Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Washoe Lake State Park campground is open all year-round with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of its proximity to town, it can fill up on holiday weekends and in the summer, but if you can get in on a Wednesday or Thursday, you’re more likely to find a spot.
When to Go
The best times to visit this year-round park are in late spring, early summer, and fall. Washoe Valley is notorious for its strong winter winds, but there can also be plenty of sunshine even when snow is falling. In late fall, the nearby cottonwoods offer a blaze of color and fewer visitors than seen in summer.
Know Before You Go
- In this high desert climate, the main draw to the park is Washoe Lake. The lake is great for kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing, but during drought years, Big Washoe can dry up in summer. The water usually returns in winter after a few snowstorms.
- The park is actually divided into three sections. Big Washoe is home to the campground and the larger lake, Middle Washoe is a protected wetlands area, and Little Washoe is a smaller lake with incredible views of the mountains and ice skating in winter.
- Several hiking trails run through the park as well as in the desert foothills. Check out the Dead Man’s Trail, which leads up to a gazebo that overlooks the entire valley, or visit nearby Davis Creek Regional Park to hike the Ophir Creek Trail up to the Tahoe Meadows and the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Washoe Lake State Park
Just a stone’s throw from Reno and Carson City, this park sits on a lake at the base of the Tahoe Range.
In Washoe Valley, a small enclave between Reno and Carson City, Washoe Lake State Park features incredible mountain views. The two lakes to the north and south of the park are affectionately called Big and Little by the locals who often visit to go kayaking, try their hand at fishing, or spot wildlife such as wild horses, pelicans, bald eagles, and mule deer. In addition to a boat launch, visitor’s center, and several day-use areas, the park’s sole campground offers 49 campsites for tents and RVs. The campground also features a playground, two comfort stations with showers, a loo
In Washoe Valley, a small enclave between Reno and Carson City, Washoe Lake State Park features incredible mountain views. The two lakes to the north and south of the park are affectionately called Big and Little by the locals who often visit to go kayaking, try their hand at fishing, or spot wildlife such as wild horses, pelicans, bald eagles, and mule deer. In addition to a boat launch, visitor’s center, and several day-use areas, the park’s sole campground offers 49 campsites for tents and RVs. The campground also features a playground, two comfort stations with showers, a loop with water and utility hookups, and even equestrian facilities with room for trailers.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Washoe Lake State Park
Washoe Lake State Park is beckoning you for a visit. This beautiful area has it all—water, dunes, wetlands, and mountain ranges. It’s no wonder the Washoe Indian Tribe called this lush area home, and that migratory birds flock here annually. The Main Area Campground is the perfect home base to explore this dynamic landscape. You can look forward Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Washoe Lake State Park campground is open all year-round with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of its proximity to town, it can fill up on holiday weekends and in the summer, but if you can get in on a Wednesday or Thursday, you’re more likely to find a spot.
Read more...Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
The best times to visit this year-round park are in late spring, early summer, and fall. Washoe Valley is notorious for its strong winter winds, but there can also be plenty of sunshine even when snow is falling. In late fall, the nearby cottonwoods offer a blaze of color and fewer visitors than seen in summer.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —