Best Campgrounds near Owyhee, NV
Campgrounds near Owyhee, Nevada concentrate primarily around Wild Horse Reservoir, located approximately 45 miles south of town. The region includes several established camping areas with varying amenities, including Wild Horse State Recreation Area and North Wildhorse Campground. These areas accommodate tent camping, RV sites, and some cabin options. Wilson Reservoir provides additional camping opportunities with both primitive and improved sites. Most camping areas in this remote northeastern Nevada landscape feature fire rings, picnic tables, and basic toilet facilities, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations.
Road access to camping areas requires preparation, as many sites sit at the end of long dirt roads with limited services. The Wild Horse State Recreation Area provides the most developed infrastructure with electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, while more remote options like Jack Creek Campground offer more primitive experiences. "The drive to this campsite is a mind-blower. Excellent quality gravel road, crazy rock formations, pretty trees, and crystal clear and accessible creek," notes one visitor about the Jarbidge area. Seasonal considerations affect campground operations, with many sites open from late spring through fall. Winter access becomes difficult due to snow and ice, though Wild Horse State Recreation Area remains open year-round. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region.
Camping experiences in the Owyhee area typically center around fishing, boating, and exploring remote landscapes. Wild Horse Reservoir receives consistently positive reviews for fishing opportunities, with one camper noting it's "great to catch some bass." The reservoir areas feature approximately 20 campsites each, most with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Several visitors highlight the quality of vault toilets and water from hand pumps at reservoir campgrounds. Campers frequently mention the remote setting and dark night skies as key attractions. North Wildhorse campground earned praise for its tree-shaded sites, while several reviewers noted the seasonal cricket population can be overwhelming in certain areas. Visitors seeking greater solitude often prefer the Big Bend Campground area or dispersed camping options along forest roads.
