East Campground — South Fork State Recreation Area

Nice campground with electrical hookups; nice bathrooms with showers. Sites  that overlook lake are closer together but sites with mountain views were spread apart. Minimal trees but most sites had shelters over tables.  Sites were First Come First serve but it looks like a reservation system is in the works. Most sites were occupied by evening despite being midweek and mid September. Not too far off highway 80 but far enough to feel like you are in a more remote area.

General: 25-site campground with electric hookups on the South Fork Reservoir. A handful of sites are reservable but most are first-come, first-available. 

Site Quality: All sites are gravel (except the Handicap site) with electric hookups; most appeared level and some have a view of the reservoir. Covered picnic tables with a windshield (in front of a tent platform). Water spigots are located throughout the campground. 

Bathhouse: Individual unisex units that were decent but no soap or paper towels. The shower looked like it needed a good cleaning. 

Activities: We were there on a blustery Sunday in May but in season, you can enjoy water activities. Nearby rentals are available for boats, jet skis, kayaks, and SUPS. Short trails to the beach which was rocky but walkable. The weather was not forecasted to be pleasant during our stay – a high wind advisory with rain and snow and temperatures dipping into single digits overnight, so it was difficult to imagine what it would be like in the summer with all the water activities going on!

We really liked this spot in Nevada. The reservoir is a nice thing to walk to, not much more. A pretty strong wind came out of no where right as we settled down to sleep, so just be aware that can happen. All in all, not a bad spot for a stop along any journey.

Stayed one night while passing through Elko. Campground is about 10-15 minutes out of town but a world apart. Sites are very well spaced apart and quite large. Each site has a generous ramada over a picnic table for protection from sun or rain. Bathrooms were exceptionally clean. Took off one star for the bugs. They're attracted by light and will swarm into your tent or RV if you leave the door open even a second. One annoyance, the ranger sits at the entrance of each campsite with their truck loudly idling as they make their rounds. This is especially troubling late a night when most campers are already asleep.

We stopped at the South Fork Reservoir when passing through Elko.  This was a great spot to relax from the long day on the road.   Plenty of space for the kids to run around and bike around the campsite.   Bathrooms were very clean and had hot showers.   Was very quiet and great views of the mountains in the background.   The picnic tables had built in shade which was great.

You have to drive a ways from Elko but so worth it. You can post up right by the water or choose the mountain view. Bathrooms are heated and clean. Showers are heated and it’s own separate “room”. Firewood at every campsite along with electrical hook-up. They also have gray water access and black water dump site. This spot is gorgeous and just so clean! The ranger on duty was so friendly.

We got arrived a bit late at night, but this was such an easy campground to find! Not a lot of privacy between sites, and it was very open/no real trees/nature, however it’s worth it for the view of the lake right below your spot! It looks to be popular for boating, and is right outside of Elko so easy to get resources or take advantage of the trails and outdoor opportunities south of there in the ruby mountain area.

Especially if you’re in an RV or have a boat, it’s definitely a spot to keep in mind. And the bathrooms were incredibly clean and well maintained!

This campground is surrounded by natural beauty. Snow capped mountains hang in the distance. The site is super clean and has flushable toilets and a non-fee shower. There are trails from camp to the water. Make sure to bring your fishing poles because chances are you will catch a good-sized trout. There is a daily limit of 1 fish, but this reservoir is known for trophy-sized bass and trout so that's all you need. Temps dropped to the mid-teens so be prepared if tent camping. There are horseshoe pits available and there is also an ADA compliant site also.