Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area

Southwest of Elko along the shores of South Fork Reservoir, Coyote Cove spreads its sites across open terrain that functions more like organized parking than traditional camping. Each of the concrete-pad sites lines up directly along the water with minimal privacy beyond spacing between neighbors. The Ruby Mountains rise across the lake, creating a backdrop that draws return visitors despite the campground's utilitarian layout.

Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, barbecue grills, and wind screens, though the screens prove limited against Nevada's shifting winds. Clean pit toilets serve the area, but no potable water is available on-site. The boat launch and trailer parking occupy the south end, making this a hub for water activities. Campers launch kayaks and small fishing boats directly from the adjacent beach, while bird watchers spot migrating species including loons, pelicans, and coots along the shoreline.

Lee D. notes the campground offers "clean pit toilets and no hook-ups" with good cell service throughout. The 40-foot RV length limit accommodates larger rigs, though the exposed sites work better for RVs than tents. A small residential area sits directly behind the campground, creating an unusual backdrop for what is otherwise open country camping.

Spring Creek lies 12 miles away for basic services, while full amenities are available in Elko. For more options in the area, check out campsites near Spring Creek. This setup works best for RV campers prioritizing lake access over privacy or shelter.

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Map & DirectionsCoyote Cove is located in Nevada near Spring Creek

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Address

139 Hylton Ct.
Spring Creek, NV 89815

Coordinates

40.65721175 N
115.75171793 W

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Connectivity

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    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/10/26
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/6/26

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/6/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Coyote Cove

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3.0

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5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned stunning mountain views reflected in the lake and clean facilities, though sites resemble a parking lot with minimal privacy. Some feedback indicated pricing concerns and occasional closures despite advertised availability.

Reviewed Mar. 17, 2023

Closed

The website clai.s this campground is open 24/7 365 days a year. We just drove out there to find it is closed. About 2 miles down the road Coyote Campground was open.

SiteNA
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2022

CRAZY windy, but decent views

All of the camping spots are right on the water, no cover at all (this isn’t really a good tent camping or RTT site). A little awkward as there is a small neighborhood right behind you but the views of the mountains are good.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2019

Too expensive

I'm sure the grounds are nice, but at $15 per car each night, we decided to turn around in search of more affordable camping. If you have an RV, it's an additional $10 for hookups.

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2019

Nice find!

Thanks to The Dyrt, found this place to land last night. Not your typical campground; the sites are lined up along the lake with the only privacy being the space (decent) between sites. We were there during the week at the end of April and it was pretty quiet but I imagine that is not the case in the summer. Each site has a cement pad, table, fire ring, bbq, and wind screen. The screen didn’t help last night as it was very windy and blowing in another direction! Clean Pit toilets and no hook-ups. Beautiful view of the snow capped mountains but woke to snow the next morning!

  • Review photo of Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area by Lee D., April 30, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2019

Ruby views will keep you coming back!

Along the south west side of South Fork reservoir, these functional spots carry all the charm of a dirt parking lot, but the views of the Ruby Mountains reflected in the lake will keep you coming back. Each site offers a picnic table, sunshade, wind block screen, and fire ring. The pit toilets were clean and tidy, but there was no drinking water available at this campground.  

The Coyote Cove is a great beach for swimming, and launching canoes and kayaks, or small fishing boats. The boat launch and boat trailer parking lot is on the south side of the campground. The area offers opportunities for water sports of all kinds, hiking & mountain biking along many trails, or just sitting by the shore with a line in the water. Bird life is abundant in this area, with many species stopping along their migration route. We saw Loons, Dowwitchers, White Pelicans, Coots, and even the shy Hermit Thrush.  

The closest town with services is Spring Creek a short 12 miles away, a dozen more miles northwest is the city of Elko which has all the usual suburban amenities. We had good mobile service and data throughout the campground. Showers, water and a dump station are available at the developed campground across the lake, though it is only open from Spring until Fall, depending upon weather conditions.

Site39
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area by Shari  G., April 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area by Shari  G., April 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Coyote Cove — South Fork State Recreation Area by Shari  G., April 28, 2019
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Coyote Cove Campground located in Nevada?

Coyote Cove Campground is located along the southwest side of South Fork Reservoir in Nevada, near Elko. It's part of South Fork State Recreation Area and offers beautiful views of the Ruby Mountains reflected in the lake. The campground is situated in a relatively open area with the reservoir on one side and a small neighborhood behind it.

Do I need reservations for Coyote Cove Campground?

While specific reservation information isn't detailed, Coyote Cove appears to operate primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground can be quiet during weekdays and off-season periods but likely fills up during peak times and weekends. For peace of mind, especially when planning a weekend or summer visit, contact Nevada State Parks to inquire about current reservation policies for South Fork State Recreation Area.

Is Coyote Cove a lakeside campground with water access?

Yes, Coyote Cove is definitely a lakeside campground with excellent water access. All camping spots are positioned right along the water's edge of South Fork Reservoir. This prime lakefront location offers unobstructed views of the Ruby Mountains reflected in the water. The campground's layout prioritizes water access, though it provides minimal coverage or privacy between sites.

Is there free camping available at Coyote Cove or near Elko, NV?

Coyote Cove is not a free camping area. The campground charges $15 per vehicle each night, with an additional $10 fee for RV hookups. For budget-conscious campers seeking free alternatives near Elko, consider exploring BLM land options in the area. Always check with local land management agencies for current dispersed camping regulations before setting up.