Walker Lake and surrounding areas near Hawthorne sit at around 4,000-5,000 feet elevation in western Nevada's high desert. The climate typically runs 20 degrees cooler than Las Vegas during summer months, with temperatures ranging from 26-90°F depending on season. Camping options span from established sites with amenities to more primitive locations, with several options featuring direct access to Walker Lake.
What to do
Fishing at Walker Lake: Fish for native species in this 50+ square mile natural lake. "[The] view is all there is... after reading that it is a 'dead lake'...plus the scent of the water....noo thanks on getting in there," notes one camper at Sportsmans Beach Walker Lake Recreation Area.
Explore Mineral County history: The area features mining remnants and historical sites from Nevada's past. "We will definitely come back because Mineral County has so much history," mentions a visitor to Sportsman's Beach.
OHV trail riding: Access extensive off-highway vehicle trails from several nearby campgrounds. "Famous for its black and forest service atv/utv trails," writes a camper about Walker River Resort, adding they "have so much fun at Walker River!! Side by sides, quads, dogs, miles and miles of trails and a ghost town we still haven't found."
Swimming spots: While Walker Lake has varying water quality, other water recreation options exist nearby. "In the summer, the swimming hole across the road is so nice!" reports a visitor to Wilson Canyon.
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing away from city lights. "The nights were very pleasant. There is wildlife all around, but nothing kept us up at night. I was kind of hoping for some owl hooting, or coyotes, but I didn't hear any," writes a camper at Sportsmans Beach Walker Lake Recreation Area.
Lake and mountain vistas: Multiple terraced viewing areas offer varied perspectives. "The sites are pretty level and can accommodate a larger rig. Be sure to go all the way to the end to find the RV sites with covered picnic tables and fire rings. The terraced views of the lake are beautiful," notes a visitor at Sportsman's Beach.
Breezy conditions: Natural ventilation helps during warmer months. "It was 90 degrees F when we arrived... around 4:30 pm and around 6 pm the breeze started to pick up so it was very comfortable," shares a camper at Buckeye Campground, which provides similar climate conditions to Hawthorne sites.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse desert and lake ecosystems. "We had a gorgeous view of the Milky Way around 3am, only rivaled by the view in Great Basin NP," reports a visitor about nighttime skies.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake access changes based on seasonal conditions. "You can walk down to the water but know the lake is farther out than it looks," explains a visitor at Sportsman's Beach.
Mixed water quality: Walker Lake's water quality affects recreation possibilities. According to one visitor at Sportsmans Beach Walker Lake Recreation Area, the "smell of the lake itself isn't exactly pleasant, you're never very far from the highway so there's regular road noise, and depending on the season the mosquitos can be rough."
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between sites. One camper at Lower Lee Vining Campground reports, "No showers, just portable potty. Don't know if it's normal but it was 30° when we woke up in the middle of June."
Payment systems: Most sites require self-payment systems. "There is a fee station but there were no envelopes, no way to pay so I think normally it is 6$ but we couldn't figure out how to pay," notes a camper at Sportsman's Beach.
Tips for camping with families
Bear awareness: Food storage is critical at several nearby campgrounds. A visitor at Lower Lee Vining Campground advises, "Peaceful, lots of trees and wildlife (watch out for bears). Clean, nice tables and fire pits."
Lake activities for children: Accessible shorelines provide play opportunities. "We stayed for one night on our way to El Paso with the grandkids. They loved tossing wood sticks in the lake," shares a visitor at Sportsman's Beach.
Designated glamping options: Lundy Canyon Campground offers alternatives to traditional camping in the Hawthorne region. "This secret campground is located in a beautiful aspen grove! It is about 1/2 an hour from great hot springs. No cell service helps provide the off grid feeling," notes one visitor.
Insect preparation: Based on location and season, bug protection is advisable. "Bring mosquito repellent because there are tons of bugs. The lake is pretty dirty," warns a camper at Sportsmans Beach Walker Lake Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Electrical reliability: Check hookup status when glamping in Hawthorne, Nevada areas with utilities. "Very few complaints! There are two areas to camp at, one up higher and the other lower, walking distance from the lake. I've stayed at both. Both locations have plenty of spaces, complete with a fire pit and covered area containing a picnic table," shares a camper at Sportsmans Beach Walker Lake Recreation Area.
Site selection strategy: Choose elevated sites for better conditions. "Vault toilets, trash container, covered picnic tables and nice view of Walker Lake. As per other reviews, there are three levels at this campground. We selected a site at the top for the amazing view and nice breezes. A bit less breezy and more buggy in lower campsites closer to water," explains a visitor to Sportsmans Beach Walker Lake Recreation Area.
Senior discounts: Check for fee reductions with appropriate passes. "The price is right, only 3.00 for this senior pass holder. And what a view! You don't even hear the highway above. Paved spots and covered picnic tables. No electric or water, but what a sweet place to stay!" notes a visitor to Sportsman's Beach.
Site spacing considerations: Glamping sites in the Hawthorne region vary in privacy levels. "Lots of spaces here with picnic tables and hard top awnings to give you some shade. Stopped here on a Tuesday for an overnight and it was very smoky due to the fires in Cali but there was a nice breeze," reports a camper at Sportsman's Beach.
