Within Walker River State Recreation Area, Big Horn Campground at the Elbow provides free camping with basic amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings. The state-managed campground accepts reservations despite offering no-cost sites. Drive-in access makes this location accessible to standard vehicles.
One reviewer notes that the campground appears as a green tag on maps when viewing the area from Highway 50 south of Kyburz. The campground sits within the broader campsites around Walker River State Recreation Area network. Given the limited review data, campers should verify current conditions and availability before making travel plans.
Description
The Bighorn Campground has campsites that include a table and fire ring. Sites cannot be reserved and there are no hook-ups. Restroom facilities are available. A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced. Requires you to drive on a dirt road.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBig Horn Campground at the Elbow — Walker River State Recreation Area is located in Nevada
Directions
From Wellington on Hwy 208, travel south on the Wellington Cutoff to Hwy 338. Continue south on Hwy 338 for about 23.5 miles, turning east on Sweetwater Road. You will see a green sign that says “Hawthorne 38 miles” and below it a brown road sign that directs you to “The Elbow” at the Walker River State Recreation Area. This is a County maintained dirt road. From here, continue east about 7 miles to reach the Bighorn Campground at the Elbow. From Yerington, travel south on Hwy 208. Go through Smith Valley and continue onto Hwy 338. Continue south on Hwy 338 for about 23.5 miles, turning east on Sweetwater Road. You will see a green sign that says “Hawthorne 38 miles” and below it a brown road sign that directs you to “The Elbow” at the Walker River State Recreation Area. This is a County maintained dirt road. From here continue east about 7 miles to reach the Bighorn Campground at the Elbow. From Hawthorne, head north on Hwy 95. Turn left on Hwy 95 Alt towards Yerington, NV. When you reach Yerington, travel south on Hwy 208. Go through Smith Valley and continue onto Hwy 338. Continue south on Hwy 338 for about 23.5 miles, turning east on Sweetwater Road. You will see a green sign that says “Hawthorne 38 miles” and below it a brown road sign that directs you to “The Elbow” at the Walker River State Recreation Area. This is a County maintained dirt road. From here continue east about 7 miles to reach the Bighorn Campground at the Elbow.
Address
211 East Walker Road
Yerington, NV 89447
Coordinates
38.43233496 N
119.04018874 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/3/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/3/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 58 min from Reno, NV
- 3 hrs 12 min from Sacramento, CA
- 3 hrs 52 min from Yuba City, CA


