Wild Horse State Park
High Desert Reservoir Recreation in Northeastern Nevada — Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area, Camping With Tent and RV Sites, Fishing for Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch, Boat Ramp on the 2,830-Acre Reservoir, Ice Fishing in Winter, Waterfowl and Raptor Viewing, Vast Open Desert and Mountain Scenery, Year-Round Access, Near Elko Elko County Northeastern Nevada
Wild Horse State Recreation Area (also known as Wild Horse State Park) is a state recreation area on the 2,830-acre Wild Horse Reservoir in Elko County, northeastern Nevada, approximately 65 miles north of Elko, managed by Nevada Division of State Parks. The recreation area features tent and RV campsites, fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch in the 2,830-acre reservoir fed by the Owyhee River, a boat ramp for motorized and non-motorized watercraft, excellent ice fishing during Nevada’s cold winters when the reservoir freezes, waterfowl and raptor viewing including bald eagles, golden eagles, and migrating waterfowl, vast high-desert scenery with views of the snow-capped Independence Mountains, year-round access though winter conditions can be severe, and a remote, uncrowded atmosphere far from the state’s population centers.
Wild Horse Reservoir is Nevada’s best-kept fishing secret — the 2,830-acre reservoir at 6,200 feet elevation produces trophy rainbow and brown trout that rival any in the Great Basin. The ice fishing in winter is phenomenal — when the reservoir freezes solid, anglers set up on the ice for excellent trout and perch.
The high-desert setting is dramatic — the reservoir sits in a broad valley surrounded by sagebrush-covered hills with the Independence Mountains rising to the west. At night, the dark skies are among the best in Nevada for stargazing.
Things to Do
- Fishing — trout, bass, perch (year-round)
- Ice fishing — winter on frozen reservoir
- Camping — tent and RV sites
- Boating — ramp on 2,830-ac reservoir
- Wildlife — eagles, waterfowl, raptors
- Stargazing — remote dark skies
Recreation Area Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~65 mi N of Elko, Elko County, NE NV |
| Reservoir | Wild Horse — 2,830 ac, 6,200 ft elev |
| Fishing | Rainbow/brown trout, bass, perch |
| Camping | Tent and RV sites |
| Season | Year-round (winter severe) |
| Managed By | Nevada Division of State Parks |
| Coordinates | 41.6500° N, 115.8000° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ice fish at Wild Horse Reservoir?
Yes — Wild Horse Reservoir in northeastern Nevada freezes solid in winter, providing excellent ice fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, and yellow perch. The 2,830-acre reservoir at 6,200 feet elevation, approximately 65 miles north of Elko, also offers year-round camping, a boat ramp, fishing for smallmouth bass in warmer months, and waterfowl and raptor viewing including bald and golden eagles. Remote dark-sky location. Managed by Nevada Division of State Parks.
Last updated: May 2026
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