.
Nancy Benton
Amazing views and sites are spacious. Loop A has full hookups while loop B is no hookups. Bathrooms and showers were clean. The staff was very nice and helpful. We stayed in site 34 in a 40-foot fifth wheel