Rye Patch State Recreation Area sits in Pershing County, 22 miles northeast of Lovelock, Nevada at an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet. The area features a 22-mile-long reservoir created by the Rye Patch Dam on the Humboldt River. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with winter lows regularly dipping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Anglers catch rainbow trout, white bass, channel catfish, and wipers at Rye Patch Reservoir. "About 20 min from Fallon for supplies. Would stay again. Tons of birds, waterfowl, deer, coyotes, beavers. Amazing sky with mountains in the background," notes a visitor to Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife watching. "Wild turkeys strutting around the campsite, including one Tom in full fluff," reports a camper at Rye Patch State Recreation Area. Bird enthusiasts should bring binoculars for spotting waterfowl species.
Stargazing: The remote location provides minimal light pollution for exceptional night sky viewing. "The view of the stars was amazing!" according to a visitor who appreciated the dark skies. Campers recommend bringing red-light headlamps to preserve night vision.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: The riverside camping areas provide valuable shade in the desert environment. "Beautful campsites along the river. Lots of shade. Flush toilets and hot showers. One of my favorite places to camp," writes a camper at Candy Beach Campground.
Convenient stopover: The proximity to major routes makes these sites practical for travelers passing through. "We showed up at 730 pm on a Saturday in June and while every official spot was taken the ranger encouraged us to find a spot in one of a couple overflow lots," states a visitor who appreciated the flexible accommodation options.
Level camping spots: Most designated sites provide level surfaces for easy setup. "The site was very level on gravel. I would definitely stay again," mentions a satisfied camper who stayed in the Westside campground area. Level sites are particularly valuable during wet weather conditions.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some dispersed camping areas requires appropriate vehicles. "The road in is very well maintained and any vehicle should be able to make it, unless there's snow," reports a camper at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. However, other areas demand more capability: "Definitely need high clearance 4WD to get here. Found a different spot a little further back the way we'd come, flat enough to pitch a tent."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme between day and night. "Spent two nights here away from everything. Snow on the surrounding mountains, giant white pelicans in the marshes," notes a camper who visited during cooler months.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "Cell service was one bar and supposed LTE in campground, but unable to pick anything up. Was able to get/send texts from parking lot at put in with Sprint/T-Mobile but limited access in actual campground."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: The area offers natural learning experiences for children. "This is the perfect hidden lake down in the canyon. A very beautiful spot for fishing, deer and turkey watching," describes a camper at Rye Patch BLM Nevada.
Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential during warmer months. "Easy place to unwind. The views are great. Bring plenty of bug spray and you will be fine," advises a camper who experienced the insect activity firsthand.
Arrival timing: Arriving early ensures better site selection, especially during peak periods. "Campground seemed pretty sparce (arrived around 2p) but filled up pretty by end of day," notes a visitor who observed the filling pattern at campgrounds in the area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Several campgrounds accommodate substantial RVs with varying amenities. "There are 2 camps, one below the dam & a west side Campground where we stayed. VERY clean with new metal picnic tables and shade structures. Mostly gravel, excellent for RV not so good for tents," advises an experienced RVer at Star Point Trading Post & RV Park.
Hookup availability: RVers should research utility options before arrival. "For an extra $10 there are a few sites with electric on a bluff above the campground, which is below the dam, on the south side but NO shade or trees, basically on gravel," mentions a camper noting the tradeoff between amenities and comfort.
Generator considerations: Noise from generators can impact camping experience. "Picked out a nice spot on W side with shade, but neighbor had obnoxious generator going constantly so we moved to site 2, which was quite nice with shade, access to bathrooms, showers, a water tap on site." Consider campgrounds with designated quiet hours if generator noise is a concern.
